Greek Turkey Burgers

I turn to these Greek Turkey Burgers whenever I crave something satisfying but still light and fresh, especially on a warm evening. The combination of savory turkey, salty feta, and bright herbs is just so good, and it all comes together with very little fuss. It’s a reliable weeknight dinner that feels a little more special than a standard burger.

What makes this recipe a keeper is its simplicity and bold flavor. You don’t need a long list of complicated ingredients to build a delicious, juicy patty. This is a perfect way to use up fresh parsley and a block of feta, and it’s on the table in about 30 minutes. It’s proof that healthy eating can be incredibly enjoyable.

Mastering the Perfect Grill Marks

To achieve those classic, char-lined grill marks, the first step is making sure your grill is properly preheated to medium-high heat. A hot surface sears the meat on contact. Equally important is to lightly oil the grates right before you place the patties down; this prevents sticking. Once the burgers are on, resist the urge to move them. Let them cook undisturbed for 6–7 minutes on the first side. This allows the proteins to cook and release naturally from the grate, giving you clean, defined marks instead of a torn mess.

Balancing Flavors with Tzatziki

Tzatziki sauce is the perfect cooling counterpoint to the warm, savory burger, but its flavor can vary. A good tzatziki should have a balance of tangy yogurt, fresh cucumber, and a hint of garlic. If your sauce tastes a little flat, a small squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten it up instantly. When assembling the burger, be generous with the sauce. It adds necessary moisture and complements the saltiness of the feta, tying all the Greek-inspired flavors together in a cohesive, delicious bite.

Choosing the Best Buns

The right bun provides structure and flavor without overpowering the burger itself. For these patties, I recommend a sturdy but soft bun, like a whole wheat or brioche style. You want something that can hold up to the juicy patty and the creamy tzatziki sauce without becoming soggy. Toasting the buns is a non-negotiable step. Just a minute or two on the grill, cut-side down, creates a slight crispness that adds texture and a subtle barrier against the sauce, ensuring your burger stays intact from the first bite to the last.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the Burgers

• 454g (1 lb) lean ground turkey
• 75g (1/2 cup) crumbled feta cheese
• 40g (1/4 cup) red onion, finely chopped
• 8g (2 cloves) garlic, minced
• 8g (2 tbsp) fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp (1g) dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp (3g) salt, to taste
• 1/4 tsp (1g) freshly ground black pepper
• 15g (1 tbsp) olive oil, for grilling

For Assembly

• 4 burger buns, whole wheat preferred
• 120g (1/2 cup) tzatziki sauce
• 4 fresh lettuce leaves
• 1 large tomato, sliced

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Combine the Burger Ingredients

   In a large mixing bowl, add the ground turkey, crumbled feta, finely chopped red onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Gently mix with your hands until just combined. Overworking the meat can make it tough, so mix only until the ingredients are evenly distributed.

2. Shape the Patties

   Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a patty about 3/4-inch thick. Using your thumb, make a shallow indent in the center of each patty. This simple trick helps the burgers cook evenly and prevents them from puffing up into a dome shape on the grill.

3. Preheat the Grill

   Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan to medium-high heat. Once hot, brush the grates with olive oil. This creates a non-stick surface, which is especially important for leaner meat like turkey.

4. Grill the Burgers

   Place the patties on the hot, oiled grates. Cook for 6–7 minutes per side. The burgers are done when they are golden-brown with a light char and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 165°F (74°C).

5. Toast the Buns

   During the last couple of minutes of grilling, place the buns cut-side down on the grill. Toast for 1–2 minutes until they are lightly golden and warmed through. Watch them closely, as they can burn quickly.

6. Assemble the Burgers

   Place a lettuce leaf and a tomato slice on each bottom bun. Top with a hot turkey patty, then add a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce. Place the top bun on and serve immediately.

If you enjoy this dish, try our Baked Chicken Veggie Meal Prep for a perfect pairing or next-weeknight option.

Substitutions & Variations

• Cheese Swap: For a tangier, creamier texture, substitute the feta with crumbled goat cheese.
• Herb Variations: Swap the parsley for 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped dill or mint for a different, equally delicious flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Serve these burgers on your favorite gluten-free buns or wrapped in large lettuce leaves for a lighter meal.
• Add a Briny Kick: Mix 2 tablespoons of finely chopped kalamata olives into the turkey mixture for an extra layer of salty, savory flavor.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheat

Store cooked, cooled patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through. For best results, assemble the burgers with fresh toppings just before serving.

Nutrition

• Serving size: 1 burger (including bun and toppings)
• Calories: 450
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Estimates only.

FAQ