Description
This Greek Turkey Burger recipe combines lean ground turkey with vibrant Mediterranean flavors like feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and fresh herbs. Served on a bun with a homemade tzatziki sauce and fresh vegetable toppings, these juicy and flavorful burgers are perfect for a quick and healthy meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
For the Turkey Burgers
- 1 pound ground turkey
- ⅓ cup plain breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup Feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup pitted Kalamata olives, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced (plus extra for garnishing)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 buns
- Cucumber slices, tomato slices, red onion slices, lettuce, or any other desired toppings
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- ½ cup cucumber, peeled, shredded, and squeezed
- ½ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Instructions
- Preheat the Cooking Surface: Preheat a grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the turkey burgers.
- Combine Burger Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, feta cheese, chopped Kalamata olives, minced parsley, lemon juice, dried oregano, minced garlic, beaten egg, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Mix the Ingredients: Using your hands, mix all the ingredients thoroughly until evenly incorporated, ensuring a uniform mixture for the burgers.
- Divide and Shape Patties: Divide the turkey mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a patty about ¾ inch thick, making a slight indentation in the center to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare to Cook: Lightly spray your grill or skillet with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Burgers: Place patties on the preheated grill or pan. Cook for about 10-15 minutes total, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Prepare Tzatziki Sauce: While the burgers cook, combine the shredded cucumber (squeezed to remove excess water), Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, minced parsley, kosher salt, and minced garlic in a medium bowl. Stir until well mixed and flavors meld.
- Assemble the Burgers: Once the turkey burgers are cooked, place each patty on a bun. Top with cucumber slices, tomato, red onion, lettuce, or your preferred toppings.
- Add Tzatziki and Garnish: Drizzle the homemade tzatziki sauce over the vegetables and sprinkle with extra fresh parsley for garnish before serving.
Notes
- Using ground turkey breast provides a leaner option but can dry out easier; be careful not to overcook.
- Make sure to squeeze excess water out of the cucumber for the tzatziki to avoid a watery sauce.
- You can substitute regular yogurt if nonfat isn’t available, but Greek yogurt provides a thicker texture.
- Feel free to add other toppings like lettuce, avocado, or pickles based on personal preference.
- Ensure the internal temperature of the turkey burgers reaches 165°F to avoid undercooking poultry.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
