Greek-Style Turkey Burgers With Homemade Tzatziki: A Mediterranean Weeknight Favorite
Juicy patties meet tangy yogurt sauce for a burger that bursts with Mediterranean flair.
Greek-Style Turkey Burgers With Homemade Tzatziki
Imagine all the vibrant flavors of a Greek salad—herby, tangy, and fresh—packed into a juicy turkey burger and tucked into a pillowy pita. That’s what you get with these Greek-style turkey burgers, which bring together tender herbed patties, creamy homemade tzatziki sauce, crisp lettuce, crunchy cucumber, sharp red onion, and crumbled feta for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal. It’s weeknight-friendly, fun for families, and an easy recipe you’ll want to return to again and again.
Why You’ll Love These Greek-Style Turkey Burgers
- Fresh, light flavors drawn from classic Mediterranean ingredients.
- Moist, flavorful turkey patties—a great alternative to beef.
- Homemade tzatziki sauce that rivals your favorite Greek restaurant’s.
- Customizable toppings for family-pleasing options.
- Perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or summer meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To build these burgers, you’ll prepare both the turkey patties and the fresh tzatziki sauce, and then fill pitas with classic Greek toppings. Here’s everything you’ll want to have ready:
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 medium seedless cucumber
- 1 1/2 cups whole-milk plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for brushing the pan)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 small garlic clove, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- Black pepper, to taste
For the Turkey Burgers
- 1 red onion
- 2 pounds ground turkey
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 6 pitas
- 1/2 head Boston lettuce (or other soft lettuce leaves)
- 1 4-ounce package crumbled feta cheese (about 3/4 cup)
- Potato chips, for serving (optional)
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Make the Tzatziki
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C); you’ll use it to keep the pitas and burgers warm.
- Grate half the cucumber onto a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze out all excess water—this prevents a watery sauce.
- In a medium bowl, combine the drained cucumber, Greek yogurt, olive oil, chopped dill, lemon juice, garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir well.
- Refrigerate the tzatziki while you prepare the burgers to allow flavors to meld.
2. Prepare and Shape the Turkey Patties
- Grate ½ of the red onion (use a box grater or a food processor). The grated onion keeps the patties moist and flavorful.
- In a large bowl, combine:
- Ground turkey
- Grated red onion
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Remaining ½ teaspoon salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- Use your hands to gently mix until just combined (over-mixing will make the burgers tough).
- Form into six 1/2-inch-thick patties. Place them on a sheet of parchment for easy transfer.
3. Warm the Pitas
- Place the pitas on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven. This makes them soft and pliable for stuffing.
4. Cook the Turkey Burgers
- Heat a large cast-iron or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Brush with olive oil.
- Cook the patties in batches (usually three at a time):
- Cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until the centers are no longer pink and they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- When the first batch is done, transfer to a clean baking sheet and keep warm in the oven.
- Wipe out the pan, add a bit more oil, and repeat for the second batch.
5. Assemble the Greek Turkey Burgers
- Cut off the tops of each warm pita to make a pocket or keep them whole for a wrap style.
- Chop the remaining half of the cucumber and thinly slice the rest of the red onion.
- Spread a generous dollop of tzatziki inside each pita.
- Layer in:
- Lettuce
- A turkey patty
- Chopped cucumber
- Sliced red onion
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Serve immediately, accompanied by potato chips if desired.
What others are reading
Tips for Perfect Greek-Style Turkey Burgers
- Use freshly grated onion for maximum juiciness and flavor in the patties.
- Don’t overwork the meat—gently mix until just combined for tender burgers.
- Squeeze the cucumber thoroughly for the tzatziki to prevent a runny sauce.
- Cook to temperature: Always ensure the patties reach 165°F inside.
- Warm the pitas for easier filling and a soft, chewy bite.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
These Greek-style turkey burgers are the centerpiece of a light yet satisfying meal, but you can easily mix up the accompaniments and garnishes.
- Pair with crispy oven fries, lemon-roasted potatoes, or a Greek salad.
- Swap out the pita for whole wheat wraps or traditional burger buns for variation.
- Add chopped tomatoes, kalamata olives, or roasted red peppers for more Mediterranean flair.
- Make it spicy: Stir some minced jalapeño or crushed red pepper flakes into the turkey mixture.
- Make ahead: The tzatziki can be made up to two days in advance; keep it chilled until serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 440 |
| Protein | 33g |
| Carbohydrates | 39g |
| Total Fat | 17g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 950mg |
*Nutrition will vary based on pita and feta brands. Values above are estimates based on typical ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the secret to moist turkey burgers?
Key ingredients for juicy turkey burgers are grated onion (which adds moisture), egg yolk (as a binder), and careful cooking—avoiding overcooking will prevent the meat from drying out.
Can I grill these burgers instead of cooking in a skillet?
Absolutely. Preheat your grill to medium-high, oil the grates, and grill each patty for about 5 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
How should I store leftover turkey burgers and tzatziki?
Keep cooked patties refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days. Store tzatziki separately, also chilled, and assemble fresh for best taste and texture.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pita bread and double-check that your feta and other toppings are gluten-free. The main patty mixture is naturally gluten-free if you avoid fillers.
What side dishes go well with Greek-style turkey burgers?
Pair with classic Greek salad, lemon potatoes, simple chips, or grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
More Main Course Inspiration
- French Onion French Bread Pizza: Cozy comfort meets French bistro flavors.
- Pumpkin Puree Recipes: Seasonal ideas for easy weeknight dinners.
- Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli: Set-and-forget meal for busy days.
- Fall Vegetable Dishes: Celebrate the harvest with fresh, colorful plates.
- Game Day Foods: Easy, crowd-pleasing bites for parties and gatherings.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Chill the burger mixture: If your patties feel too soft, pop them in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before cooking to set their shape.
- Doubles easily: The recipe scales up easily for parties—simply double both the patties and the tzatziki ingredients.
- Personalize your pita fillings: Lay out toppings buffet-style and let everyone build their own burger just the way they like.
- Serve family-style: Bring the warm patties, pitas, tzatziki, and all toppings to the table for interactive eating.
Final Thoughts: Why Greek-Style Turkey Burgers Deserve a Spot In Your Dinner Rotation
These Greek-style turkey burgers are more than a fresh take on the classic burger—they’re a celebration of bold Mediterranean tastes, simple ingredients, and wholesome cooking. Perfect for weeknights yet special enough for casual company, this dish is quick to prepare and sure to leave everyone at the table satisfied. The homemade tzatziki, in particular, sets these burgers apart, adding zing and creaminess that compliments every bite.
References
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