Greek Turkey Burgers

Move beyond the basic burger and try these amazing Greek Turkey Burgers! Seasoned ground turkey patties are grilled then topped with homemade Tzatziki sauce, lettuce, tomato and red onion, all layered inside a toasted sesame-seed bun. A delicious dinner that's ready in just 30 minutes.

Ready to upgrade your burger game with something more flavorful and healthier too? Try grilling up these lean, Mediterranean-inspired turkey burgers.

Ready in just 30 minutes, this twist on a tired burger will have you wondering why it took so long to step outside your comfort zone.

★ Why You'll Love this Recipe ★

If you're craving a change of pace, these Greek turkey burgers are going to hit the spot.

Infused with Mediterranean flavors, and topped with a tangy, quick-and-easy homemade yogurt sauce, fresh-sliced tomato, bibb lettuce and red onion all sandwiched between toasted sesame-seed buns... These turkey burgers are going to wow you with their simplicity and distinct Greek flavor.

Tastes you've been missing! Try working this recipe into your dinner rotation.

★ Ingredients You'll Need ★

Here's everything you need to make seasoned turkey burger patties and a fresh, homemade yogurt sauce.

For the burgers:

• Ground turkey. You'll love how well the flavor of this lean meat combines with the seasonings to create a totally new taste than you're used to.
• Red onion. This sweet onion adds bite and freshness.
• Fresh dill, garlic and oregano. These three seasonings combine to add a trifecta of flavor that will take your taste buds on a trip to the Mediterranean.
• Salt and pepper. Your standard but necessary burger seasonings.
• Egg. Just one egg is all you need. This holds everything together, quite literally, so the patties don't fall apart.

For the yogurt sauce:

• Greek yogurt. Plain, unsweetened. This just acts as a creamy, tangy base for your sauce.
• Mayo. This add richness and thickens up the sauce a bit so it's not super messy.
• Lemon juice and zest. Lemon juice add brightness to the sauce and ultimately the whole burger. It's a quintessential flavor to Mediterranean dishes.
• Fresh dill. More dill. This yogurt sauce is a version of Greek Tzatziki sauce minus the typical grated cucumbers. So we need dill.
• Garlic. Fresh or I like to use garlic paste to save time.

Building the burger:

You'll need some final ingredients to build your burger which include:

• Buns. Sesame seeds buns are my favorite but feel free to choose your favorite style of bun.
• Tomato. Sliced heirloom tomato.
• Lettuce. I like bibb lettuce. It's soft and looks stunning. But any kind of lettuce work. Your choice.
• Red onion. Sliced raw red onion adds a bite and freshness.

That's everything!

If you're short on time: Try store-bought tzatziki sauce in place of the yogurt sauce to save time.

★ How to Make this Recipe ★

These burgers are quite easy to make even with the homemade sauce. However, as mentioned, you can opt to use store-made tzatziki sauce and skip the step of making your own yogurt sauce. Up to you.

Here's a look at what's involved in making these turkey burgers:

• Combine ground turkey with seasonings and egg.
• Form patties then grill.
• Toast buns.
• Layer buns with yogurt sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion and turkey burger patties then serve!

To make the yogurt sauce:

Simply combine Greek yogurt, mayo, lemon juice, lemon zest, dill, salt, pepper and garlic. No cooking required.

★ Tips & FAQs ★

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, you can substitute ground chicken for turkey in this recipe without compromising the flavors. Adjust the cooking time accordingly as needed. Internal temp for chicken is the same as turkey — 165˚F.

Can I prepare the burgers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the burger patties ahead of time and refrigerate them until you're ready to cook. This is a great time-saving option for busy schedules or entertaining guests.

Can I make the yogurt sauce in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, making the yogurt sauce ahead of time allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the taste. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. Yogurt sauce is best within a day of prepping due to the fresh dill.

What's the best way to cook these burgers – on a grill or stovetop?

You can cook these burgers either on a grill or stovetop, depending on your preference and convenience. Both methods yield delicious results. I do prefer them grilled as you get a little extra smokey flavor and it's easier clean up. However in the winter months, making them inside feels like a better option!

What are some extra toppings for these burgers?

Try adding crumbled or whipped feta cheese, cucumber slices and/or a drizzle of Greek dressing for an extra burst of flavor and texture.

Can I freeze the uncooked burger patties?

Yes, you can freeze the uncooked burger patties for later use. Place parchment paper between each patty to prevent sticking, and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw before cooking or add 2 minutes (or more as needed) to the cook time.

Storing Leftovers

These burgers are best enjoyed fresh but leftovers can be stored, dissembled, in separate air-tight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

★ More Recipes You'll Love ★

Love Mediterranean cuisine?

Browse my other easy Mediterranean-style recipes and be sure to Pin your favorites for later!