28-Minute Greek Turkey Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce – Pure Bliss!

Let me tell you about the moment I fell in love with Greek turkey burgers. It happened at this tiny seaside taverna in Santorini – the kind of place where the cook waves hello with one hand while flipping burgers with the other. Their version was so juicy and bright with fresh dill and feta that I had to recreate it at home. After months of tweaking (and a few dry turkey burger fails), I finally nailed these Greek turkey burgers with tzatziki sauce that taste like sunshine on a plate. Trust me, that cool, creamy tzatziki with a hint of lemon makes all the difference!

What makes these so special? It’s that perfect Mediterranean combo – lean turkey gets a flavor boost from oregano and garlic, while the homemade tzatziki (you’ll want to lick the spoon) keeps everything fresh and light. My kids go crazy for these, and I love that they’re healthier than beef burgers without sacrificing any flavor. The best part? You’re just 30 minutes away from your own Greek island getaway – no passport required!

Why You’ll Love These Greek Turkey Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce

Oh my goodness, these burgers are absolute game-changers! Here’s why they’ll become your new weeknight favorite:

• Lean & mean protein: Turkey packs all the satisfaction without the guilt – perfect for when you want something hearty but still healthy.
• Ready in a flash: From mixing bowl to plate in under 30 minutes? Yes please! (That’s faster than Greek delivery!)
• That tzatziki magic: The cool, creamy sauce with its zingy lemon and fresh dill cuts through the richness beautifully.
• Total crowd-pleaser: Picky kids? Salad-hating spouses? Everyone goes nuts for these – just watch those burgers disappear!

Seriously, one bite and you’ll wonder why you ever settled for plain burgers again.

Ingredients for Greek Turkey Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce

Okay, let’s gather our Greek flavor warriors! Here’s what you’ll need for these amazing turkey burgers (I always double-check my fridge before starting – nothing worse than realizing you’re out of feta mid-recipe!). Pro tip: measure everything before mixing – it makes the process so much smoother.

• 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean works best – you need a little fat for juiciness but not too much)
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (trust me, small pieces distribute flavor better)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is non-negotiable here!)
• 1 tsp dried oregano (rub between fingers first to awaken the oils)
• 1 tsp dried dill (or 1 tbsp fresh if you’ve got it)
• 1/2 tsp salt (I use kosher for even distribution)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (go for authentic Greek if you can find it)
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat for creamiest texture)
• 1/2 cucumber, grated and thoroughly drained (I press mine in a clean kitchen towel)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed – bottled just tastes different)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking – extra virgin gives nice flavor)
• 4 burger buns (I love brioche or whole wheat here)
• Lettuce and tomato for serving (optional but highly recommended)

See? Nothing too crazy – just simple ingredients that come together magically. Now let’s get cooking!

How to Make Greek Turkey Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce

Alright, let’s dive into the fun part – making these flavor-packed burgers! I’ve broken it down into simple steps so you can’t go wrong. Pro tip: make the tzatziki first if you can – those flavors get better as they mingle.

Preparing the Turkey Patties

First things first – let’s talk turkey (literally!). Grab a big mixing bowl and add your ground turkey, chopped red onion, minced garlic, oregano, dill, salt, pepper, and that glorious feta cheese. Now, here’s the secret: use your hands to gently mix everything together. You want it just combined – don’t overwork it or your burgers will turn out tough. I count to 20 stirs max!

Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions – an ice cream scoop helps keep them uniform. Gently form each into patties about 1/2-inch thick. Make them slightly wider than your buns because they’ll shrink a bit. See those indentations in the center? That’s not a mistake! Press a little thumbprint in each patty – this keeps them from puffing up like meatballs while cooking.

Making the Tzatziki Sauce

While your patties chill (literally – pop them in the fridge for 5 minutes to firm up), let’s make that magical tzatziki. Remember that grated cucumber? Squeeze out every last drop of liquid – I wrap mine in a clean kitchen towel and wring it like I’m mad at it. This step is crucial unless you want watery sauce!

In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, drained cucumber, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust – sometimes I add an extra squeeze of lemon or pinch of dill. Cover and let it hang out in the fridge while you cook – those flavors will become best friends.

Cooking time! Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When it shimmers, add the patties (don’t crowd them – cook in batches if needed). Now here’s the hardest part: don’t touch them for 5-6 minutes! Let that beautiful crust form. Flip carefully with a spatula and cook another 5-6 minutes until they reach 165°F inside. While the second side cooks, I like to lightly toast the buns in the same pan – just 30 seconds per side does the trick.

Now assemble your masterpieces! Slather that cool tzatziki on both sides of the bun, add your perfectly cooked patty, then top with crisp lettuce and tomato if you’re feeling fancy. Take a big bite – can you taste the Mediterranean sunshine?

Tips for Perfect Greek Turkey Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce

After making these burgers more times than I can count (hello weekly meal prep!), I’ve picked up some tricks that take them from good to “oh-my-gods-this-is-amazing” status. Here are my can’t-live-without tips:

• Choose your turkey wisely: Go for 93% lean ground turkey – it’s the Goldilocks zone with just enough fat to keep things juicy without being greasy.
• Preheat that skillet: Wait until your pan is properly hot before adding patties. I test mine by flicking a drop of water – if it sizzles immediately, you’re good to go!
• Squeeze that cucumber dry: I can’t stress this enough – press your grated cucumber until no more liquid comes out. Your future self will thank you when your tzatziki isn’t watery.
• Let patties rest: Give them 2-3 minutes after cooking before digging in. This lets the juices redistribute so they don’t all run out on your plate.
• Toast those buns: Just 30 seconds in the skillet makes all the difference between a soggy burger and one with perfect texture.
• Don’t overmix: Handle the turkey mixture gently – overworking it leads to dense, tough burgers. Mix just until combined.
• Make extra tzatziki: Because let’s be honest, you’ll want to put it on everything – eggs, sandwiches, even as a veggie dip!

One last pro tip? Double the recipe and freeze some cooked patties between parchment paper. Future-you will be so grateful for ready-to-go Greek turkey burgers on busy nights!

Serving Suggestions for Greek Turkey Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce

Now that you’ve made these gorgeous Greek turkey burgers, let’s talk about how to turn them into a complete Mediterranean feast! Trust me, the right sides take this meal from “great” to “I feel like I’m dining seaside in Mykonos.” Here’s how I love to serve them:

First up – the classic Greek salad is practically made for these burgers. Just chop up some crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, red onion, and green peppers, then toss with Kalamata olives, a big hunk of feta, and a simple olive oil-lemon dressing. The fresh, crunchy veggies are the perfect contrast to those juicy burgers.

When I’m feeling fancy, I’ll whip up some roasted lemon-oregano potatoes. Just cube some Yukon Golds, toss with olive oil, garlic, oregano, and lemon zest, then roast at 400°F until crispy. That lemony herb flavor? Chef’s kiss with the tzatziki!

For something lighter, try grilled zucchini or eggplant – just brush slices with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and grill for 2-3 minutes per side. They make amazing burger toppings too if you want to go all-out Mediterranean style!

Bun alternatives? Oh, I’ve got you covered! Sometimes I skip the traditional burger bun and serve these on:

• Warm pita bread (fold it like a gyro – so good!)
• Lettuce wraps for a low-carb option
• Toasted sourdough or ciabatta if I’m feeling fancy

And here’s my favorite hack – leftover tzatziki makes an incredible dip for pita chips or raw veggies the next day. Just saying, you might want to make a double batch!

However you serve them, I promise these Greek turkey burgers will transport your tastebuds straight to the Aegean. Opa!

Storing and Reheating Greek Turkey Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce

Okay, let’s talk leftovers – because let’s be honest, these Greek turkey burgers are so good you’ll want to enjoy them all week long! Here’s my foolproof system for keeping everything fresh and tasty:

For storing: Always keep the patties and tzatziki sauce separate (trust me, learned this the messy way!). Let the cooked burgers cool completely, then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or foil. They’ll stay juicy in the fridge for 3-4 days. The tzatziki? Pop it in an airtight container – it actually gets more flavorful overnight as the garlic mellows!

Freezing pro tip: These patties freeze beautifully! Layer them between parchment paper in a freezer bag (that way they don’t stick together). They’ll keep for 2-3 months. The sauce? Not so much – dairy doesn’t freeze well, so make that fresh when needed.

Reheating magic: Don’t you dare microwave these beauties! Instead:

• Skillet method: My favorite! Heat a teaspoon of olive oil over medium-low, then cook the patty for 2-3 minutes per side until heated through.
• Oven method: Perfect for multiple burgers – wrap in foil and warm at 300°F for 10-15 minutes.

And here’s my golden rule – always reheat the patty first, then add the cold tzatziki right before serving. That contrast of warm burger and cool sauce? Absolute perfection!

Greek Turkey Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce FAQs

Over the years, I’ve gotten so many questions about these Greek turkey burgers – and I love helping people make them perfectly! Here are the answers to the most common head-scratchers:

Can I use chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works beautifully in this recipe – just stick with the 93% lean variety for that perfect juicy texture. The flavor will be slightly milder than turkey, so I usually add an extra clove of garlic and pinch of oregano when using chicken. My neighbor actually prefers the chicken version and swears it’s even more tender!

How long does tzatziki last in the fridge?

Good news – that tangy tzatziki keeps like a dream! Stored in an airtight container, it stays fresh for 4-5 days in the fridge. The flavors actually improve after the first day as the garlic mellows. Just give it a good stir before serving. If it looks watery, that’s normal – just pour off the excess liquid (or mix it back in if you don’t mind a thinner sauce).

Can I grill the patties instead of pan-frying?

Oh heck yes – grill marks make everything better! Just be gentle when flipping since turkey patties are more delicate than beef. I recommend chilling them for 30 minutes first (less likely to stick), and oiling the grates well. Medium heat for about 5 minutes per side does the trick. Pro tip: keep a spray bottle handy in case of flare-ups from the drippings. That smoky char takes these burgers to a whole new level!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (1 burger with tzatziki and bun) – because let’s be real, we all like to know what we’re putting into our bodies! Just remember, these are estimates and might vary slightly depending on your specific ingredients.

• Calories: 320
• Total Fat: 12g (4g saturated, 7g unsaturated)
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 480mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 25g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 28g

See? Not too shabby for something that tastes this indulgent! The high protein keeps you full, while the smart fats from the olive oil and yogurt make this a well-balanced meal. Of course, if you skip the bun or adjust the toppings, these numbers will change – but who are we kidding? You’ll want that whole delicious package!

Share Your Greek Turkey Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce

Nothing makes me happier than seeing your gorgeous Greek turkey burger creations! Seriously, I do a little happy dance every time someone tags me in their photos. Did you add your own twist? Maybe some extra feta or a sprinkle of za’atar? I want to see it all!

Here’s how we can keep this deliciousness going:

• Snap a pic of your masterpiece before you devour it (if you can wait that long!)
• Tag me @MediterraneanMama on Instagram so I can drool over your creation
• Use #GreekTurkeyBurgerLove so we can all inspire each other

Bonus points if you catch that perfect tzatziki drizzle shot – you know the one where it’s just dripping down the sides? Absolute food photography gold! Can’t wait to see your Greek-inspired kitchen adventures. Who knows – your version might just become our next family favorite! You can also find more inspiration on our Pinterest page.

Print