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Greek-Style Turkey Burgers with Feta and Tzatziki

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Greek
Servings 4 hearty burgers

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls At least two: one for the turkey mixture and another for the tzatziki.
  • Grill or grill pan For authentic char, but a stovetop skillet works well too.
  • Spatula A wide metal one is ideal for flipping patties without breaking them.
  • Box grater For the cucumber in tzatziki.
  • Measuring Spoons To get the seasonings just right.
  • Paper towels To blot the cucumber and prevent watery sauce.

Ingredients
  

For the turkey patties

  • 1 ½ lbs ground turkey preferably 93% lean for juiciness
  • ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil optional, for added moisture

For the tzatziki sauce

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt full fat for best texture
  • ½ cup grated cucumber squeezed to remove excess moisture
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped dill fresh is best
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For assembling the burgers

  • 4 brioche or whole wheat burger buns
  • Sliced red onion
  • Sliced tomato
  • Baby spinach or arugula
  • Additional crumbled feta optional

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the tzatziki sauce.

  1. Grate the cucumber and squeeze out as much moisture as possible using a paper towel or cheesecloth. In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Chill it in the fridge to allow the flavors to blend.

Step 2: Make the turkey mixture.

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, feta, red onion, parsley, mint, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and olive oil. Mix gently with your hands or a spatula until just combined—overmixing leads to tough burgers. This combo delivers one of the most flavorful and juicy turkey burgers you'll ever try.

Step 3: Shape the patties.

  1. Form the mixture into four equal-sized patties (or make eight if you're doing turkey burger sliders). Chill them for 10–15 minutes to help them firm up before cooking.

Step 4: Grill or cook the patties.

  1. Preheat your grill or pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the surface. Grill the burgers for about 5–6 minutes per side until nicely browned and the internal temperature hits 165°F. For fans of turkey smash burgers, press down slightly on the patties for crispy edges.

Step 5: Toast the buns.

  1. Place your buns cut-side down on the grill or skillet until they’re just golden and crisp. This adds texture and helps support the greens and sauce without the bun getting soggy.

Step 6: Build your burger.

  1. Start by placing a layer of spinach or arugula on the bottom bun, then spoon on a generous layer of tzatziki. Add the turkey patty, followed by tomato slices, red onion, and more crumbled feta if you’d like. Finish with the top bun, spread with extra tzatziki for good measure.