Healthy Greek Turkey Burger Recipe (with Tzatziki Sauce)
Being Middle Eastern, I’ve always been drawn to the bold, vibrant flavors of Mediterranean spices, which is why I had to include a few of my favorites—sumac, mint, and oregano—in these healthy Greek turkey burgers. I love how the feta cheese and red onion add a light yet flavorful depth to the burgers. For this recipe, I prefer using lean ground turkey because it’s easy to cook with and packed with protein, but honestly, you can use any ground meat you like—ground beef, bison, chicken, or even plant-based options all work great.
Oh, and I couldn’t resist adding a simple Tzatziki Sauce recipe to pair with the burgers. It’s super easy to make and really brings everything together!
Try these similar recipes! Cheeseburgers in the Air Fryer + Caprese Burger.
Why I Love These Greek Turkey Burgers
I love how lean ground turkey breast keeps these burgers light, but the feta cheese and fresh herbs add just the right amount of moisture and flavor to keep them juicy and tender.
The blend of oregano, mint, sumac, and lemon zest really takes these burgers to the next level of flavor. It’s like a little taste of the Mediterranean in every bite!
Serve them on hamburger buns, wrap them up in a lettuce leaf for a lighter option, or tuck them into a pita with your favorite toppings; these burgers are super adaptable.
I love how easy these are to prep in advance. You can make a big batch, pop them in the freezer, and have a healthy meal ready for those busy weeknights when you don’t feel like cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Produce
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 small red onion, finely chopped
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons fresh mint
Meat & Dairy
1 lb organic ground turkey (ground turkey thighs or ground turkey breast both work)
1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
Spices & Seasonings
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon sumac
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking Essentials
1 tbsp of avocado oil (or substitute olive oil)
Recommended Products
Lemon Juicer
How to Make Healthy Turkey Burgers
These Greek turkey burgers come together in just 20 minutes with a few easy steps.
Mince the garlic and finely chop the red onion. Set them aside.
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, minced garlic, crumbled feta cheese, chopped red onion, lemon zest, oregano, sumac, dried mint, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the turkey tender.
3. Divide the mixture into 4-8 equal portions, depending on your preferred burger size. Roll each portion into a ball, then gently flatten into a patty about 3/4 inch thick. Use your thumb to press a small indentation in the center of each patty—this helps ensure even cooking and prevents puffing.
4. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon of avocado oil and let it heat until shimmering.
5. Place the patties in the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side, flipping only once. Allow the patties to develop a golden-brown crust on each side for added flavor and texture.
6. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure the burgers reach an internal temperature of 165°F, confirming they are fully cooked.
7. Remove the burgers from the skillet and let them rest for a minute or two. Serve them immediately with your favorite burger toppings, or tuck them into a pita with tzatziki sauce, lettuce, and tomato.
Simple Tzatziki Sauce Recipe:
I highly recommend my easy tzatziki sauce—it's the perfect creamy, tangy complement to these Mediterranean-flavored burgers. But you can also get creative with your favorite sauces! A little hummus, garlic mayo, or even a simple yogurt drizzle would work wonders.
Ingredients:
2 cups plain yogurt (I like using greek yogurt but dairy free works fine too!)
1 large cucumber (or 6 persian cucumbers)
2 tablespoons dill (fresh or dried)
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Directions:
Chop the cucumber into small cubes, mince the garlic, and combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Refrigerate until chilled, and serve on the side—or drizzle over your juicy burger for a burst of flavor.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store the cooked turkey burgers in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. If you want to prep ahead, you can freeze the uncooked patties for up to 3 months. Just place them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag, and when you’re ready, thaw them in the fridge overnight and cook as usual.
To reheat, I love popping them in a skillet for about 2 minutes, but you can also microwave them for around 90 seconds if you’re short on time!
Using The Grill?
Here are my tips to making sure you grill the best burgers every time: How to grill the perfect burgers every time.
Jazz's Tips for Juicy Turkey Burgers
I’ve learned that overworking the meat mixture can result in a drier burger, so I mix just enough to combine everything. Less is more!
If I have the time, I like to pop the patties in the fridge for about 10–15 minutes before cooking. It really helps them keep their shape when they cook.
Make sure the skillet is hot BEFORE adding the oil and burgers. A properly preheated skillet helps sear the burgers, creating a golden crust that locks in moisture.
An instant-read thermometer is my secret weapon for perfectly cooked burgers. It takes the guesswork out and ensures they’re always spot on.
Form a small indentation in the center of each patty. This helps them cook evenly and prevents them from puffing up too much.
Once they’re done cooking, I like to let the burgers rest for a minute or two. This helps lock in all those juicy flavors!
Avoid pressing down on the patties with your spatula while cooking. This squeezes out the juices, leaving your burgers dry.
Avocado oil has a high smoke point, which is great for cooking at medium-high heat without burning.
What to Serve with These Burgers:
FAQs
-
Yes, absolutely! Just preheat your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates to keep them from sticking. Grill the burgers for about 5-6 minutes on each side, and make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. You’ll get those delicious grill marks too!
-
Totally! Ground chicken works really well in this recipe and gives you a similar flavor and texture. Just make sure to cook it to 165°F for safety.
-
If you don’t have sumac on hand, no worries! You can substitute it with a bit more lemon zest or a splash of lemon juice. It will still bring that fresh, tangy flavor to the burgers.
-
Yes, you can totally meal prep these ahead of time! I often make the patties up to 24 hours in advance and store them covered in the fridge. If you want to make them even earlier, freeze the uncooked patties for up to 3 months and just thaw them overnight in the fridge when you're ready to cook.
-
To keep the burgers juicy, it’s all about being gentle with the mixture. Don’t overmix, and avoid pressing down on the patties while they cook. A meat thermometer will help you make sure they cook perfectly to 165°F without going over.
-
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Just be sure they reach 165°F on the inside.
-
Not at all! You can mix everything by hand in a large bowl. While a food processor can make things easier, I prefer the hands-on approach because I can really feel the texture and make sure everything is evenly incorporated.
-
Definitely! If you’re feeling creative, you can add chopped spinach, fresh parsley, or even a dash of smoked paprika. Just keep the add-ins minimal so the patties stay together and cook evenly.
-
I love topping them with tzatziki sauce, fresh cucumber slices, tomatoes, red onion, or arugula for that Mediterranean vibe. You can’t go wrong with a little extra feta or hummus either.
-
These burgers are naturally gluten-free! If you’re avoiding gluten, just be mindful of what you serve them with. A lettuce wrap, gluten-free pita, or a fresh salad are great options to keep it gluten-free
These Greek turkey burgers are the best turkey burger recipe, packed with Mediterranean spices and fresh ingredients. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a delicious burger that everyone will love. Cook them on the stovetop or grill, and serve with your favorite toppings for a satisfying meal. Don’t forget the tangy tzatziki sauce—it’s the perfect complement!
Healthy Greek Turkey Burger Recipe (with Tzatziki Sauce)
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 small red onion, finely chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon, about 1 teaspoon
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon sumac
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Mince the garlic and chop the red onion finely.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, garlic, crumbled feta cheese, finely chopped red onion, lemon zest, oregano, sumac, dried mint, salt and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Divide the mixture into 4-8 equal portions, depending on your desired burger size. Roll each portion into a ball, then gently flatten to about 3/4 inch thickness. Press a small indentation in the center of each patty to ensure even cooking.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of avocado oil. Once hot, add the burgers to the skillet. Cook for about 5-6 minutes per side without flipping too frequently to allow the burgers to brown nicely.
- When the burgers reach an internal temperature of 165°F, remove from heat. Serve immediately with your favorite burger toppings, or tuck them into a pita with tzatziki, lettuce, and tomato.
