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Healthy Greek Turkey Burgers With Tzatziki - Fresh, Flavorful, and Easy

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • For the turkey burgers: 1.5 pounds ground turkey (93% lean works best for juiciness)
  • 1/3 cup finely minced red onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (or 2 teaspoons dried)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons plain breadcrumbs or almond flour (optional, for structure)
  • 1 egg (optional, helps bind if your turkey is very lean)
  • 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking, if using a skillet)
  • For the tzatziki: 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or whole for creaminess)
  • 1/2 cup finely grated cucumber, squeezed dry
  • 1 clove garlic, finely grated or minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1–2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • Pinch of salt and pepper
  • For serving: Whole grain or brioche buns, or large lettuce leaves
  • Sliced tomato, cucumber, and red onion
  • Mixed greens or arugula

Method
 

  1. Make the tzatziki first. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated and squeezed cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir until creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning. Refrigerate while you cook the burgers so the flavors meld.
  2. Mix the burger ingredients. In a large bowl, add ground turkey, red onion, garlic, parsley, dill, oregano, lemon zest, lemon juice, feta, breadcrumbs (if using), egg (if using), salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to gently mix until just combined. Don’t overwork the meat.
  3. Form the patties. Divide the mixture into 4–6 equal portions and shape into 1/2- to 3/4-inch-thick patties. Press a slight dent in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent puffing.
  4. Cook on a skillet or grill. Skillet: Heat 1–2 tablespoons olive oil over medium to medium-high heat. Cook patties 4–5 minutes per side, until deeply browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C.
  5. Grill: Oil grates and preheat to medium-high. Grill 4–5 minutes per side, flipping once, to 165°F/74°C.
  6. Oven: Bake on a lined sheet at 400°F (205°C) for 15–18 minutes, then broil 1–2 minutes for color, to 165°F/74°C.
  7. Let them rest. Transfer patties to a plate and rest for 3–5 minutes so juices redistribute.
  8. Assemble. Toast buns if using. Add greens, the turkey patty, a generous spoonful of tzatziki, and sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion. Serve extra tzatziki on the side.