Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These turkey burgers are moist and flavorful thanks to feta, zucchini, and fresh herbs mixed right into the patties. The combination of garlic, lemon zest, and oregano gives them a bright, savory Mediterranean flavor. Pairing them with tzatziki sauce and fresh veggies elevates the burger experience without extra heaviness. Quick to prep and grill, they’re a lighter alternative to classic beef burgers without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Burgers:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded zucchini, excess moisture squeezed out
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Olive oil or avocado oil, for grilling
For Serving:
- 4 hamburger buns, toasted
- Tzatziki sauce
- Lettuce
- Tomato slices
- Red onion slices
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, spinach, zucchini, feta, red onion, parsley, lemon zest, garlic powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix gently until just combined.
- Form mixture into 4 evenly sized patties.
- Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat and lightly brush with olive or avocado oil.
- Grill the patties for 5–6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
- Toast hamburger buns lightly on the grill or in a skillet.
- Assemble burgers with lettuce, tomato slices, red onion, a cooked turkey patty, and a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce.
- Serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 4 burgers.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Total time: 27 minutes
Variations
- Swap ground turkey for ground chicken or lean beef.
- Add sliced cucumber or pickled red onions for extra crunch and tang.
- Mix in fresh dill with the tzatziki for a more pronounced Greek flavor.
- Serve on lettuce wraps instead of buns for a low-carb option.
- Add a slice of avocado for creaminess and healthy fats.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. Assemble fresh with buns and toppings before serving.
FAQs
Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the patties in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before grilling.
Can I freeze the turkey patties?
Yes, place uncooked patties on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the grilling time.
Are these burgers spicy?
They have a mild kick from the crushed red pepper flakes, but you can adjust or omit them to suit your taste.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes, skip the feta or substitute with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
What’s the best way to prevent turkey burgers from drying out?
Avoid overmixing the meat and don’t press down on the patties while cooking. Using zucchini and feta also helps keep them moist.
Conclusion
Greek Turkey Burgers are a fresh, flavorful, and healthy twist on a classic burger. With Mediterranean ingredients, juicy turkey patties, and creamy tzatziki, they’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun summer cookout. Easy to make, satisfying, and versatile, these burgers are a must-try for anyone looking for a lighter, tasty burger option.
PrintGreek Turkey Burgers
Juicy, Mediterranean-inspired turkey burgers with spinach, zucchini, feta, and fresh herbs. Served with tzatziki, lettuce, and tomato for a healthy yet indulgent meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
1 pound ground turkey
1/2 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
1/2 cup shredded zucchini, excess moisture squeezed out
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup red onion, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Olive oil or avocado oil, for grilling
4 hamburger buns, toasted
Tzatziki sauce
Lettuce
Tomato slices
Red onion slices
Instructions
- Combine turkey, spinach, zucchini, feta, red onion, parsley, lemon zest, garlic powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes in a large bowl. Mix gently until just combined.
- Form mixture into 4 evenly sized patties.
- Heat grill or skillet over medium-high heat and lightly brush with oil.
- Grill patties 5–6 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Toast hamburger buns lightly on the grill or skillet.
- Assemble burgers with lettuce, tomato, red onion, turkey patty, and a spoonful of tzatziki.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Swap turkey for ground chicken or lean beef.
Add sliced cucumber or pickled red onions for crunch and tang.
Mix fresh dill with tzatziki for extra Greek flavor.
Use lettuce wraps instead of buns for a low-carb option.
Add avocado for creaminess and healthy fats.
Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg