If you’re craving a fresh Mediterranean twist on a tried-and-true classic, look no further than Greek Turkey Burgers. These juicy burgers are bursting with tangy feta, aromatic herbs, and a punch of garlic, all nestled between soft buns and finished with your favorite Greek-inspired toppings. It’s a weeknight-friendly recipe that delivers big on flavor without a lot of fuss—perfect for backyard gatherings or a quick dinner at home.

Greek Turkey Burgers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about these Greek Turkey Burgers is how straightforward the shopping list is—each ingredient brings something special to the table, whether it’s bright color, bold flavor, or delicious texture. Let’s see what you’ll need to create these Mediterranean gems:

Ground turkey (1 pound, 93% lean): The heart of your burger, offering a juicy bite and a leaner twist than traditional beef.
Feta cheese (½ cup, crumbled): Adds creamy, salty bursts throughout every patty; don’t skip this—it’s signature!
Red onion (¼ cup, finely chopped): A little sharpness and natural sweetness for incredible depth.
Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Brightens things up with freshness and some colorful green flecks.
Fresh dill (2 tablespoons, chopped): That unmistakable herbaceous pop that screams Greek flavor.
Garlic (1 clove, minced): The aromatic backbone that ties it all together.
Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Brings earthy, savory notes to round out the herb blend.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Pulls every flavor forward—season generously (but mind the feta’s saltiness).
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): A gentle kick that keeps each bite lively.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon, for cooking): For a golden, crisp exterior and easy cooking.
Burger buns (4): Soft, sturdy buns are the perfect cradle for your Greek masterpiece.
Optional toppings: sliced cucumber, tomato, red onion, lettuce, tzatziki sauce: Layer these on for crunch, juiciness, and that cooling creamy finish.

How to Make Greek Turkey Burgers

Step 1: Build the Flavorful Patty Mix

Start by adding your ground turkey, crumbled feta, finely chopped red onion, fresh parsley, fresh dill, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper into a large mixing bowl. Use a gentle hand as you combine everything—over-mixing can toughen your burgers. Every ingredient here has a job: herbs offer brightness, feta brings creaminess, and red onion provides a welcome, subtle crunch.

Step 2: Shape the Patties

Once your mixture is just combined, divide it evenly into four portions. Form each into a patty about ¾-inch thick. Press just enough to hold together—they’ll stay moister this way. If you want to get ahead, this is the perfect spot to refrigerate or even freeze the raw patties for later in the week.

Step 3: Sizzle and Cook

Heat olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium heat until shimmering. Cook each patty for 5 to 6 minutes per side, resisting the urge to press them down (which could squeeze out those savory juices). You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F so they’re juicy but fully cooked through.

Step 4: Toast the Buns

While the burgers finish up, lightly toast your buns either in the skillet or under the broiler for a minute or two. This step is quick but delivers a soft-then-crisp base that stands up to the juicy patty and fresh toppings.

Step 5: Build and Dress Your Greek Turkey Burgers

Assemble the burgers by placing the turkey patties onto the bottom half of each bun. This is where you can really have fun: top with crisp cucumber, juicy tomato slices, red onion rings, leafy lettuce, and, of course, a generous scoop of cool, creamy tzatziki sauce. Top with the remaining bun halves and get ready to take a big, flavorful bite.

How to Serve Greek Turkey Burgers

Garnishes

Don’t overlook the power of a good garnish! Try sprinkling extra chopped dill or parsley over your finished burgers for even more color and herby aroma. For a pop of tang, add some sliced Kalamata olives or a squeeze of fresh lemon. These gorgeous finishing touches make your Greek Turkey Burgers look as mouthwatering as they taste.

Side Dishes

Pair these Mediterranean burgers with a simple Greek salad—think crisp lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and more feta—or a generous pile of oven-roasted potatoes with lemon and oregano. Or, keep things lighter by serving alongside crunchy carrot sticks and sliced bell pepper for easy dipping into leftover tzatziki.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to mix things up, serve the patties bunless atop a big bed of arugula, or opt for a lettuce wrap for a low-carb, gluten-free option. Turn your table into a DIY burger bar with a spread of toppings and sauces so everyone can build their own dream Greek Turkey Burger. It’s a surefire way to keep everyone happy and engaged, especially for family dinners or casual entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Extra patties? No problem! Store any cooked Greek Turkey Burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure they’re cooled completely before storing to keep them juicy and fresh. Tuck them between parchment papers if you’re stacking them to prevent sticking.

Freezing

Greek Turkey Burgers freeze like a dream—either uncooked or cooked. For raw patties, separate each with parchment, wrap tightly, and freeze up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking as usual. Cooked patties can be frozen once cool, then reheated for quick lunches or dinners down the road.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat burgers in a skillet with a touch of olive oil over medium-low heat until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts. If you froze cooked patties, let them thaw in the fridge before reheating to avoid drying them out. Either way, a fresh spoonful of tzatziki on top will liven them right back up!

FAQs

Can I grill these Greek Turkey Burgers outside?

Absolutely! Just preheat your grill to medium and oil the grates well so the patties don’t stick. Grill for about 5-6 minutes per side, as you would in a skillet, until the internal temperature hits 165°F. Burgers get a wonderful smoky flavor this way.

Is ground chicken an okay substitute for turkey?

Yes, ground chicken works beautifully in this recipe. Just make sure to use a version with a bit of fat for moisture, as very lean mince can dry out. The flavors mingle just as nicely for a Greek-inspired chicken burger.

Which type Main Course

If you can find Greek sheep’s milk feta, use it—the flavor is full and creamy, and the texture is perfect for burgers. But any good crumbled feta will do in a pinch. Avoid pre-crumbled if possible, as it can be drier than block feta.

Can I make Greek Turkey Burgers ahead?

Definitely! Mix and form the patties a day in advance, then cover and refrigerate until ready to cook. Or, freeze them for longer storage as described above. Your future self will thank you on busy evenings.

What are some dairy-free swaps?

To keep the spirit of Greek Turkey Burgers without the dairy, try a dairy-free feta or just omit the cheese. Amp up herbs like dill and parsley for extra zest, and splash on a little lemon juice for brightness. There are also store-bought vegan tzatziki options to top things off.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a meal that’s both crowd-pleasing and refreshingly different, Greek Turkey Burgers are hard to beat. With all their vibrant flavors and easy customization options, I can’t wait for you to try them. Invite friends, gather the toppings, and let your kitchen fill with the unmistakable aroma of Mediterranean comfort—these burgers are bound to become a staple in your dinner line-up.

Greek Turkey Burgers Recipe