If you are craving something packed with vibrant flavors and packed with a Mediterranean twist, these Mediterranean Turkey Burgers with Tzatziki, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Feta Recipe are an absolute delight to try. Juicy ground turkey patties are infused with savory sun-dried tomatoes, fresh parsley, and tangy feta cheese, then topped with cool and creamy tzatziki sauce. This combination makes every bite a perfect balance of juicy, herby, and fresh with a satisfying bite of texture and taste. It is a fresh take on the classic burger that feels just right for any season, yet especially wonderful during warm weather gatherings or a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is all it takes to bring this dish to life. Each component here plays an important role, whether adding bold texture, bright color, or that unmistakable Mediterranean essence.
- Ground Turkey (20 ounces): Lean and tender, it forms the juicy base of your flavorful patties.
- Egg (1): Acts as a binder to hold all your burger ingredients together perfectly.
- Minced Garlic (1 teaspoon): Adds a robust aroma and subtle pungency that complements the herbs.
- Kosher Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential to enhance all the underlying flavors without overpowering.
- Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, minced): Offers a refreshing, slightly peppery herbal note that brightens the burger mix.
- Diced Red Onion (¼ cup): Offers crunch and a touch of sweetness to contrast with the savory elements.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes (â…“ cup, diced): Provide a deep, tangy sweetness boosting the Mediterranean profile.
- Crumbled Feta Cheese (½ cup): Adds creamy, salty bursts of flavor that melt slightly into the turkey.
- Tzatziki Sauce: Cool, creamy, and tangy, it’s the perfect topping to balance the warm spices.
- Tomato Slices and Lettuce: For fresh, crisp layers that add color and crunch to your burger stack.
- Buns: Choose your favorite bun to hold everything together — toasted for extra texture is ideal.
How to Make Mediterranean Turkey Burgers with Tzatziki, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Feta Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Flavorful Base
Start by combining your egg, minced garlic, kosher salt, fresh parsley, diced red onion, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese in a large bowl. This mixture builds a vibrant base that infuses your turkey with amazing Mediterranean flair before adding the turkey itself.
Step 2: Gently Combine Turkey and Mix-Ins
Place the ground turkey on top of your flavorful base in the bowl. Use a gentle hand to bring everything together, making sure not to overwork the meat, which can toughen the patties. Once combined, divide the mixture into four equal portions. Form each into a thin, wide patty—this helps them cook evenly and avoid being dry in the middle, since turkey thick patties need longer cooking.
Step 3: Prep Your Cooking Surface
Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and grease it lightly. Turkey is notorious for sticking, so make sure your pan is well-prepared to ensure lovely, even searing on your patties.
Step 4: Cook the Patties to Perfection
Place your patties in the hot skillet and cook uncovered for 5 minutes. Flip carefully, then cover the skillet to cook another 5 minutes. Check the internal temperature aiming for 165º F to ensure safety. If the patties need more time, flip again and cook uncovered for an additional 3-5 minutes until thoroughly cooked and golden on both sides. Rest them briefly off the heat.
Step 5: Assemble Your Burgers
Now comes the fun! Slide each patty onto a bun, then top generously with creamy tzatziki, fresh tomato slices, and crisp lettuce. This final step adds layers of freshness and creaminess that take these burgers from great to unforgettable.
How to Serve Mediterranean Turkey Burgers with Tzatziki, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Feta Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Mediterranean Turkey Burgers with Tzatziki, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Feta Recipe by adding cucumbers and a sprinkle of fresh dill for an extra burst of herbaceous freshness. For a little zing, diced red onions or a few olives on top amplify the savory notes beautifully.
Side Dishes
These burgers love company! Serve them alongside crisp Greek salad, roasted lemon potatoes, or a simple tabbouleh to keep with the Mediterranean vibe. Grilled veggies or lightly fried pita chips also make perfect companions for a hearty yet balanced plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try presenting these burgers as sliders for a party-friendly option, topping each mini burger with a skewer holding a cherry tomato and a basil leaf. Alternatively, serve the patties open-faced on a bed of mixed greens with a drizzle of extra tzatziki to turn it into a light, elegant Mediterranean salad bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mediterranean Turkey Burgers with Tzatziki, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Feta Recipe keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store toppings like lettuce and tomato separately to keep everything fresh and crisp when you’re ready to enjoy again.
Freezing
If you want to keep these delicious burgers longer, form and freeze patties uncooked in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. This makes a quick and tasty meal ready to cook whenever you need.
Reheating
For reheating cooked patties, use a skillet over medium heat to gently warm without drying out. Add your toppings fresh after reheating to maintain the perfect juicy, creamy balance of flavors.
FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of turkey for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works well as a substitute since it has a similar mild flavor and texture. Just keep cooking times similar and ensure it reaches the same safe internal temperature of 165º F.
Is it necessary to use sun-dried tomatoes in the recipe?
Sun-dried tomatoes add a signature tangy sweetness and chewy texture that really complement the feta and parsley. However, you could substitute with finely chopped roasted red peppers for a different but still tasty alternative.
Can I make these burgers gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free buns or serve the patties wrapped in lettuce leaves for a fresh, low-carb alternative that keeps the Mediterranean flavors front and center.
How do I prevent the turkey patties from drying out?
Form the patties a bit thinner and avoid over-mixing the meat. Cooking over medium-high heat and flipping only when needed helps retain moisture, and resting the patties briefly once cooked lets juices redistribute.
What if I don’t have time to make homemade tzatziki?
Store-bought tzatziki works perfectly well and saves time. Alternatively, a quick mix of Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and dill comes together easily if you want a fresh homemade touch.
Final Thoughts
These Mediterranean Turkey Burgers with Tzatziki, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Feta Recipe are an absolute winner when you want a burger that feels special yet is simple to whip up. Bursting with fresh herbs, luscious toppings, and satisfying textures, they are guaranteed to become a favorite you’ll want to share with all your friends and family. Don’t wait to dive in and enjoy the wonderful harmony of Mediterranean flavors in every bite!
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Mediterranean Turkey Burgers with Tzatziki, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Feta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Mediterranean Turkey Burgers are a flavorful twist on the classic burger, infused with sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, and fresh herbs. Perfectly seasoned and cooked on the stovetop, they’re served with refreshing tzatziki sauce, tomato slices, and crisp lettuce on soft buns for a delightful and healthy meal.
Ingredients
For the Burgers
- 20 ounces ground turkey
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/3 cup diced sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
For Serving
- 4 burger buns
- Tzatziki sauce, as needed
- Tomato slices, as needed
- Fresh lettuce leaves, as needed
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the egg, minced garlic, kosher salt, fresh parsley, diced red onion, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Form Patties: Add the ground turkey on top of the mixture. Gently fold the ingredients together just enough to evenly distribute the mix-ins without overmixing. Divide the mixture into 4 even portions, then shape each into a thinner, wider patty for even cooking and better texture.
- Preheat Skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and lightly grease it to prevent sticking, as turkey tends to adhere to the pan.
- Cook Patties: Place the patties onto the hot skillet and cook uncovered for 5 minutes. Flip carefully, cover the skillet, and cook another 5 minutes. Check doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165º F. If not fully cooked, flip the patties again and cook uncovered for an additional 3-5 minutes until done.
- Assemble Burgers: Once cooked, allow the patties to rest briefly. Serve each patty on a bun topped with tzatziki sauce, fresh tomato slices, and lettuce leaves for a refreshing finish.
Notes
- Be careful not to overmix the turkey mixture to keep the burgers tender.
- Using a food thermometer ensures the turkey is safely cooked to 165º F.
- Forming thinner patties helps them cook evenly and prevents raw centers.
- Greasing the skillet prevents the lean turkey from sticking and breaking apart.
- Feel free to customize toppings such as adding cucumber slices or red onion rings for extra crunch.
