If you have been to Greece (or if you are Greek), then you know why people are so enamored with the flavors of that country’s cuisine, which are just wonderfully lively, vibrant, and clean. Some of the common ingredients are olive oil, lemon, tomatoes, cucumbers, garlic, oregano, dill, mint, and other fresh herbs, yogurt, cheeses such as feta, olives, honey, and lots of seafood, fish, and lamb.

I’m a huge turkey burger fan, and I know that there are some skeptics out there. But when you make a turkey burger at home, and can control both the ingredients and the cooking of the burger, you will end up with something amazing, I promise. The mild flavor of turkey lets the supporting ingredients shine — pops of tangy feta, briny bits of olive, a piney freshness from the oregano, and a bit of spiciness from the garlic. These Greek burgers also call for what is perhaps the most popular condiment in Greece: Tzatziki.

To complete this Greek feast, pair these Greek Turkey Burgers with a Greek Tomato and Cucumber Salad, Greek Orzo Salad, or a Greek Tabbouleh Salad.

Ingredients

For the Burgers:

• Ground turkey – While turkey isn’t a usual main protein in Greece, it is a wonderful canvas for all of these bright flavors. Look for an 85/15% white/dark meat blend if possible — this will be richer and juicier than lean turkey meat, though either will work here.
• Crumbled feta – For sharp cheesy pockets.
• Minced fresh spinach – For a bit of freshness.
• Kalamata olives – This is optional, but adds such a delightful saltiness.
• Shallot and garlic – Offers great aromatic depth of flavor.
• Oregano – For a peppery and herbaceous flavor.
• Buns – Use your favorite type of hamburger bun.

To Serve:

• Tzatziki – The quintessential Greek sauce, which is a crunchy and creamy blend of cucumber, garlic, yogurt, and herbs, is great on this turkey burger. It’s easy to make Tzatziki at home!
• Lettuce, tomatoes, and onions – The perfect toppings for any burger.

How to Make Greek Turkey Burgers

1. Make the burgers: Combine the turkey, feta, spinach, kalamata olives, shallot, 1/2 teaspoon garlic, 2 teaspoons oregano, and salt using your hands.

2. Shape the patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions, and form a patty with each. Use your fingers to form a small indent in the middle of each patty.

3. Cook the patties: Preheat the grill to medium-high or preheat a nonstick or cast-iron pan. Grill or pan-sear the burgers for about 5 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.

4. Compose the burger: Serve the burgers hot on the buns with tzatziki, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions, as desired.

Forming Burger Patties

Unless you really, really feel the need to use a spoon, the best way to combine ground meat with other ingredients is with your hands. It helps you combine the ingredients the most thoroughly and prevents crushing the meat and ingredients, which can lead to denser burgers.

Most burgers swell in the center as they cook, and if you start with flat patties, you can end up with very puffy, kind of domed burgers—not so easy to pile the toppings on these. Use your thumbs to press an indent into the middle of each burger, abut 1-inch deep and an inch or so wide. Get tips for how to form perfect burger patties.

Then, as the middle expands during cooking, the burger will end up fairly flat. This is true whether you cook the burgers on a grill or in a pan, both of which are options here.

Cooking Turkey Burgers

Whether you are cooking the burgers in a skillet, as I did, or on the grill, you will want to cook the burgers to an internal temperature of 165 F, which is the safe temperature for cooking ground turkey.

What to Serve with Greek Turkey Burgers

Mediterranean Tomato Wheat Berry Salad with Fresh Herbs

Sautéed Corn and Zucchini in Lemony Browned Butter

Mayonnaise-Free Potato Salad

More Great Burger Recipes

• Chipotle Barbecue Turkey Burgers
• Buffalo Turkey Burger Sliders
• Asian Beef Mushroom Burgers
• Spanish Lamb Burgers with Romesco Sauce and Caramelized Onions
• Southwestern Vegan Black Bean Burgers