GREEK TURKEY (OR CHICKEN) BURGERS

September 05, 2023

Looking for an easy meal prep option or grilling idea for this weekend? These Greek Turkey Burgers are delicious, juicy, and flavorful! I just love how the flavors of oregano, parsley, garlic, and feta come together! Feel free to toss in a couple tablespoons of fresh mint or dill if that’s your jam ;) You could even add some chopped kalamata olives or sun-dried tomatoes to these. These burgers are gluten-free, low carb, high protein, and easily made dairy-free! 

Did you know? Turkey meat is rich in B vitamins, including B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine), and B12 (cobalamin). These vitamins (respectively) support energy production and cell communication, the production of amino acids and neurotransmitters, and the formation of DNA and red blood cells! (source)

Choosing the best meat

You can use ground turkey like I did, or ground chicken or ground beef. However, whichever meat ground you choose, I don’t recommend using anything leaner than 93% or your burgers will come out rather dry and dense. I also try to buy “organic” or at least “no antibiotics ever” when purchasing poultry. “Organic” poultry must be both naturally raised and free range (having access to pasture). Their feed also has to be certified organic – free of GMOs, pesticides, and chemical fertilizers.

Making the burgers

These burgers get their flavor from red onion, fresh parsley, minced garlic, and dried oregano. Fresh mint or dill are optional but recommended! You can totally substitute the minced garlic for one and a half teaspoons of garlic powder - I've tried it and it's still delicious! You can also substitute the fresh herbs for one third as much dried but it won't taste as fresh or authentic.  

There are a few optional things you can add in, such as the spinach, crumbled feta, kalamata olives, or sundried tomatoes! If you can’t have dairy, I suggest swapping the crumbled feta for some vegan feta, chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes.

The burger fixings

I served my burgers on gluten-free hamburger buns (you could also use mini pitas) with cucumber, red onion, and tomato. Slice everything thin so it's easier to eat! 

I also whipped up an easy tzatziki (yogurt cucumber dip) that I’ll post below with the burger recipe. All you need for that is plain Greek yogurt, Store-bought tzatziki would be scrumptious too!

Okay, here’s the printable recipe for these Greek Turkey Burgers! I’d love for you to comment below and/or rate this recipe if you try it 🙂

This post contains affiliate links.

Greek Turkey (or Chicken) Burgers

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Category

Dinner

Cuisine

Mediterranean

Servings

9

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Calories

171

Looking for an easy meal prep option or grilling idea for this weekend? These Greek Turkey Burgers are delicious, juicy, and flavorful! I just love how the flavors of oregano, parsley, garlic, and feta come together! Feel free to toss in a couple tablespoons of fresh mint or dill if that’s your jam ;) You could even add some chopped kalamata olives or sun-dried tomatoes to these. These burgers are gluten-free, low carb, high protein, and easily made dairy-free!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. 93% lean ground turkey* (or ground chicken)

• 1 cup chopped frozen or sautéed spinach (optional)

• 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese* (or chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes)

• 3/4 cup finely diced red onion

• 3 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley*

• 1-2 tbsp. chopped dill or mint* (optional)

• 2 tbsp. (6 medium cloves) minced garlic* (or 1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder)

• 2 tsp. dried oregano*

• 1 tsp. pepper

• 1/2 tsp. salt (more to taste)

Yogurt cucumber spread:

• 6 oz. 2% plain Greek yogurt (I like Fage brand)

• 1/2 cup grated cucumber (water squeezed out)

• 1 tbsp. lemon juice

• 1 1/2 tsp. fresh dill (or 1/2 tsp. dried dill)

• 1/2 tsp. (2 cloves) minced garlic (or 3/8 tsp. garlic powder)

• 1/2 tsp. salt (can use less if salt sensitive)

*See blog post above for notes.

Directions

1. Combine ingredients for yogurt cucumber spread if making.

2. Combine the burger ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Mix just until combined.

3. Shape into nine equal patties about 5.3 ounces each.

4. Grill (or pan-fry over medium heat) 6-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Set aside on a plate.

5. Meanwhile, slice red onion, tomato, and cucumber for serving and toast buns if desired.

6. Serve burgers warm on a bun with 2 tbsp. spread and sliced vegetables, or store burgers in the fridge in an airtight container until ready to eat. Burgers will keep up to 5 days in the fridge or up to a month in the freezer.

Recipe Note

Calories (per burger, including optional ingredients*): 171kcal, Fat: 9.3g, Sat fat: 4.3g, Carbs: 4g, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Protein: 22g, Sodium: 299mg

Calories (per 2 tbsp. spread, including optionals): 15kcal, Fat: 0g, Sat fat: 0g, Carbs: 2g, Fiber: 0g, Sugar: 1g, Protein: 2g, Sodium: 80mg

*Not including bun, tomatoes, cucumber, or red onion. 

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