Mediterranean Turkey Burger

These Mediterranean turkey burgers are packed with fresh herbs, garlic, lemon zest, and a little Greek yogurt to keep them juicy and tender. I top them with a refreshing arugula and feta salad and a creamy garlic yogurt sauce that brings everything together.

What I love most about these burgers is how much flavor you get in every bite. You’ve got the savory, herb-packed turkey, the brightness of the lemon, the saltiness of the feta, and that tangy garlic sauce. Plus, you can cook them on the grill or in a cast-iron skillet, so they’re just as good for a summer cookout as they are for a weeknight dinner.

What Makes These Mediterranean Turkey Burgers So Good?

Ground turkey has a reputation for being dry, but it doesn’t have to be. The key is starting with the right meat, adding ingredients that bring moisture and flavor, and making sure you don’t overcook the patties.

I prefer ground turkey thigh meat because it generally has more fat than ground turkey breast, which helps keep the burgers juicy. I also mix a little Greek yogurt and olive oil directly into the meat, along with fresh dill, parsley, oregano, garlic, and lemon zest.

Instead of the usual lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise, I finish these burgers with a simple arugula and feta salad and a homemade garlic yogurt sauce. The combination makes the whole burger feel fresh without sacrificing any of that satisfying, savory flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground turkey: I prefer ground turkey thigh meat for its richer flavor and juicier texture. If you can only find a leaner ground turkey blend, it will still work, but be especially careful not to overcook it.

Greek yogurt: This is one of my favorite additions to the burger mixture. A tablespoon adds moisture and a little tang without overpowering the turkey. I also use Greek yogurt as the base for the garlic sauce.

Fresh dill and parsley: These herbs bring freshness to the patties. I love the combination of dill, parsley, and dried oregano for that Mediterranean-inspired flavor.

Red onion and garlic: Finely chopped red onion and garlic add savory flavor throughout the burgers. Make sure they’re chopped small enough to distribute evenly without leaving large pieces in the patties.

Lemon zest: Lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy aroma without introducing extra liquid into the turkey mixture.

Feta and arugula: Rather than mixing feta into the burgers, I use it in a fresh arugula salad with lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. It gives every bite a little peppery crunch and salty richness.

Garlic yogurt sauce: This simple sauce combines Greek yogurt, fresh dill, garlic, sumac, salt, and white wine vinegar. It’s creamy, tangy, and a great alternative to traditional burger sauces.

How to Make Mediterranean Turkey Burgers

1. Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce

I like to start with the sauce so it has time to chill while I prepare the burgers.

Mix the Greek yogurt, chopped dill, garlic, sumac, salt, and white wine vinegar in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the seasoning until you have the balance of tanginess and garlic you like.

Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to assemble the burgers.

2. Prepare the Turkey Burger Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, finely chopped red onion, parsley, dill, dried oregano, garlic, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, pepper, and Greek yogurt.

Mix gently until everything is evenly distributed. You want the ingredients combined, but avoid overworking the meat, which can make the burgers dense.

Cover the mixture and refrigerate for 30 minutes. I like this step because it gives the herbs and seasonings time to mingle and makes the mixture easier to shape.

3. Shape the Patties

Remove the turkey mixture from the refrigerator and divide it into four equal portions.

Gently shape each portion into a burger patty, keeping the thickness as even as possible so they cook consistently.

4. Cook on the Grill or in a Cast-Iron Skillet

One of the best things about this recipe is that you can cook the burgers either way.

Cast-iron skillet: Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add a light drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, add the turkey burgers and cook for approximately 4–5 minutes per side, adjusting the time depending on thickness.

Outdoor grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and clean and lightly oil the grates. Place the patties on the grill and cook for approximately 4–5 minutes per side, flipping carefully.

Whichever method you choose, use a meat thermometer to make sure the center of each burger reaches 165°F.

5. Make the Arugula and Feta Salad

While the burgers rest for 2–3 minutes, toss a large handful of arugula with crumbled feta, fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper.

I like keeping this salad simple because it adds freshness and a little acidity without competing with the flavor of the burgers.

6. Assemble the Burgers

Lightly toast your favorite burger buns, then spread the garlic yogurt sauce on both the top and bottom halves.

Add a turkey burger to the bottom bun, followed by a generous handful of the arugula and feta salad. Finish with the top bun and serve immediately.

Turkey Burgers Don’t Have to Be Boring!

Let’s be real, turkey burgers don’t always have the best reputation. But when they’re done right, they can be just as juicy and flavorful as a great beef burger.

My secret is using ground turkey thigh meat, mixing in a little Greek yogurt, and loading the patties with fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon zest. Then I top everything with a bright arugula and feta salad and a creamy garlic yogurt sauce. Whether I’m cooking them on the grill or in a cast-iron skillet, these are anything but your average turkey burgers.

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Mediterranean Turkey Burger

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These juicy Mediterranean turkey burgers are packed with fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon zest, then topped with a bright arugula-feta salad and creamy garlic yogurt sauce. Cook them on the grill or in a cast-iron skillet for an easy, flavor-packed meal.

Prep 45 minutes mins

Cook 15 minutes mins

Total 1 hour hr

Makes 4 burgers

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Ingredients  

1x2xCustom

For the Turkey

• ▢ 1 lb ground turkey thigh preferred for juiciness
• ▢ ½ small red onion
• ▢ 2 tbsp parsley
• ▢ 2 tbsp fresh dill
• ▢ 1 tsp dried oregano
• ▢ 2 cloves garlic
• ▢ 1 Zest of lemon
• ▢ 1 tbsp olive oil
• ▢ 1 tsp kosher salt
• ▢ ½ tsp black pepper
• ▢ 1 tbsp Greek yogurt
• ▢ Burger Buns of choice

For the Arugula Salad

• ▢ Large handful of arugula salad
• ▢ Feta
• ▢ Lemon juice
• ▢ EVOO
• ▢ Salt
• ▢ Pepper

For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce

• ▢ 1 cup Greek yogurt
• ▢ 2 tbsp fresh dill
• ▢ Sumac
• ▢ 2 garlic cloves
• ▢ Salt
• ▢ White wine vinegar

Instructions 

Cook Mode

• In a small bowl, mix together all the garlic yogurt sauce ingredients. Taste, and adjust seasoning as needed, then set aside in the fridge.
• In a large bowl add all the turkey burger ingredients (except for the buns), then mix together until fully combined. Then transfer to the fridge for 30 minutes and allow the meat to marinate. This will help the patties hold their shape and increase flavor.
• Remove the turkey mixture from fridge, and shape into 4 burger patties.
• Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle with olive oil (or you can cook them on a grill). Then grill/sear the burgers for 4-5 minutes per side, or until internal temp reaches 165°.
• Let the burgers rest for 2-3 minutes. While they rest, mix together the arugula, feta, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and EVOO (all to taste).
• Toast your buns. Then assemble the burgers by adding some garlic yogurt sauce on the bottom and top bun. Then add the burger on the bottom bun, followed by a small handful of the arugula salad. Top with the top bun and enjoy!