Spinach and Feta Turkey Burger with Tzatziki Sauce
This Spinach and Feta Turkey Burger with Tzatziki Sauce is juicy, flavorful, and packed with fresh Mediterranean ingredients for a healthy twist on a classic favorite.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Skillet or grill pan
- Spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Grater or box grater
- Knife and cutting board
- Serving plates
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon dry oregano
- 3 cups fresh spinach cooked and squeezed dry
- 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking burgers
- 4 whole-wheat burger buns
- 1 medium tomato sliced thin
- 1 red onion sliced thin
- 1/4 cup cucumber shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt for tzatziki
- 1 tablespoon dry dill
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons olive oil for tzatziki
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
Instructions
Prepare the Spinach
- Start by cooking your fresh spinach. You can sauté it lightly in a pan with a splash of water or steam it until wilted. Once cooked, squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
Make the Burger Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, garlic powder, kosher salt, and dry oregano. Add the cooked spinach and crumbled feta cheese. Mix gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Avoid over-mixing to keep the burgers tender.
Form the Patties
- Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a burger patty about 3/4-inch thick. Place them on a plate or tray and set aside while you prepare the tzatziki sauce.
Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine the shredded cucumber, kosher salt, dry dill, minced garlic, olive oil, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice. Stir well until all ingredients are combined into a creamy sauce. Taste and adjust salt or lemon juice if needed. Chill in the refrigerator if you have time.
Cook the Burgers
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the turkey patties. Cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the burgers are golden brown on the outside.
Toast the Buns
- While the burgers cook, slice your whole-wheat buns and toast them lightly on the grill or in a toaster oven. This adds a nice crunch and prevents the buns from getting soggy under the juicy patties.
Assemble the Burgers
- Spread a generous dollop of the tzatziki sauce on the bottom bun. Place the cooked turkey patty on top, followed by slices of tomato and red onion. Add any extra tzatziki if you like, then cap with the top bun. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure to squeeze out all excess moisture from the spinach to prevent soggy patties.
- Avoid over-mixing the turkey mixture to keep burgers tender and juicy.
- Cook burgers on medium heat to ensure they are cooked through without burning.
- Store tzatziki sauce separately to maintain its creamy texture when refrigerating leftovers.
- Freeze raw patties on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag for easy meal prep.