Flavorful & Healthy Greek Turkey Burgers with Zesty Homemade Tzatziki Sauce
There’s nothing quite like the joy of grilling up a batch of delicious, homemade burgers on a beautiful weekend. They are incredibly versatile, allowing you to choose your favorite ground meat and infuse it with an array of seasonings and extras that truly make them your own. While beef burgers are a classic, I find myself increasingly drawn to ground turkey, especially when aiming for a lighter, yet equally satisfying meal. The subtle taste of a well-prepared turkey burger is simply delightful!
These Greek Turkey Burgers are a testament to how flavorful healthy eating can be. The addition of feta cheese provides just the right amount of tang and saltiness, enhancing the Mediterranean profile without being overpowering. Even if you’re not typically a huge fan of feta, as I confess I often am not, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how wonderfully it complements these burgers. They are genuinely delicious!
But what truly elevates these burgers is the accompanying 0-point (on Weight Watchers) tzatziki sauce. This creamy, refreshing condiment is an absolute must-have, tying all the vibrant flavors together and adding a cool, zesty finish to every bite. This recipe yields four generously sized burgers, each coming in at just 2 points on Weight Watchers, making them an ideal choice for a health-conscious meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Why You’ll Love These Greek Turkey Burgers
These aren’t just any turkey burgers; they’re a culinary escape to the Mediterranean! Combining lean ground turkey with fresh spinach, aromatic garlic, crisp red onion, and a hint of zesty lemon, these burgers pack a punch of flavor. The crumbled feta cheese introduces a creamy, salty element that perfectly balances the fresh herbs and spices. They’re quick to prepare, versatile enough for various dietary needs, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue, a simple weeknight dinner, or meal prepping for the week ahead, these Greek Turkey Burgers are sure to become a new family favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions About These Burgers
Can I use chicken or ground beef for this recipe?
Absolutely, yes! These burgers are incredibly versatile, and the recipe can easily be adapted to your preference. If you prefer a different flavor profile or simply have other ground meat on hand, feel free to substitute ground chicken or even ground beef. Keep in mind that using ground beef might slightly increase the point value on Weight Watchers, depending on the leanness of the meat, but the delicious Greek flavors will still shine through beautifully. Ground chicken will offer a similar lean profile to turkey, making it another excellent healthy choice.
I don’t like feta, can I substitute the cheese for something else?
While the short answer is yes, substitutions are always possible in cooking, I encourage you to give the feta a try in this particular recipe! Many people, myself included, aren’t always big fans of feta on its own due to its strong, salty flavor. However, when crumbled and mixed into the burger patties, the feta’s taste becomes much more subtle and harmonious. It adds a lovely savory depth and a unique Mediterranean character that really makes these burgers delicious.
If you’re still hesitant, you can certainly experiment with other cheeses. A mild grated cheese like part-skim mozzarella or even a subtle goat cheese could work. For a creamy texture, ricotta or cottage cheese (ensure it’s well-drained) could also be interesting alternatives, though they will alter the flavor profile significantly. The key is to choose something that melts well and complements the other Greek-inspired ingredients.
*NOTE ON WEIGHT WATCHERS POINTS- The Weight Watchers points for these burgers can vary slightly based on the brand of feta used. For instance, the brand I typically use accounts for 7 SmartPoints for 1/3 cup. If you discover a lower-point feta cheese option, it could potentially reduce the overall points per burger. On the Blue & Purple plans, the points primarily come from the feta. For the Green plan, both the feta and the ground turkey contribute to the total SmartPoints. Always check your specific ingredients for the most accurate point calculation.
Cooking and Storing Tips for Perfect Burgers
Achieving a perfectly cooked burger is easier than you think. While I personally love the smoky char and flavor that grilling imparts, these versatile burgers can be cooked using several methods to suit your equipment and preferences:
- Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Pan-Frying: If grilling isn’t an option, a frying pan on the stovetop works wonderfully. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat with a light spray of cooking oil. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through to 165°F (74°C).
- Air Frying: For a quick and convenient option, the air fryer is fantastic! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Cook the burgers for approximately 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. Always check the internal temperature to ensure they are fully cooked.
Meal Prep and Freezing Instructions:
These Greek Turkey Burgers are excellent for meal prepping. You can prepare them ahead of time and store them in the freezer, either cooked or uncooked. This makes for super-convenient meals on busy weeknights!
- Freezing Uncooked Patties: Form the patties and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for about 1-2 hours until firm. Then, transfer the frozen patties to an airtight freezer bag or container, separating them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before grilling, pan-frying, or air frying as usual.
- Freezing Cooked Patties: Cook the burgers as directed and let them cool completely. Wrap each burger individually in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer bag or container. Store for up to 3 months. To reheat, you can microwave them, warm them in a pan, or even pop them back into the air fryer until heated through.
Mastering the Homemade Tzatziki Sauce
The 0-point tzatziki sauce is the crown jewel of these Greek Turkey Burgers. Its cool, creamy, and tangy profile perfectly complements the savory burgers. Making it from scratch is incredibly simple and yields far superior results to store-bought versions. Here are some essential tips to ensure your tzatziki is absolutely perfect:
- Cucumber Preparation is Key: The most crucial step for a non-watery tzatziki is properly preparing your cucumber. First, cut the cucumber lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the watery middle seeded area. This prevents the sauce from becoming too thin. Once de-seeded, grate the cucumber using a box grater or food processor.
- Squeeze Out Excess Water: After grating, place the cucumber in a bowl and add a pinch of salt. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. The salt will draw out more moisture. Then, transfer the grated cucumber to a cheesecloth, a clean tea towel, or even a strong paper towel, and firmly squeeze out as much excess water as possible. This step is vital for a thick, creamy sauce.
- Vinegar Choice: While red wine vinegar adds an authentic, distinct flavor to tzatziki, you can absolutely use other types of vinegar if you don’t have it on hand. White vinegar or apple cider vinegar can work as substitutes, though they may subtly alter the overall taste.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: Don’t skimp on the fresh dill! It’s a cornerstone of classic tzatziki flavor. Freshly minced garlic and lemon juice also contribute significantly to the sauce’s bright and fresh taste.
- Storage: Once prepared, store your homemade tzatziki sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to two weeks, making it another excellent component for meal prep. If you anticipate not using all of it, feel free to halve the recipe.
Greek Turkey Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce
Ingredients for Greek Turkey Burgers
- 1 lb ground turkey (preferably 93/7 or leaner for best results)
- 3/4 cup chopped spinach (fresh or frozen, thawed and squeezed dry)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (for a pungent flavor)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced (adds a subtle sweetness and crunch)
- 1/3 cup light crumbled feta (for that signature Greek tang)
- 1/2 lemon, squeezed (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
- 1 tsp fresh lemon zest (brightens all the flavors)
- 1 tsp dried oregano (essential for Greek flavor)
- 1/2 tsp salt & pepper (1/2 of each, adjust to taste)
Ingredients for Homemade Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup 0% plain greek yogurt (for a creamy, low-fat base)
- 1/2 cup grated english cucumber (*see instructions below for preparation)
- 1 garlic clove, minced (freshly minced for best flavor)
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (essential for authentic tzatziki flavor)
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar (adds depth and tang)
- 1/4 tsp pepper (freshly ground is best)
Instructions for Greek Turkey Burgers
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In a large mixing bowl, combine all the Greek Turkey Burger ingredients: ground turkey, chopped spinach, minced garlic, finely diced red onion, light crumbled feta, squeezed lemon juice, fresh lemon zest, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently but thoroughly mix everything until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the burgers tough. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into burger patties, about 3/4 to 1 inch thick. You can make a small indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from bulging while cooking.
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To Cook: Grill the patties on a preheated barbecue over medium-high heat for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, these can be pan-fried: heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat with a little cooking spray or olive oil, and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side. For air frying, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for approximately 12-15 minutes, flipping the burgers halfway through. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
Instructions for Homemade Tzatziki Sauce
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Begin by preparing the cucumber for the tzatziki sauce. Cut the English cucumber lengthwise in half. Using a spoon, carefully scoop out the soft, watery middle seeded area to prevent your sauce from becoming too thin. Once de-seeded, grate the cucumber finely using a box grater.
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Place the 1/2 cup of grated cucumber in a small bowl and sprinkle a pinch of salt over it. Let the salted cucumber sit for about 10 minutes; this process helps to draw out additional moisture. After 10 minutes, gather the grated cucumber into a clean cheesecloth or a thin tea towel and firmly squeeze out as much excess water as possible. This step is crucial for a thick and creamy tzatziki.
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In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the drained grated cucumber with 0% plain Greek yogurt, minced garlic clove, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped fresh dill, red wine vinegar, and pepper. Stir all the tzatziki ingredients together until well combined. For the best flavor, cover the bowl and let the sauce chill in the fridge for at least one hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen.
Notes
Personal Points- 2-3 depending on your 0PP foods
Smart points- blue & purple- 2 using WW recipe builder
Smart points- green- 3 using WW recipe builder
Points plus- 4 using PP calculator
Nutritional info (for 1 burger) Calories… 173…Fat 4.2g…Sat fat 1.2g…Carbs 2.4g…Fiber 0.6g…Sugar 0.6g…Protein 29.2g.. using My Fitness Pal *note- these numbers include all ingredients, even 0SP foods
Tzatziki sauce- makes 10 servings approx- 2 Tbsp each serving.. 0SP on all programs per serving.. Nutritional info..Calories 14…Fat 0g..Sat fat 0g..Carbs 1g…Fiber 0.1g…Sugar 0.8g… Protein 2.3g
Additional Info
Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal
Once your Greek Turkey Burgers and creamy Tzatziki are ready, the possibilities for serving are endless! For a traditional approach, serve them on toasted whole-wheat buns or inside warm pita bread with a smear of extra tzatziki, fresh slices of tomato, crisp lettuce, and perhaps some thinly sliced red onion. For a lighter, low-carb option, consider serving them in sturdy lettuce wraps.
To round out your meal, pair these delicious burgers with some complementary side dishes. A classic Greek salad, roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers, or even a side of sweet potato fries would be fantastic. You could also offer a vibrant quinoa salad tossed with olives, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon-herb dressing. The fresh and savory flavors of these burgers are versatile enough to work with a wide range of healthy sides.
Conclusion: Your New Go-To Healthy Burger Recipe!
These Greek Turkey Burgers with homemade Tzatziki sauce are more than just a meal; they’re an experience in fresh, Mediterranean-inspired dining. They prove that healthy eating can be incredibly flavorful and satisfying. With their lean protein, vibrant herbs, and creamy, zero-point sauce, they’re perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious burger without compromising on their health goals. Easy to make, versatile, and incredibly tasty, these burgers are sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. So fire up the grill, mix up that tzatziki, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Greece right in your own backyard!