Mediterranean Turkey Delight Burgers
Discover a delightful twist on traditional burgers with these Mediterranean Turkey Delight Burgers. Perfectly seasoned ground turkey is combined with the rich flavors of kalamata olives, fresh herbs, and creamy feta cheese, creating a unique and tasty patty that bursts with Mediterranean-inspired goodness. Served in warm pita bread and topped with fresh vegetables and a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce, these burgers are not only delicious but also quick to prepare, making them an ideal meal for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. Share this with friends and family for a taste of Greece at your dinner table!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
20
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground turkey
1 lb (none)
kalamata olives
1/3 cup (roughly chopped)
parsley
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
dried oregano
1 teaspoon (none)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
Greek feta cheese
1 cup (crumbled, divided)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (ground)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for frying)
pita bread
4 (none)
lettuce leaves
8 (Romaine, Green leaf or Red leaf, washed)
tomato
1 (sliced thin into rounds)
red onion
1/2 (sliced thin into rounds)
Greek yogurt
8 ounces (for tzatziki)
English cucumber
1/4 (peeled and grated)
dill
2 teaspoons (chopped)
lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (for tzatziki)
kosher salt
to taste (none)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the tzatziki sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, chopped dill, lemon juice, and a pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Mix thoroughly, adding 1-2 tablespoons of water to thin the sauce to your desired consistency. Set aside in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld.
2
For the turkey burgers: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, roughly chopped kalamata olives, finely chopped parsley, dried oregano, minced garlic, 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
3
Divide the turkey mixture into four equal portions and shape each portion into a burger patty.
4
Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the turkey patties to the skillet. Cook for approximately 4 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the patties are cooked through and golden brown.
5
Assemble the burgers: Take a piece of warm pita bread and layer it with lettuce leaves, a slice or two of fresh tomato, and slices of red onion. Place a turkey burger on top, then garnish with the remaining crumbled feta cheese and a generous dollop of the tzatziki sauce. Serve immediately, and enjoy this vibrant Mediterranean meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mediterranean Turkey Delight Burgers?
Mediterranean Turkey Delight Burgers are a flavorful twist on traditional burgers made with ground turkey, kalamata olives, fresh herbs, and feta cheese, served in warm pita bread with homemade tzatziki.
What is the main protein in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 lb of ground turkey as the primary protein source.
How do I make the homemade tzatziki sauce?
Combine 8 ounces of Greek yogurt, 1/4 of a peeled and grated English cucumber, 2 teaspoons of chopped dill, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
How many burger patties does this recipe yield?
The recipe yields four equal-sized burger patties.
What is the recommended internal temperature for cooking the turkey burgers?
The turkey patties should be cooked until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How long should I cook the turkey patties on each side?
Cook the patties for approximately 4 minutes on each side in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
What type of bread is used for these burgers?
The recipe calls for 4 pieces of warm pita bread instead of traditional burger buns.
What ingredients are mixed into the turkey patties?
The patties consist of ground turkey, chopped kalamata olives, parsley, dried oregano, minced garlic, 1/2 cup of crumbled feta, salt, and black pepper.
How do I thin the tzatziki sauce if it is too thick?
You can add 1-2 tablespoons of water to the tzatziki mixture to reach your desired consistency.
What kind of olives are used in this Mediterranean recipe?
The recipe specifically uses 1/3 cup of roughly chopped kalamata olives.
Is the feta cheese used in the burgers or as a topping?
Feta cheese is used both ways: 1/2 cup is mixed into the patties and the remaining 1/2 cup is used as a garnish.
What fresh herbs are needed for this recipe?
You will need fresh parsley for the burger patties and fresh dill for the tzatziki sauce.
What are the recommended vegetable toppings for the assembly?
The burgers are topped with lettuce leaves, sliced tomato, and sliced red onion.
What kind of lettuce should I use?
You can use Romaine, Green leaf, or Red leaf lettuce based on your preference.
How much garlic is required for the patties?
The recipe requires 1 minced garlic clove for the burger mixture.
Is the cucumber for the tzatziki supposed to be peeled?
Yes, the 1/4 English cucumber should be peeled and then grated.
How much olive oil is used for frying the patties?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used in the skillet to fry the turkey patties.
Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?
Yes, it is recommended to set it aside in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the burgers.
Is dried oregano used in this recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano is added to the ground turkey mixture.
How much lemon juice is used in the sauce?
The tzatziki sauce requires 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Are these burgers considered healthy?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as 'healthy' and uses lean ground turkey and fresh ingredients.
What type of cucumber is recommended?
An English cucumber is specified for the tzatziki sauce portion of the recipe.
Is kosher salt or table salt used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of standard salt in the patties and kosher salt to taste in the tzatziki.
What is the primary equipment needed for cooking the burgers?
A large nonstick skillet is the primary tool used for cooking the patties on the stovetop.
How much parsley is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of finely chopped parsley.
Are Mediterranean Turkey Delight Burgers suitable for weeknights?
Yes, they are described as quick to prepare and ideal for busy weeknights.
What flavor profile can I expect from these burgers?
The burgers offer a vibrant Greek-inspired flavor profile with creamy feta, salty olives, and refreshing tzatziki.
Should the pita bread be cold or warm?
The recipe recommends using warm pita bread for assembly.
How is the red onion prepared?
The red onion should be sliced thin into rounds before being added to the burger.
Can I use these for a weekend gathering?
Yes, they are suggested as a great option for weekend gatherings to share with friends and family.