Name: Greek Turkey Burger Bowls with Tzatziki Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey (at least 90% lean); ½ cup finely chopped jarred roasted red pepper (patted dry); ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese; 2 garlic cloves (minced or ½ teaspoon garlic powder); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ¼ cup finely diced red onion; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (finely chopped or 1 teaspoon dried); 2 tablespoons fresh dill (finely chopped, optional or 1 teaspoon dried); ¼ cup finely chopped jarred pepperoncini peppers (patted dry, optional); Freshly ground black pepper to taste; ½ teaspoon kosher salt (or more to taste); Oil spray (for cooking); 8 cups chopped romaine or mixed greens; 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved); 2 cups cucumber (chopped); ½ cup thinly sliced red onion; ½ cup sliced kalamata olives; ½ to 1 cup crumbled feta cheese; ½ cup red wine vinaigrette (or dressing of choice); ½ cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade); Optional: fresh herbs (parsley or dill), lemon wedges, pita chips or triangles

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If you have been on the lookout for a nutritious yet bursting-with-flavor meal, the Greek Turkey Burger Bowls with Tzatziki Recipe will become your new go-to. These vibrant bowls bring together lean ground turkey infused with Mediterranean herbs and roasted red peppers, nestled on a bed of crisp romaine and fresh veggies, all crowned with creamy, refreshing tzatziki. It’s a colorful, satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress with minimal effort but maximum taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Four cooked patties with a golden-brown crust and some darker spots are placed inside a large black cast iron pan. The patties have small visible pieces of red and white ingredients mixed throughout. The pan has visible oil spots and some tiny burnt bits. A small brown bowl with white salt and a wooden spoon is placed above the pan on the white marbled surface. A striped cloth is partially visible below the pan. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in balancing freshness, texture, and that unmistakable Greek flair. They are simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create something special and wholesome.

Ground turkey (1 pound, 90% lean): Provides a lean, protein-packed base that absorbs all the vibrant flavors.
Roasted red pepper (½ cup, finely chopped): Adds sweetness and a smoky undertone to the turkey mixture.
Feta cheese (⅓ cup crumbled + ½ to 1 cup for topping): Brings tanginess and a creamy texture that’s pure Greek delight.
Garlic cloves (2 minced or ½ teaspoon garlic powder): Offers a fragrant, savory punch that wakes up every bite.
Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Classic Mediterranean herb that enhances the turkey’s flavor with earthiness.
Red onion (¼ cup finely diced + ½ cup thinly sliced): Provides a sharp, crunchy freshness to the burger and salad layers.
Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons finely chopped): Adds herbaceous brightness and a dash of green.
Fresh dill (2 tablespoons finely chopped, optional): Lends a distinctive aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with tzatziki.
Pepperoncini peppers (¼ cup finely chopped, optional): Introduces a subtle tangy heat for those who like a bit more zip.
Freshly ground black pepper: To taste for seasoning depth and subtle spice.
Kosher salt (½ teaspoon, plus extra to taste): Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the dish.
Romaine or mixed greens (8 cups chopped): Crisp and fresh base that adds crunch and color to the bowl.
Cherry tomatoes (2 cups, halved): Juicy bursts of sweetness that balance the savoriness.
Cucumber (2 cups chopped): Cool, hydrating crunch to brighten every bite.
Kalamata olives (½ cup sliced): Adds salty brininess that evokes true Greek flavors.
Red wine vinaigrette (½ cup): Light dressing that ties the salad ingredients together with acidity and tang.
Tzatziki sauce (½ cup): Creamy, refreshing finish that cools and complements the turkey perfectly.
Optional garnishes (fresh herbs, lemon wedges, pita chips): For extra visual appeal and flavor layers.

How to Make Greek Turkey Burger Bowls with Tzatziki Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Burger Mixture

Start by combining the ground turkey with finely chopped roasted red pepper, crumbled feta, minced garlic, oregano, red onion, fresh parsley, and if you like, dill and pepperoncini peppers. Season generously with black pepper. Mix everything gently with your hands or a spatula until well combined, ensuring each bite is packed with bold flavors.

Step 2: Shape and Season the Patties

Divide the mixture into four equal parts and form large patties on a nonstick surface like parchment paper. Season the tops with kosher salt. This not only seasons the meat but enhances the natural flavors as the burgers cook.

Step 3: Cook the Turkey Burgers

Heat a large sauté pan with a light coat of oil spray over medium-high heat or preheat a grill pan. Cook the patties for about 6 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and are no longer pink in the center. After flipping, sprinkle kosher salt again to lock in seasoning and encourage crisp, flavorful crust formation.

Step 4: Build the Salad Base

While the burgers cook, toss together chopped romaine or mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped cucumber, sliced red onion, and kalamata olives in a large bowl. Crumble ½ to 1 cup of feta over the top and drizzle with red wine vinaigrette. Toss gently to coat everything evenly, creating a vibrant salad base full of texture and color.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

Divide the salad mixture among four bowls, then place a warm turkey burger on top of each. Finally, add a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce on each burger. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill, lemon wedges, or pita chips if desired, for that extra special touch.

How to Serve Greek Turkey Burger Bowls with Tzatziki Recipe

The image shows a white plate with four browned, round patties that have red bits inside, placed on a white marbled surface. To the right is a round white plate with a bright salad made up of sliced green cucumbers, red tomato wedges, thin purple onion slices, and white crumbled cheese spread on top. Above the salad is a small wooden bowl with white crumbled cheese, next to fresh green herbs. On the left side is a large white bowl filled with mixed green leaves including spinach and other leafy greens. Near it are two small bowls, one with dark purple olives and the other with green capers, each with a silver spoon. Below the salad bowl is a small bowl with a creamy white sauce mixed with green herbs and a wooden spoon inside. A small glass jar of light brown liquid with a silver spoon is near the sauce bowl. A black and white checkered napkin and a gold-handled utensil sit to the left, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs such as chopped parsley or dill add a fragrant herbal brightness to your bowls, while a squeeze of lemon juice lifts the entire dish with a vibrant zing. Crispy pita chips offer a pleasing crunch and additional Mediterranean flair to make the meal even more fun to eat.

Side Dishes

These bowls are substantial on their own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider serving alongside lemon-roasted potatoes, a light Greek orzo salad, or grilled vegetables. Something with a bit of char or roasting will complement the juicy turkey burgers and cool tzatziki beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For family dinners or casual gatherings, serve the components buffet-style to let everyone build their own bowls. Or layer ingredients in clear jars or bowls for a stunning layered lunch presentation. You might also serve the turkey burgers open-faced on pita bread for a fun twist, still topped with tzatziki, veggies, and feta.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover turkey burgers and salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps keep the greens crisp and the burgers juicy. The tzatziki sauce should also be kept chilled in its own container to maintain freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked turkey burgers by wrapping each patty tightly in plastic wrap and placing them into a freezer-safe bag. They’ll maintain their flavor and texture for up to 3 months. However, salad ingredients and tzatziki do not freeze well, so prepare those fresh when serving.

Reheating

Reheat turkey burgers gently in a sauté pan or microwave until warmed through. To keep them moist, cover loosely while reheating. Once hot, assemble your bowls with fresh salad and tzatziki to enjoy a meal that tastes just made.

FAQs

Can I make the burgers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and shape the turkey patties a day in advance and refrigerate them. Just be sure to season and cook them fresh for the best flavor and texture.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

While this recipe is designed with turkey, you can swap the patties for grilled portobello mushrooms or falafel to keep the Mediterranean vibe vegetarian-friendly.

Can I use homemade tzatziki?

Definitely! Homemade tzatziki enhances freshness and flavor. It’s easy to make with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill, and olive oil, but store-bought tzatziki works great too when you’re short on time.

What if I don’t have pepperoncini peppers?

They’re optional and add a mild tangy heat, but you can omit them without losing the essence of the dish. For a substitute, try mild banana peppers or simply add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little spice.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! The recipe itself is naturally gluten-free as long as the dressing and tzatziki you use don’t contain gluten ingredients. Just skip the pita chips or choose gluten-free pita if serving on the side.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to try this vibrant Greek Turkey Burger Bowls with Tzatziki Recipe soon. It’s a bright, nutritious meal that never feels boring and always delivers on flavor and texture. Whether for a weeknight dinner or an impressive lunch, you’ll love how effortlessly it brings a bit of sunshine and Mediterranean charm to your table.