These Mediterranean Turkey Burgers are bursting with flavor and remarkably simple to prepare. Made with lean ground turkey, savory Kalamata olives, aromatic green onions, fresh herbs, horseradish Dijon, and a tasty blend of feta and gruyere cheese, these burgers are packed full of flavor. Whether you choose to fire up the grill during summer or sizzle them in a pan indoors, these tasty turkey burgers can be ready in about 20 minutes.
Jump to:
- Ingredients needed to make Mediterranean Turkey Burgers:
- How to Prepare Mediterranean Turkey Burgers: Grilling and Pan Frying Options
- Cooking Tips and Techniques for Perfect Mediterranean Turkey Burgers
- Delicious Side Dishes to Complement Your Mediterranean Turkey Burgers
- What tools do I need to make this recipe?
- Looking for more dinner inspiration?
- Mediterranean Turkey Burgers
Ingredients needed to make Mediterranean Turkey Burgers:
- Ground turkey - Opt for extra-lean 99/1 fat percentage for minimal shrinkage while cooking. You can use a fattier percentage if desired, but consider adding a binder like breadcrumbs or ground pork rinds if the meat is loose.
- Kalamata olives - These dark purple olives add a bold and briny flavor to the burgers.
- Onions - I prefer to use mild green onions in the burger meat and then serve red onions on the side as an optional topping.
- Feta cheese - A soft cheese with lovely creaminess and a salty profile
- Gruyere cheese - A sharp cheese with earthy, nutty, and buttery flavor
- Horseradish Dijon mustard - I love the gentle spice this adds to these turkey burgers. If you prefer, you can substitute traditional Dijon mustard mixed with a bit of horseradish cream.
- Egg - A large egg helps bind the meat so it doesn't fall apart when you cook the burger patties.
- Fresh herbs - I use fresh parsley and dill for these turkey burgers, but you are welcome to swap in dried parsley and if that's what you have on hand.
- Salt and pepper - A small amount of Kosher salt and cracked black pepper helps flavor the meat.
- Burger buns or alternative - I love serving these turkey burgers with a brioche burger bun, but we are just as likely to skip the bun and serve these Mediterranean Turkey Burgers over a simple salad or slaw -- This Horseradish Dill Slaw is my favorite option to pair with these. It also makes a tremendous burger topping if you do choose to use a bun.
- Additional toppings - If you don't feel like topping these burgers with slaw, I alternatively love to top these burgers with a cool Tzatziki Sauce. They are also great with sliced red onion and tomatoes.
How to Prepare Mediterranean Turkey Burgers: Grilling and Pan Frying Options
To prepare delicious Mediterranean turkey burgers, start by combining all the ingredients in a medium bowl until well combined. Form the mixture into 4 patties, each about 1-inch thick, and set them aside.
Grilling Method
For a smoky and flavorful experience, preheat your grill to medium-high, around 450 degrees F/ 230 degrees C. Place the turkey burgers on the grill and cook for approximately 6-7 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit / 74 degrees Celsius.
The grilling process imparts a beautiful char and intensifies the juicy turkey's natural flavors. Once cooked to perfection, serve the grilled turkey burgers on your favorite burger buns with a variety of toppings. Personally, I love to pair mine with a Horseradish Dill Slaw, but they also go well with sliced red onion and tomatoes, or served atop a bed of fresh salad or slaw.
Pan Frying Method
If you prefer a stovetop cooking method, pan frying is an excellent option. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the turkey burgers to the hot skillet and cook for approximately 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit / 74 degrees Celsius.
Pan frying offers a convenient and quick way to cook the turkey burgers while still achieving a flavorful result. You can enjoy them with the same choice of toppings as mentioned earlier, creating a satisfying meal.
Both grilling and pan frying have their benefits. Grilling infuses the turkey burgers with a smoky char and enhances their juiciness, while pan frying provides a convenient cooking method that yields equally delicious results in a shorter time. Choose the method that suits your preference and cooking setup. Whichever method you choose, serving these Mediterranean turkey burgers with your favorite toppings is sure to result in a mouthwatering meal that everyone will love.
Cooking Tips and Techniques for Perfect Mediterranean Turkey Burgers
Follow these expert cooking tips and techniques to elevate your Mediterranean-style turkey burgers for maximum flavor!
- Cook at the Ideal Temperature - To ensure optimal results, preheat your grill or pan to the ideal temperature before cooking. For this turkey burger recipe, I prefer to preheat the grill to medium-high, about 450 degrees Fahrenheit / 230 Celsius.
- Shape the Burger Patties Gently and Uniformly - For even cooking, shape the burger patties gently and uniformly. This helps to ensure consistent cooking throughout the burgers.
- Create a Perfect Sear for Delicious Caramelized Crust - Resist the temptation to flip the burgers too frequently to create a perfect sear and develop a delicious caramelized crust. Allow each side to cook for a few minutes before flipping.
- Use a Meat Thermometer for Safe Consumption - Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey burgers reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit / 74 degrees Celsius for safe consumption. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the patty to get an accurate reading.
- Let the Burgers Rest Before Serving - After cooking, let the burgers rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy burger.
Delicious Side Dishes to Complement Your Mediterranean Turkey Burgers
Enhance your Mediterranean Turkey Burgers with these delectable side dishes that perfectly complement their flavors:
- Horseradish Dill Slaw
- Crunchy Greek Salad with Avocado and Feta
- Creamy Cucumber Radish Salad
- Creamy Dijon Dill Potato Salad
- Roasted Radishes with Garlic Chive Yogurt Sauce
- Crispy Cauliflower with Romesco and Feta
- Roasted Greek Potatoes with Whipped Feta
- Mediterranean Roasted Rainbow Vegetables
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Honey Sriracha Sauce
- Creamy Kale Salad with Raspberries and Feta
- Charred Broccolini with Lemon, Pine Nuts, and Parmesan
What tools do I need to make this recipe?
- A cutting board
- A chef's knife
- A kitchen scale
- Measuring spoons
- A cheese grater
- A mixing spoon
- A gas grill
- A grill spatula
- A meat thermometer
Are you looking to upgrade your cooking tools or replenish your pantry? Check out my kitchen tools shop page and pantry staples shop page to find my must-have kitchen tools, pantry items, and other Whip & Wander favorites.
Looking for more dinner inspiration?
Enjoying this simple and delicious Mediterranean Turkey Burger recipe? Explore a collection of my favorite dinner recipes that are ideal for summer grilling or infused with delightful Mediterranean flavors:
- Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza
- Greek Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce
- Roasted Salmon with Feta and Herbs
- Grilled Skirt Steak with Avocado Chimichurri Sauce
- Grilled Chicken Wings with Carolina Gold Mustard BBQ Sauce
- Grilled Chicken Wings with Chipotle Peach BBQ Sauce
Mediterranean Turkey Burgers
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 burger patties 1x
- Category: Mains
- Method: Grill / Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
These Mediterranean Turkey Burgers are bursting with flavor and remarkably simple to prepare. Made with lean ground turkey, savory Kalamata olives, aromatic green onions, fresh herbs, horseradish Dijon, and a tasty blend of feta and gruyere cheese, these burgers are packed full of flavor. Whether you choose to fire up the grill during summer or sizzle them in a pan indoors, these tasty turkey burgers can be ready in about 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb extra-lean ground turkey (I usually use 1% fat. See notes for tips on using higher fat percentages)
- 20 g (about ¼ cup) green onion, chopped
- 35 g (about ¼ cup) pitted kalamata olives, sliced or chopped
- 2 oz (57 g) feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 oz (30 g) gruyere cheese, shredded
- 1 tbsp fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped (may sub for 1 tsp dried parsley)
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped (may sub for 1 tsp dried dill)
- 4 tsp horseradish Dijon mustard
- 1 large egg
- ¼ tsp Kosher salt
- ¼ tsp cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl until well combined. Form into 4 patties, about 1-inch thick and set to the side.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high, about 450 degrees F/ 230 C.
- Grill turkey burgers for 6-7 minutes per side until they reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit / 74 degrees Celcius.
- Serve with your choice of toppings. I love to serve mine in a brioche bun with Horseradish Dill Slaw on top, but we are just as likely to serve them sans buns directly on top of the slaw or a salad. Sliced red onion and tomatoes also make a great topping.
Notes
Nutritional information on Whip & Wander is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
9/1/21 This recipe was updated and may no longer fit specified dietary preferences from previous versions of this post.
I generally use an extra-lean 99/1 fat percentage for these burgers which usually doesn't require any binder other than an egg, but you're totally welcome to use a fattier percentage if you prefer. However, if you use a fattier turkey percentage, you may want to consider a binder such as breadcrumbs or ground pork rinds if your turkey is especially loose.
You can alternatively pan-fry these in a skillet over medium-high heat on the stove.
If you cannot source horseradish Dijon mustard, you can use traditional Dijon mustard with a small dash of creamed horseradish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger patty
- Calories: 238
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 615 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 132 mg
Jyothi (Jo) says
I love how easy dinner comes together with this turkey burgers and all things Mediterranean is most welcome in my family
Mahy Elamin says
Great recipe. I like all the ingredients in it. This is perfect for me. thank you.
Claudia Lamascolo says
Wow these look great even though I dont eat meat this burger may change my mind. It looks tasty!
Elaine Benoit says
I love using ingredients on hand to make something delicious! Your Mediterranean turkey burgers look so delicious! I can't wait to try them. I literally have everything on hand except the ground turkey, though I do have ground chicken!
Whip & Wander says
I love being able to use what's on hand so things don't go to waste! I think chicken would make an excellent swap for these.
Eva says
Fantastic recipe! I too love it when random stuff found in the fridge end up yielding a fabulous meal. The combination of two cheeses and olives really makes my mouth water, I want to try these soon. I don't normally buy ground turkey, but I might want to make an exception!
Whip & Wander says
They're really flavorful. I hope you give them a try!
Gloria says
Well you got me at the cheese alone. What a great burger. Nice change of pace from the regular beef burgers. This would be a great BBQ meal on the weekend.
Allison - Celebrating Sweets says
I love that you use two kinds of cheese. I bet these are SO flavorful! I can't wait to try them!
Whip & Wander says
The more cheese the better!
David @ Cooking Chat says
This looks so good! Feta and Gruyere must add some great flavor to the turkey. I like those topping ideas, too.
Annissa says
Oh my goodness! You had me at black olives, but truth be told, I love everything in these! Wrap one up in lettuce and I'm good to go!
Lisa Bynum says
Yes, I love it when a meal like this comes together! I adore a good burger.
Ginny says
Love the kalamata olives and spicy horseradish cream that's in there. Such a flavorful recipe!
Whip & Wander says
It's a great way to amp up burger night in a healthy way!
Dannii says
We love turkey burgers as they are nice and lean and still moist. Loving. The flavours going on here.
Whip & Wander says
I agree! I actually used super lean turkey here too, so these are really healthy without sacrificing flavor.
Jill says
What a great combination of flavors! I love kalamata olives and feta cheese.
Sonal says
Love good burgers and made at home are top of the line. Also Mediterranean is one of my favorite kind of cuisine. Love these
Diana says
I love homemade burgers, so I just batch make them and then freeze. Very convenient to prepare later, healthy and delicious!
Dana | Mama Needs Cake says
All of these ingredients make for a delicious turkey burger! Love creating recipes by throwing ingredients together and seeing what sticks... this one is a keeper!
Courtney Byers says
This sounds fabulous! I am trying to eat healthier and always looking for great ideas like this. I just pinned this for later. I think i'll make it next week.
Sherri @ Watch Learn Eat says
I can definitely relate to dinner accidents that become dinner accomplishments! I'm happy to say I've had more of those than mishaps, but of course, we all have those as well. Love the flavors in these turkey burgers and that they are gluten-free! 🙂
Danielle says
Turkey burgers are always our go-to for a lean burger. We love them in lettuce wraps too.
jehava says
These look so great! Yum! Will try them out!