Smash burgers are popping up everywhere and even being turned into tacos and more. I created a recipe for a smashed Greek turkey burger pita that is so delicious and perfect for easy summer entertaining or any weeknight meal. This recipe is going to quickly become a new favorite burger and it gets slathered in tzatziki sauce and topped with feta and fresh veggies. These smash Greek turkey burger pitas with tzatziki are fresh, full of flavor, and can be ready from start to finish in under 20 minutes.
I use lean ground turkey, which is dark and white meat and stays juicier and has more flavor in my opinion. You can also substitute ground lamb or ground beef here if you prefer. I season the burgers simply with Greek seasoning, a little olive oil, salt, and pepper and then smash them under a pita on a hot skillet. This creates a super thin but flavorful turkey burger that is the size of a pita so you get the perfect amount of burger with each bite. Once the burger is cooked through, I like to slather a good amount of tzatziki over the burger and then top with lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, and feta cheese.
It’s SO good!
You can make this recipe even simpler by buying your tzatziki in the store, but I will tell you nothing compares to fresh homemade tzatziki and it’s actually very easy to make at home. You could also substitute tzatziki for my favorite feta dip and spread if you prefer. Both are delicious.
Tips on making the best smashed Greek turkey burgers:
Use a nonstick skillet to ensure burgers don’t stick.
Use lean turkey meat vs. extra lean for extra flavor and texture.
Smash the burgers under the pitas with a pot or large spatula to ensure the burger gets smashed in an even layer.
Use a store bought Greek seasoning or if you can’t find one you can do a mix of oregano, dried dill, garlic powder, and thyme.
You are going to love this recipe and I cannot wait for you to give it a try for yourself. Serve these pita burger with my Mediterranean fries or Greek rice.
Ingredients:
1 Lb. Lean Ground Turkey
1 Tbsp. Greek Seasoning
1 Tbsp. Kosher Salt
1 Tsp. Black Pepper
1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
4 Pitas
For the Tzatzki-
1 1/2 Cup Greek Yogurt
1/2 Cup Finely Grated Cucumber
1 Finely Grated Garlic
1/4 Cup Lemon Juice
1/4 Cup Freshly Chopped Dill
1 Tsp. Kosher Salt
1/2 Tsp. Black Pepper
Toppings-
Romaine Lettuce
Tomatoes
Sliced Cucumber
Feta Cheese
Red Onion
Directions:
Make tzatziki by combining Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt and pepper in a bowl and whisk to combine. Set aside
Season the turkey meat with Greek seasoning, olive oil, salt, and pepper and mix with your hands until just combined, careful not to over mix.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and spray with nonstick spray.
Make a turkey ball a little bigger than a golf ball and place on griddle or skillet.
Place the pita directly on top of the turkey ball and then smash down with a spatula or skillet ensuring the burger is evenly distributed under the pita.
Cook for 5-6 minutes until the turkey meat has cooked through. This goes quickly because of the thinness of the burger.
Flip the burger and toast the other side of the pita for 1-2 minutes and remove from the skillet.
Slather a couple of tablespoons of tzatziki sauce over the burger patty and then top with desired toppings.
Serve extra tzatziki on the side and enjoy.
Don’t these smash Greek turkey burgers look incredible? They are not only easy to make, but they are so delicious too.