Mediterranean Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce
Do you consider yourself a burger connoisseur? Mediterranean Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce are filled with olives, feta cheese, lemon juice, and fresh herbs that pack a flavorful punch.
I’ve served ’em in pita pockets with creamy Tzalziki Sauce. To add Mediterranean flavor to your burgers, add lemon zest into ground lamb or beef, then spread a kalamata olive paste onto the pita bread.
Mediterranean Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce
If you’re like me, you’ll welcome this new summer burger. I especially appreciate the flavor the lemon gives the meat. I’ve tried Mediterranean Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce using both lamb and beef and enjoyed them equally.
In a bowl, combine feta cheese, oregano, rosemary, 1/2 tsp. pepper, and the lemon zest. Add ground meat and mix gently. Form into four 1-in.-thick patties. I recommend using this burger press to do the trick, it’s like mine, but better!
In a blender, whirl olives, dill, parsley, lemon juice, sugar, and remaining 1/4 tsp. pepper. Add 3 tbsp. olive oil, 1 tbsp. at a time, to make a smooth paste.
Heat a gas or charcoal grill to medium-hot (you can hold your hand 1 to 2 in. above cooking grate only 3 to 4 seconds). Grill burgers, turning once, until browned on both sides and cooked through (cut to test), 10 to 12 minutes total.
Toast both sides of the pita bread on the grill. Brush toasted sides with remaining 1 tbsp. olive oil and spread each with about 1 tsp. of the olive spread. Add some Tzatziki Sauce and top with burgers, tomato, cucumber, red onion, fresh dill, and romaine.
For Tzatziki Sauce: Combine 1/2 cup plain low-fat, Greek-style yogurt; 1/4 cup finely chopped seeded cucumber; 1/4 teaspoon salt; and 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper. It’s best served at room temperature. Be sure to chill any leftovers though.
Mediterranean Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
So full of fabulous flavor hot off the grill, Mediterranean Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce are great with or without grilled pita bread. Try the veggies and olives too!
Author: Renée
Recipe type: Entree
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 burgers
Ingredients
- 6 ounces crumbled feta cheese
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh oregano
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary
- ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
- 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
- 1½ pounds ground lamb or beef
- ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon sugar
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 pita pockets
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- ¼ medium English cucumber, thinly sliced
- ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 8 romaine lettuce leaves
For Tzatziki sauce:
- ½ cup plain low-fat, Greek-style yogurt
- ¼ cup finely chopped seeded cucumber
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground red pepper.
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine feta cheese, oregano, rosemary, ½ tsp. pepper, and the lemon zest. Add ground meat and mix gently. Form into four 1-in.-thick patties.
- In a blender, whirl olives, dill, parsley, lemon juice, sugar, and remaining ¼ tsp. pepper. Add 3 tbsp. olive oil, 1 tbsp. at a time, to make a smooth paste.
- Heat a gas or charcoal grill to medium-hot (you can hold your hand 1 to 2 in. above cooking grate only 3 to 4 seconds). Grill burgers, turning once, until browned on both sides and cooked through (cut to test), 10 to 12 minutes total.
- Toast pita pockets on the grill. Brush toasted sides with remaining 1 tbsp. olive oil and spread each with about 1 tsp. of the olive spread. Add some Tzatziki Sauce. Top with burgers, tomato, cucumber, red onion, and romaine.
For Tzatziki sauce:
- Combine plain low-fat, Greek-style yogurt, finely chopped seeded cucumber, salt and ground red pepper. Set aside.
What is your favorite style burger? I’d love to know and try it at Cheery Kitchen. Thank you for for pinning and following along, it’s great having you!
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We're Alison and Renée, and we're so glad you've joined us! Our kitchens are our happy place, where we're whipping up memories. Get comfy and check things out. We hope you find inspiring dishes and ways to better your life. Feeling optimistic, trying new things and sharing with those we love brings joy in all we do. It's time to cook, create and celebrate. CHEERS! 
