There is something truly special about Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Spinach Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe that makes every bite feel like a Mediterranean escape. These burgers blend juicy ground chicken with the tangy pop of sun-dried tomatoes, creamy crumbled feta, and fresh spinach to create a flavor-packed patty. Paired with the cool, refreshing tzatziki sauce, this dish is a perfect balance of savory and bright, making it an absolute favorite whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking in your kitchen. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll quickly become a staple in your meal rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Spinach Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe is all about simple ingredients that come together to create incredible texture and flavor. Each component, from the juicy chicken to the aromatic herbs, plays an essential role in making this dish so vibrant and satisfying.
- Ground chicken: The lean base that keeps the patties tender and juicy.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Adds a sweet and tangy depth that elevates the burgers.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Brings a creamy, salty punch.
- Fresh spinach: Offers a subtle earthiness and vibrant green color.
- Garlic and onion: The aromatic duo that infuses the patties with rich flavor.
- Dried oregano and dill: Classic Mediterranean herbs that add a fragrant touch.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Ensures the patties hold together without being dense.
- Egg: Acts as a binder to keep everything in perfect shape.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
- Olive oil: For cooking the patties to a golden brown.
- Tzatziki sauce: This cool, cucumber-yogurt sauce perfectly complements the warm, savory burgers.
- Burger buns and toppings: Fresh tomato slices, baby spinach, and red onion make every bite fresh and satisfying.
How to Make Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Spinach Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep your ingredients
Start by finely chopping your sun-dried tomatoes and wilting the fresh spinach in a hot pan until soft; then let it cool. Mince your garlic cloves and chop the onion finely to ensure they blend seamlessly into the burger mixture, giving every bite an even flavor boost.
Step 2: Mix the burger batter
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the ground chicken with the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta, cooled spinach, garlic, onion, oregano, dill, panko breadcrumbs, and egg. Don’t forget to season with salt and black pepper. Mix everything gently just until combined – you want to keep the texture light and avoid overworking the mixture.
Step 3: Shape your patties
Divide the mixture into four equal portions and form each into a half-inch thick patty. If the mixture feels sticky and hard to handle, pop the formed patties into the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes. This little chill session helps them hold together nicely during cooking.
Step 4: Cook the patties
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the patties and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Look for a beautiful golden crust to form, and make sure the chicken is cooked through — the internal temperature should reach 165°F for safety and juiciness.
Step 5: Toast the buns
While the patties are finishing up, toast your burger buns in the same skillet or on a grill to soak up those flavorful drippings and to give a lovely crispy edge that contrasts perfectly with the soft interior.
Step 6: Assemble your masterpiece
Spread a generous layer of tzatziki sauce on the toasted buns, pile on the cooked burgers, then add fresh baby spinach, thick tomato slices, and a few rings of red onion. Cap it off with the top bun and get ready to serve this unforgettable Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Spinach Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe!
How to Serve Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Spinach Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like crisp cucumber slices, extra dollops of tzatziki, or even some fresh chopped parsley can really elevate the freshness and presentation. These little touches brighten up the dish and make every bite feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Serve your burgers alongside a crisp Greek salad or some oven-roasted potatoes tossed in oregano for a perfectly cohesive Mediterranean-inspired meal. Alternatively, a side of grilled vegetables or even lightly salted sweet potato fries would complement the flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, slice the burgers and serve them open-faced atop toasted pita bread with extra tzatziki on the side for dipping. You can also turn the mixture into sliders for parties or stuffing them into pita pockets for a casual lunch option. No matter how you serve them, these burgers are bound to be the star of your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover patties can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days without losing their flavor or moisture. Store the buns and fresh toppings separately to keep everything fresh until you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Freezing
These burgers freeze beautifully! Lay the uncooked patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag to store for up to 2 months. When you want a quick meal, just thaw in the fridge overnight and cook as usual.
Reheating
Reheat cooked patties gently either in a skillet over low heat or in the oven wrapped in foil to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep their delicious, juicy texture intact. Toast the buns fresh before assembling.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will work just as well in this Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Spinach Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, and always check for that safe internal temperature.
Do I need to wilt the spinach before mixing?
Yes, wilting the spinach helps reduce moisture that might otherwise make the burger patties too soft or soggy. It concentrates the flavor and ensures it blends smoothly with the other ingredients.
Is there an alternative to panko breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers can work. The goal is just to add some binding and texture, so feel free to use what you have on hand!
Can I make the burgers ahead of time for a gathering?
You can prepare the patties a few hours in advance or even the day before and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to cook. This makes hosting easier and lets you spend more time enjoying your guests instead of prepping.
What’s the best way to store leftover tzatziki?
Store tzatziki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before serving again, as some separation may occur naturally.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend the Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Spinach Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe enough if you are looking for a fresh, flavorful, and exciting twist on the classic burger. The combination of vibrant Mediterranean flavors and the cool creaminess of tzatziki makes for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Go ahead and give it a try — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Spinach Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Spinach Burgers offer a flavorful twist on classic chicken burgers. Infused with sun-dried tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, and nutritious spinach, they are perfectly complemented by a refreshing tzatziki sauce. Quick to prepare and cook in just 25 minutes, these burgers make a delightful, wholesome meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Burger Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, wilted and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
Additional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce
- 4 burger buns
- Tomato slices, fresh spinach leaves, and red onion slices for topping
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop the sun-dried tomatoes finely and sauté the fresh spinach in a pan until wilted, then let it cool. Mince garlic cloves and finely chop the onion to prepare for mixing.
- Mix Patty Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, wilted spinach, minced garlic, chopped onion, dried oregano, dill, panko breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined to avoid a dense texture.
- Form Patties: Shape the mixture into four equal-sized patties, approximately half an inch thick. If the mixture feels sticky, chill the formed patties in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes to firm up.
- Cook Patties: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook each patty for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring they are fully cooked through.
- Toast Buns: Using the same skillet or a grill, toast the burger buns until golden and slightly crisp, enhancing their flavor and texture.
- Assemble Burgers: Spread tzatziki sauce on the bottom buns, then layer with fresh spinach leaves, tomato slices, the cooked chicken patties, red onion slices, and top with the buns. Serve immediately for best taste and freshness.
Notes
- To prevent patties from falling apart, avoid overmixing the meat mixture.
- Chilling the patties before cooking helps maintain their shape and texture.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is safely cooked.
- Customize toppings as desired, adding cucumber slices or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for extra flavor.
- Tzatziki sauce can be homemade or store-bought for convenience.
