A Juicy Twist on Greek-Inspired Burgers
Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Spinach Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce are everything a summer burger should be—fresh, juicy, flavorful, and irresistibly Mediterranean. Imagine tender beef patties packed with vibrant spinach, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy feta, seared to perfection and finished with a cool dollop of tzatziki on a toasted bun. It’s the kind of burger that earns nods at every cookout, and the kind of meal you’ll find yourself craving again by midweek.
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The Story Behind These Mediterranean Burgers
How This Recipe Came to Life
The idea for these Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Spinach Burgers started during a Greek-themed summer dinner I hosted a few years ago. We had a spread of tzatziki, fresh pitas, grilled vegetables, and the usual souvlaki—yet something was missing. I wanted a burger that felt familiar but tasted like vacation on a plate.
What began as a spontaneous mash-up of my two favorite dishes—a Greek salad and a backyard burger—turned into a new go-to. After a few tweaks, I landed on this perfect formula: juicy ground beef, crumbled feta, chopped spinach, and those sweet, chewy sun-dried tomatoes folded right in.
If you’ve tried our Tzatziki Chicken Veggie Naan Pizza or the juicy Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers, you already know that Mediterranean flavors are a favorite around here. These burgers are a delicious continuation of that love affair.
Why This Burger Recipe Works
What makes this burger such a standout? It’s the contrast:
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The salty feta pops against the richness of the beef.
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Sun-dried tomatoes add deep, sweet tanginess.
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Fresh spinach lightens and brightens every bite.
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And the tzatziki sauce? Cool, garlicky, and perfect for balance.
These burgers are naturally juicy thanks to the moisture-rich ingredients, and they’re hearty enough to serve with just a side of chips—or better yet, one of our flavorful salads like the Mediterranean Chickpea Salad or Super Simple Caprese Salad.
Ingredients & Preparation Made Easy
What You’ll Need (Full Breakdown)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Beef | 1 pound | Use 80/20 for juiciness |
| Baby Spinach, chopped | 5 oz | Fresh only; avoid frozen |
| Feta Cheese, crumbled | 2 oz | Use block feta for best texture |
| Sun-Dried Tomatoes | 1/3 cup | Packed in oil or rehydrated |
| Large Egg | 1 | Helps bind the mixture |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp | To taste |
| Sandwich Buns | 4 | Brioche or sourdough recommended |
| Fresh Baby Spinach | For topping | Adds crunch and freshness |
| Sliced Tomato | To taste | Adds moisture and sweetness |
| Sliced Shallot | Optional | Sub with red onion if preferred |
| Tzatziki Sauce | Generous dollop | Homemade or store-bought |
This Mediterranean-style burger also complements dishes like our Baked Mediterranean Chicken Thighs or a simple Mediterranean Bowl with Turkey Meatballs for a well-rounded weeknight dinner.
Helpful Tools & Smart Substitutions
Tools You’ll Need:
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Mixing bowl
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Cast iron or grill pan
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Tongs or spatula
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Cutting board and knife
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Food-safe gloves (if preferred)
Substitution Suggestions:
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Swap ground beef for ground turkey or lamb.
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Add a pinch of oregano or smoked paprika for a deeper spice profile.
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If you don’t have tzatziki, a simple garlic-yogurt sauce or hummus works well too.
Cooking Instructions & Best Tips
How to Make Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Spinach Burgers
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Make the Patties:
Combine the ground beef, chopped spinach, feta, sun-dried tomatoes, egg, and salt in a large bowl. Mix gently but thoroughly. -
Form & Chill:
Shape the mixture into 4 even patties. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm them up. -
Toast the Buns:
Heat a pan over medium heat or fire up your grill. Lightly oil the inside of the buns and place them face-down. Toast until golden. -
Cook the Burgers:
Increase the heat to medium-high. Add a bit of oil to the pan. Cook each patty until well-browned and cooked through (about 4–5 minutes per side or until internal temp hits 160°F). -
Assemble & Serve:
Layer fresh spinach and tomato on the bottom bun, place the patty on top, then add a generous spoonful of tzatziki. Top with shallots and the bun lid.
Shape and chill for the perfect sear
Expert Burger-Making Tips
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Don’t overmix the beef or your patties may turn out dense.
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Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, and blot them dry before chopping.
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Pre-chill your formed patties—this helps them hold their shape when cooking.
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Don’t press the patties while cooking or you’ll lose precious juices.
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Want to take it up a notch? Pair it with our refreshing Tuscan Artichoke Tomato Salad.
Serving, Pairing & Storage Suggestions
How to Serve These Burgers
These burgers are a full meal in themselves, but here are a few delicious companions:
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Serve with Greek Lemon Potatoes or Spaghetti with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce.
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Add a side of crispy oven-roasted zucchini fries or grilled corn.
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For drinks, go with a cold sparkling lemonade or light Sauvignon Blanc.
Hosting a BBQ? Serve these alongside the crowd-pleasing Greek Orzo Salad for a full Mediterranean spread.
Storage & Reheat Tips
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Fridge: Store leftover cooked patties in an airtight container up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Raw patties can be frozen for up to 2 months—use parchment between layers.
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To Reheat: Warm gently in a pan with a lid or in the microwave at 50% power.
Avoid adding tzatziki before storing—add it fresh when serving for best texture.
FAQ – Common Questions About These Burgers
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, turkey works great, but consider adding 1–2 tsp of olive oil to keep it moist.
What’s the best feta to use?
Use a block of feta in brine and crumble it yourself—it tastes fresher and is less dry.
Can I skip the egg?
You can, but the egg helps the patties hold together better.
Do I need to chill the patties?
Highly recommended. It prevents the burgers from falling apart during cooking.
Can I grill these instead of pan-frying?
Absolutely! Just make sure your grill is well-oiled and the patties are cold before grilling.
Final Thoughts – A New Summer Favorite
There’s nothing quite like a burger that surprises you—in the best way. These Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Spinach Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce take something familiar and give it a fresh Mediterranean spin that feels just right for summer. They’re juicy, satisfying, and just a little bit gourmet.
For more meals that make dinner exciting, be sure to try our Marry Me Chickpeas or Easy Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo—both are bursting with flavor and weeknight-friendly.
If you try this recipe, let us know how it turned out!
Rate it, drop a comment, and be sure to share it on Pinterest so others can enjoy it too!
Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Spinach Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce
- Total Time: 90
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Spinach Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce are juicy, Greek-inspired burgers made with seasoned beef, spinach, tangy feta, and sun-dried tomatoes, all topped with a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce. Perfect for summer grilling or flavorful weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
• 1 pound ground beef
• 5 ounces fresh baby spinach leaves, chopped
• 2 ounces crumbled feta cheese
• 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon table salt
• Sandwich buns
• Fresh baby spinach leaves (for topping)
• Sliced tomato (for topping)
• Sliced shallot (optional)
• Tzatziki sauce
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped spinach, feta, sun-dried tomatoes, egg, and salt. Mix until just combined.
2. Form mixture into 4 equal patties. Place on a tray and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
3. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Drizzle the inside of buns with oil and toast cut-side down until golden brown. Set aside.
4. Increase heat to medium-high. Drizzle cooking oil into the pan and cook burger patties until browned and cooked through, flipping occasionally until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
5. To assemble, layer fresh spinach, tomato slices, and cooked patties on toasted buns. Top each burger with tzatziki and optional shallots. Serve immediately.
Notes
– For a lighter version, use ground turkey or lamb instead of beef.
– Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes are ideal for added richness.
– Chilling the patties before cooking helps them hold their shape.
– Homemade tzatziki adds the best flavor but store-bought is a quick option.
– Serve with Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or cucumber chips for a full meal.
- Prep Time: 75
- Cook Time: 15
- Method: Grill or Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: Greek