Basil and Feta Turkey Burger Sliders with Lemony Yogurt Sauce Recipe

I absolutely adore these Basil and Feta Turkey Burger Sliders with Lemony Yogurt Sauce Recipe because they bring together so many fresh, vibrant flavors in one delightful bite. The combination of tender turkey infused with fragrant basil, tangy feta, and a bright lemony yogurt sauce makes these sliders an irresistible treat that feels both light and satisfying. Every time I make these, they become the star of the meal, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a special weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Basil and Feta Turkey Burger Sliders with Lemony Yogurt Sauce Recipe

One of the things I cherish most about this recipe is the flavor profile. The fresh basil and feta add a Mediterranean flair that lifts the turkey beyond the ordinary. The lemon zest and juice in both the patties and the yogurt sauce create this brilliant, zesty brightness that plays wonderfully against the creamy texture of the feta and the subtle richness of the turkey. It’s an exciting combination that’s bursting with freshness without being overpowering.

I also love how easy these sliders are to prepare. From mixing the ingredients to cooking the patties, everything comes together quickly, making it a perfect recipe for busy days or last-minute gatherings. Plus, these sliders work beautifully for a variety of occasions—whether it’s a lively party platter, a fun family dinner, or even a casual weekend lunch. What really makes this Basil and Feta Turkey Burger Sliders with Lemony Yogurt Sauce Recipe stand out for me is how it manages to feel gourmet but without any fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with various ingredients arranged neatly for a recipe. At the center is a white bowl filled with light pink ground meat. Around it are small white bowls containing pale orange Italian breadcrumbs, deep red sun-dried tomatoes, and a small white plate with crumbled white feta cheese. To the top right of the meat, there is a small bunch of bright green basil leaves. A fresh yellow lemon is placed to the bottom right. Near the bottom left, there is a white bowl with creamy yogurt sauce speckled with green herbs. Beside it, a small light brown bowl holds white and brown seasonings. A white measuring spoon with pale mustard dijon mustard and another white spoon with a dollop of creamy mayo sit near the seasonings. On the left side, four soft golden slider buns are stacked on the marbled surface, and an olive oil bottle stands near the top left. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe is in its simple, fresh ingredients that all have their special role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. Each element is essential, from the tangy feta to the herbaceous basil and the bright lemon, giving these sliders a vibrant personality.

Plain Greek Yogurt: Forms the creamy base of the sauce, adding tang and moisture.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds smooth richness and helps blend flavors in the sauce.
Fresh Basil: Vital for that fragrant, fresh herb flavor—it’s doubled in the patties and sauce for an herby punch.
Lemon Zest and Lemon Juice: Brightens both the sauce and patties with a refreshing citrus note.
Agave Syrup (or Honey): Balances the tartness with just a hint of sweetness in the sauce.
Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors throughout the recipe.
Ground Turkey or Chicken: The lean protein base that keeps the sliders hearty yet light.
Crumbled Feta Cheese: Adds creaminess and a salty tang that complements the turkey perfectly.
Garlic and Onion Powder: Provide subtle layers of savory depth without overpowering the fresh herbs.
Italian Breadcrumbs: Give the patties structure and a slight crumbly texture.
Sun Dried Tomatoes: Bring a touch of sweetness and chewy texture that contrasts nicely with the turkey.
Mayonnaise and Dijon Mustard: Bind the patties while adding creamy and tangy notes.
Slider Buns: The perfect small bread for these compact, flavor-packed burgers.

Directions

Step 1: First, I stir together all the yogurt sauce ingredients in a small bowl. This includes the Greek yogurt, olive oil, fresh basil, lemon zest and juice, agave syrup, and kosher salt. Then I taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. I set this aside or pop it in the fridge to chill while prepping the sliders.

Step 2: Next, I gently mix together the ground turkey, crumbled feta, fresh basil, lemon zest, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, breadcrumbs, sun dried tomatoes, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard in a medium bowl. I take care to combine everything without overworking the meat to keep the patties tender.

Step 3: I divide the mixture into four equal portions and form each into slider-sized patties a bit larger than the buns, around 2 1/2 to 3 inches wide. I keep in mind that they’ll shrink a bit while cooking.

Step 4: Then, I heat a nonstick pan over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. I cook the patties for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until they’re golden and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F. This step is where the flavor really develops and the patties get that perfect sear.

Step 5: While the patties are cooking, I toast the slider buns. I love to toast the cut sides in a dry skillet or under a broiler on low for 2 to 3 minutes until they’re golden and slightly crisp. This adds wonderful texture to each bite.

Step 6: Finally, I assemble the sliders by placing each patty on the toasted buns and dolloping generous amounts of the lemony yogurt sauce on top. If I’m feeling extra, I add some peppery arugula or baby spinach for a fresh green crunch and then serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 servings, perfect for a small group or family meal. The prep time is about 10 minutes, mainly for mixing the ingredients and making the sauce. Cooking the sliders takes around 10 minutes total, considering the time to toast buns. All in all, the total time from start to finish is approximately 25 minutes, making it a wonderfully quick yet impressive dish. There is no resting time required, but I like having the sauce chilled ahead for maximum flavor contrast.

How to Serve This Basil and Feta Turkey Burger Sliders with Lemony Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Two small sandwiches are on a white speckled plate with a gold rim. Each sandwich has a soft, golden-brown bun split in half. On the bottom half of each bun is a thick, textured patty with visible bits of herbs and spices. A woman's hand with pink nails is holding a gold and black spoon, adding a smooth white sauce with green herb flecks on top of the front patty. Behind the plate, lemon wedges and a lemon are placed on a white marbled surface, with some green leaves also visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love to serve these sliders warm right off the pan, so the flavors are fresh and vibrant. They pair beautifully with light, crisp sides like a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or sweet potato fries for a bit of indulgence. For a Mediterranean twist, roasted vegetables like zucchini and peppers or a side of tangy tabbouleh create an inviting spread that complements the sliders’ bright herbaceous notes.

Presentation-wise, I recommend stacking the sliders on a wooden board with a drizzle of extra yogurt sauce on the side for dipping—it makes the meal feel a little more special and interactive. For garnish, fresh basil leaves or a few lemon wedges on the platter add a lovely pop of color and hint at the flavors inside the sliders. If you’re hosting, lining up several sliders together makes for a perfect party appetizer platter that’s both sophisticated and approachable.

When it comes to drinks, I find lively white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp Pinot Grigio complement these sliders wonderfully without overpowering them. If you prefer cocktails, a light gin and tonic with fresh lime or a sparkling lemonade pairs beautifully. For non-alcoholic options, iced herbal tea with a splash of lemon or sparkling water infused with cucumber and mint is refreshing and balances the zest of the sliders perfectly.

Variations

One of the things I really enjoy about this Basil and Feta Turkey Burger Sliders with Lemony Yogurt Sauce Recipe is how adaptable it is. For instance, you can easily swap ground turkey for ground chicken or even a plant-based meat substitute if you want to make it vegetarian or vegan (just skip the feta or use a non-dairy alternative). For a gluten-free version, I recommend using gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns or serving the patties wrapped in lettuce leaves.

If you want to experiment with the flavors, I love adding minced garlic or fresh oregano for extra herbal depth or swapping sun dried tomatoes for finely diced roasted red peppers for a slightly different sweetness. Another variation I’ve tried is grilling the patties outdoors instead of pan-frying, which adds a smoky char that’s so enticing in the summer. You can also make mini bite-sized sliders for appetizers, adjusting cooking time accordingly.

Finally, you can tweak the sauce by adding a little bit of minced garlic or swapping the lemon zest for lime zest to give it a different citrus angle. The mayonnaise in the patties can be replaced with Greek yogurt if you want a lighter texture, though it changes the creaminess slightly. I encourage you to play around with what you have—this recipe is very forgiving but always yields tasty results.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, I recommend storing the turkey burger sliders and sauce separately in airtight containers to keep the texture and flavors fresh. The patties will keep well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, which makes them great for meal prep or quick lunches. Make sure the containers are sealed tightly to prevent any drying out or cross-flavor contamination.

Freezing

These sliders freeze beautifully! To freeze, place the cooled patties in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. They will keep well for up to 2 months. I don’t recommend freezing the buns or sauce together with the patties as it affects the texture.

Reheating

For reheating, I prefer warming the patties gently in a skillet over low heat or in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through. This helps retain moisture and avoids drying out the meat. You can toast the buns fresh or briefly in a pan or toaster oven for best results. The yogurt sauce is best served fresh or chilled, so I usually add it after reheating the sliders. Avoid microwaving as it can make the patties rubbery and the sauce watery.

FAQs

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the patties up to a day ahead and store them tightly covered in the refrigerator. The sauce can also be made a day in advance and refrigerated. Just assemble and toast the buns right before serving for the freshest taste and best texture.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh basil?

If fresh basil is not available, dried basil can be used, but use about one-third the amount as dried herbs are more concentrated. Alternatively, fresh parsley or oregano can add lovely herbal notes though the flavor will differ slightly from the original.

Is ground turkey the best choice or can I use beef?

Ground turkey is lighter and works beautifully with the fresh herbs and lemon zest, but you can absolutely use ground beef or a beef-turkey mix if preferred. Just be aware the flavor and fat content will be richer, which might call for a slightly lighter hand with the cheese and mayo to balance.

How do I know when the sliders are fully cooked?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Turkey should reach 165°F for safe consumption. The patties should be cooked until nicely browned on the outside and no longer pink in the center.

Can I make the sliders vegan-friendly?

To make this recipe vegan-friendly, swap the ground turkey for a plant-based ground meat substitute, use vegan feta or tofu crumbles, and replace the yogurt sauce with a dairy-free yogurt mixed with lemon and herbs. Skip the mayo or use a vegan mayo alternative. It’s a fun way to enjoy similar flavors with a plant-based twist.

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited to try this Basil and Feta Turkey Burger Sliders with Lemony Yogurt Sauce Recipe as I am every time I make it. It’s one of those rare recipes that feels special but is so straightforward to prepare, delivering fresh, bright flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re feeding family or entertaining friends, these sliders will bring joy and smiles to the table. Give them a try and enjoy every tasty bite!