He was your first crush, champion and mentor. And even though he threatened to chase your first love with a crossbow and hand grenades, Dad deserves a tasty treat on Father’s Day. 

These little lamb and feta sliders are grilled to perfection, topped with a refreshing, crunchy cucumber and tomato relish. Stack these babies on teensy buns or sliced baguette with a flourish of Greek yogurt blended with off-the-shelf hummus. 

Everyone knows that Dads worldwide prefer the thrill of the grill. They gather in groups amidst the fragrant smoke, brandishing weapons and ice-cold beers. But you could easily make the recipe with a girl-friendly grill pan in an air-conditioned kitchen, just don’t forget to borrow Dad’s kiss-the-cook apron (cold beer optional).

Little Lamb Sliders with Heirloom Tomato and Cucumber Relish

Makes 8 sliders

Relish

1 seedless cucumber, peeled and diced

2 large or 4 small heirloom tomatoes, diced

1/4 medium red onion, minced

1/4 cup minced fresh parsley

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, or more, to taste

2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 teaspoon agave nectar, optional

Coarse salt, freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Yogurt/Hummus Sauce 

1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt

1/4 cup prepared hummus

Sliders

1 pound lean ground lamb

Coarse salt, freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1/2 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary, or more, to taste

1 cup crumbled feta cheese

Miniature buns or dinner rolls, halved, or sliced, toasted baguette

For relish:

Combine cucumber, tomato, onion, parsley, oregano, vinegar, oil, agave, salt and pepper in a medium mixing bowl. Toss to combine and set aside. 

For yogurt/hummus sauce:

Combine yogurt and hummus in a small bowl; set aside. 

For sliders:

Lightly oil and preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

Gently mix lamb, salt, pepper, rosemary and feta in a medium bowl. Separate mixture 8 eight portions, forming each into a patty. 

Grill patties 5 minutes per side, remove from heat and allow to rest at least 5 minutes.

To serve, layer burgers on toasted bun, top with relish and yogurt sauce.

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