I recently discovered these amazing California-inspired turkey burgers.
They take just 15 minutes to prep, they’re great on the grill or you can pan-fry them instead (find out which method is best a little further down the page!), and they’re delicious!
And the best part? They’re great for your bones too.
Turkey is a rich source of protein which is a key component of bone health. It’s also one of the most nutrient-dense meats and contains plenty of potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium— all of which support strong, healthy bones.
The “California” in these burgers refers to the clever use of nutritious toppings. Avocado is rich in healthy fats, spinach is loaded with vitamins and minerals, and cottage cheese is a healthy source of calcium!
Finally, these burgers substitute lettuce instead of buns, so you’re avoiding refined carbs that can cause bone-damaging inflammation. (Note that to make these totally gluten-free, you can simply leave out the bread crumbs.)
Sounds good right? So let’s get cooking!
Tasty Turkey Burgers With Avocado
Ingredients
- 9 oz turkey (minced)
- iceberg lettuce
- 6 oz beefsteak tomato
- 1 avocado
- 2 oz baby spinach
- 1 lemon
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp southwest spice blend
- 3 tbsp cottage cheese
- 4 tbsp mayonnaise (optional)
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- salt and pepper (as needed)
Instructions
- Prep your veggies. Peel then mince or grate garlic. Zest then juice lemon. Cut tomato into ¼ inch slices. Peel, pit, and thinly slice avocado.
- Prep your dressing. In a small bowl, combine mayo, cottage cheese, lemon zest, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper as needed. Stir to combine and set aside.
- Make your patties. In a medium bowl, combine turkey, panko breadcrumbs, garlic, dijon mustard, southwest spice blend, and salt and pepper as needed. Form turkey mixture into two 4-inch wide patties. (Note your mixture may feel wet, but this is normal!)
- Cook your burgers. Heat your grill or add a drizzle of olive oil to a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add your patties and cook 5-6 min per side, until golden-brown and cooked through. (Note your patties should reach a minimum internal temperature of 165°F.)
- Put it all together! Spread half the dressing on the iceberg lettuce buns, then layer with patties, spinach, tomato, and avocado slices. Enjoy. 🙂
Notes
Nutrition
Turkey Burger Takeaways
I hope you enjoy these turkey burgers. They’re the perfect summertime menu item— whether you barbecue them or pan-fry them like I did in the video!
Plus, they’re full of the protein and nutrients you need to support strong, healthy bones.
Now, it’s worth noting that flame-grilled food has a downside. The char on these foods can actually cause inflammation if consumed in excess. And, of course, inflammation can contribute to bone loss. So, you shouldn’t eat barbecue too often. That’s why I prefer to pan-fry these myself!
But if you do make these on the grill, just make sure to clean it thoroughly first and grease it with a little bit of extra virgin olive oil to minimize char.
In terms of sides, I like to serve my turkey burgers with baked sweet potato fries— a healthy and delicious alternative to french fries. But they’d also pair nicely with any number of side dishes like coleslaw, roasted veggies, or a simple salad.
I’d love to know how your turkey burgers turn out, and what side dish you decide to serve them with! So please share with me in the comments below. 🙂
Rain Dow
September 21, 2019 , 7:13 pmExcellent blend of flavors!