There’s nothing quite like a fresh-off-the-grill summer burger. Easy to customize and delicious to enjoy, burgers are one of those quintessential summer foods that often make their way onto our plates. The good news is that healthy burgers do exist and, when made with the right ingredients, can make a healthy addition to our summer eating plan! So, for all you burger lovers out there, get ready to fire up the grill! Ahead, five healthy burger recipes (plant-based and pescatarian options included) that may be just what you need to bust summer cravings.
But First — What Makes a Burger Healthy?
Before diving into the juicy recipes, let’s break down how we’re actually classifying a healthy burger.
For a burger to be healthy in our book, it must be free of:
Trans & hydrogenated fats: Be mindful of what the burger is cooked in. Avoid hydrogenated and highly refined oils.
Unhealthy fats: Such as margarine, traditional mayonnaise, vegetable oils.
Added sugars: Especially refined and artificial sugars.
Some things we’re mindful of:
Gluten. While some people can tolerate gluten, gluten-filled burger products — like burger buns — are often in their least nutritious, most processed state. Instead, we’re spicing things up with some healthy swaps in these healthy burger recipes!
Toppings! Oftentimes the burger itself is quite healthy — the toppings are the culprit!
6 Tips For Making a Healthy Burger
#1 Add Lots of Veggies
Top your healthy burger with an added nutritional punch with plenty of extra veggies — the more color, the better!
In addition to the classics (pickles, sauerkraut, onion, tomatoes, and lettuce), some of our favorites include:
- Arugula
- Mushrooms
- Jalapenos
- Beets
- Pineapple
- Sauteed (or grilled) veggies like zucchini and eggplant
#2 Top With a Healthy Fat
Adding some healthy fat to your burger not only adds flavor but also helps balance things out. It keeps you feeling fuller for longer, supports healthy digestion with natural fiber, and provides you with a steady stream of energy! Plus, it’s the perfect creamy swap for not-so-nutritious condiments like mayo and cheese. Add some healthy fat to complement the protein and complex carbs in your burger.
We love using avocados in place of cheese or traditional mayonnaise (yum!)
RELATED: The Healthiest Fats You Can Eat Every Day
#3 Get Smart About Condiments
If you love layering up your burger with added sauces and flavors, this healthy burger tip is for you! Store-bought condiments are often filled with sneaky ingredients like added sugars and oils. So, be sure to check the ingredients!
If you’re a big mayo fan, try avocado oil mayonnaise, use unsweetened ketchup (double-check to be sure it’s free of high fructose corn syrup), and use an unsweetened Dijon mustard in place of the sweetened varieties.
Some other yummy condiment ideas? Hummus, guac, pesto, tzatziki, coleslaw… there are so many healthy options out there! Don’t be afraid to get creative.
#4 Ditch The Carby Bun
Did you know that veggies can make a delicious, low-carb swap for traditional burger buns?
Try these healthy swaps:
- Avocado
- Bell peppers
- Roasted sweet potato
- Lettuce-wrapped burgers (made with romaine or butter leaf lettuce)
- Collard green-wrapped burgers
Or, check out your local health food store for gluten and grain-free bun alternatives! Just be sure to read the ingredients.
#5 Add Fiber Where You Can
When making your healthy burger, think about how you can add some fiber. Fiber is important for digestion, helps support blood sugar levels, and helps keep us full. Adding some fiber to healthy burgers is an easy way to add an additional health boost.
Psst… our plant-based burger recipe is bursting with fiber and may just satisfy those summertime burger cravings the healthy way.
RELATED: 11 Fiber-Rich Foods For a Healthy Gut
#6 Stick to Whole Foods Ingredients
Foods in their least processed, most nutrient-dense form (i.e., foods like fresh veggies and lean proteins that haven’t been refined and processed) are best!
And being mindful of your ingredients — in general — is a good idea too. If you’re using meat, stick to leaner beef. If you’re opting for veggies, keep the dirty dozen in mind! These simple but easy-to-implement tips make a difference!
5 Healthy Burger Recipes That Prove Just How Delicious Healthy Eating Can Be
#1 Plant-Based Superfood Burger
Makes: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 cooked beet, peeled and chopped
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 1 clove of garlic, chopped
- 1.5 cups canned black beans drained and rinsed
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp sea salt
- For serving: lettuce leaves for the bun, sliced avocado, tomato, onion
Directions:
Step #1: Start by preheating the oven to 375 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step #2: Add all the ingredients to a high-speed blender or food processor and blend until thoroughly combined. Place in the fridge for 15 minutes to make the dough easier to form into patties.
Step #3: Remove from the fridge and form into 6 patties. Place on the lined baking sheet.
Step #4: Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step #5: Top with desired toppings and enjoy!
#2 Lemon & Dill Salmon Burger
Makes: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 (14 ounce) can of wild-caught salmon
- ½ cup almond flour
- 1 clove of garlic, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- For serving: your favorite gluten-free bun or lettuce leaves, sliced avocado, dijon mustard
- Coconut or avocado oil for cooking
Directions:
Step #1: Start by adding all the ingredients, minus the toppings to a high-speed blender or food processor, and blend until combined.
Step #2: Form into four burger patties and cook in a skillet with coconut or avocado oil for about 5 minutes on each side or until cooked through.
Step #3: Serve with desired toppings and enjoy.
#3 Avocado & Lime Turkey Burger
Makes: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey (or cooked turkey breast, sliced)
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 clove of garlic, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp sea salt
- For serving: your favorite gluten-free bun or lettuce leaves, sliced avocado, onion
- Coconut or avocado oil for cooking
Directions:
Step #1: Start by adding all the ingredients, minus the oil, to a large mixing bowl and mix well.
Step #2: Form into four burger patties and cook on a skillet with the coconut or avocado oil for about 7 minutes on each side or until completely cooked through.
Step #3: Serve with desired toppings and enjoy!
#4 Chicken Pesto Burger
Makes: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 clove of garlic, chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp sea salt
- For serving: your favorite gluten-free bun or lettuce leaves, pesto
- Coconut or avocado oil for cooking
Directions:
Step #1: Start by adding all the ingredients, minus the oil to a large mixing bowl, and mix well.
Step #2: Form into four burger patties and cook on a skillet with the coconut or avocado oil for about 7-8 minutes on each side or until completely cooked through.
Step #3: Serve with desired toppings and enjoy!
#5 BLT Chicken Lettuce Burgers
This is the ultimate healthy BLT! Paired with a delicious, creamy dressing, this is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Makes: 2
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breast
- 1 turkey bacon strip, cooked
- 4 leaves iceberg lettuce
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp garlic, chopped
- 2 lemons, juiced
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp tahini
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
Directions:
Step #1: Start by preheating the oven to 200°C or 400°F and line a large baking dish with parchment paper.
Step #2: Next, make the marinade by adding the chopped parsley, garlic, ¾ of the lemon juice, and the olive oil to a bowl and whisk well.
Step #3: Add the chicken to the parchment-lined baking dish and pour over the marinade, completely coating the chicken breasts.
Step #4: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until completely cooked, flipping the chicken halfway through.
Step #5: While the chicken is cooking, make the dressing by adding the rest of the lemon juice, tahini, and dijon mustard to a bowl and whisk well.
Step #6: Add two of the lettuce leaves to a serving plate and add the cooked chicken breast, onion, tomato, avocado, and cooked, crumbled bacon. Drizzle with dressing and top with another lettuce leaf.
Step #7: Enjoy!
Here’s What to Serve With Your Healthy Burger
Ready to get healthy burger prepping but not sure what to serve on the side? Check out our list of healthy swaps that taste better than the real thing! From healthier fries to dips and veggies, this list has something for everyone.
You’re Now a Healthy Burger Making Pro
So, there you have it — the hacks you need to make healthy burgers taste delicious! Make some healthy swaps, add some veggies, and get side dish and condiment savvy and you’re on your way to satisfying burger craving the healthy way.
