Turkey Burger with Avocado (Printable Version)
A juicy turkey patty layered with avocado, tomato, and lettuce on whole wheat buns for a wholesome meal.
# What You Need:
→ Turkey Patties
01 - 1.1 lbs ground turkey
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 large egg
05 - 2 tbsp breadcrumbs
06 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
07 - 1 tsp salt
08 - ½ tsp ground black pepper
09 - ½ tsp paprika
→ Toppings
10 - 2 ripe avocados, sliced
11 - 1 medium tomato, sliced
12 - 4 leaves romaine lettuce
13 - 4 slices red onion
→ Burger Assembly
14 - 4 whole wheat burger buns
15 - 1 tbsp olive oil for grilling
→ Optional Condiments
16 - 4 tbsp light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
17 - 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
# How-To:
01 - In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
02 - Divide the mixture evenly into four portions and form each into a patty.
03 - Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Cook each patty for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
04 - Lightly toast the whole wheat buns if desired.
05 - Spread light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt and Dijon mustard on the cut sides of the buns. Layer romaine lettuce, cooked turkey patty, sliced avocado, tomato, and red onion. Top with the bun lid.
06 - Serve the assembled turkey burgers immediately while warm.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Turkey stays impossibly moist when you avoid the urge to squeeze and compress the patties like your life depends on it.
- Avocado doesn't feel like health food here—it tastes like buttery luxury stacked on lean protein.
- You can have this ready faster than most people can order takeout, yet it feels like you actually cooked something.
02 -
- Don't let your avocado sit sliced for more than five minutes before assembling—it oxidizes and browns faster than you'd think, and it's less beautiful on the plate.
- If your ground turkey is extra lean, resist the urge to add more oil or fat; instead, make sure your egg and breadcrumbs are doing their job to keep moisture locked in.
03 -
- Make your patties the night before and refrigerate them—this firms them up so they hold together better on the pan and cook more evenly.
- If you're grilling outdoors, oil your grill grates well and keep the heat medium; high heat will char the outside before the inside cooks through.