Sizzling Juicy Pesto Turkey Burgers Recipe for Burger Lovers

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and these pesto turkey burgers pack a flavor punch that elevates any meal.

Lean ground turkey blended with zesty basil pesto creates a mouthwatering combination.

Each burger bursts with herbal notes and juicy texture that keeps you coming back for more.

The recipe combines simple ingredients with bold Mediterranean-inspired seasonings.

Fresh herbs and quality ground turkey form the foundation of this delectable dish.

Serving these burgers guarantees smiles around the table and satisfied taste buds eager for every savory bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Pesto + Turkey = These Grilled Burger Ingredients

• Ground Turkey: Lean protein that creates a lighter, healthier burger with delicate flavor profile.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind ingredients and maintain moisture for tender burger texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich umami depth and helps create a more cohesive patty.

• Pesto: Infuses herbaceous Mediterranean flavor and keeps meat exceptionally moist.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers concentrated aromatic punch without raw garlic chunks.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that balance and elevate turkey's mild taste.

• Arugula: Peppery green that adds fresh, crisp contrast to rich burger.
• Tomato: Juicy slice provides bright acidity and color pop.
• Provolone or Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating creamy layer.
• Burger Buns: Soft carrier that complements delicate turkey patty.
• Mayonnaise or Additional Pesto: Provides moisture and extra flavor dimension for sandwich assembly.

Must-Have Tools for Grilled Pesto Turkey Burgers

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ground turkey and seasonings without overworking the meat.
• Grill or grill pan: Essential for cooking burgers with delicious char marks and smoky flavor.
• Spatula: Helps flip burgers easily and safely on the hot grill surface.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures turkey burgers reach safe internal temperature of 165F.
• Cutting board: Great for shaping patties and prepping burger toppings.
• Sharp knife: Helps slice tomatoes and prepare burger ingredients smoothly.

Cook Up Grilled Pesto Turkey Burgers That Actually Work

• Blend Burger Mix

Toss ground turkey into a spacious mixing bowl. Sprinkle in pesto, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Gently fold ingredients together without mashing the meat too aggressively.

• Create Patty Shapes

Craft four uniform burger patties with your hands. For extra stability, pop them in the refrigerator for a quick 15-minute chill.

• Fire Up The Grill

Heat grill to medium-high and lightly oil the cooking grates. Place patties on the grill, cooking 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature hits 165F. Optional: Melt cheese on top during final cooking minute.

• Build Your Burger

Toast bun halves if desired. Spread a layer of pesto or mayo on each bun. Layer with fresh arugula, juicy tomato slices, and your perfectly grilled turkey patty.

• Dig In

Serve hot and savor your delectable homemade pesto turkey burger alongside your preferred side dish. Enjoy the burst of Mediterranean-inspired flavors!

Additions That Amp Up Turkey Burger Flavor

• Add a splash of olive oil or grated zucchini to prevent dry turkey burgers and boost juiciness during cooking.
• Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe celiac-safe and equally delicious.
• Incorporate finely chopped spinach or sun-dried tomatoes into the meat mixture for extra nutrition and flavor complexity.
• Swap burger buns with large lettuce leaves or grilled portobello mushroom caps for a lighter, carb-conscious meal experience.
• Experiment with different cheese options like smoked mozzarella, crumbled feta, or sharp provolone to elevate the burger's taste profile.

How to Serve Grilled Pesto Burgers at Any Meal

• Picnic Perfect Pairing: Spread a checkered blanket and serve these juicy burgers with crisp potato salad or tangy coleslaw for a delightful outdoor meal.
• Fresh Mediterranean Spread: Top the burger with crumbled feta cheese, sliced cucumber, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce to bring Mediterranean flavors to life.
• Veggie Side Splash: Grill some zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus alongside the turkey burgers to create a colorful and nutritious plate that complements the main dish.
• Wine & Dine Match: Pair the pesto turkey burger with a light, crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a refreshing summer ale to enhance the herb-infused burger's taste.

Storage Plan for Leftover Pesto Turkey Burgers

• Wrap uncooked turkey patties individually in plastic wrap or wax paper, storing them flat in an airtight container for up to 2 days before grilling.
• Shape raw burgers, stack between parchment paper layers, and freeze in a sealed freezer bag for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before cooking.
• Slice cold grilled turkey burgers and toss into salads, stuff inside wraps, or chop for quick protein additions to grain bowls within 3-4 days of cooking.
• Create burger patties in advance during weekend batch cooking. Refrigerate prepared, uncooked patties for weeknight quick dinners, saving time and ensuring consistent meal planning.

Juicy Pesto Turkey Burgers

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent Grilled Pesto Turkey Burgers deliver Mediterranean charm straight to summer dinner plates. Herbed turkey patties with fresh basil pesto create a zesty, light meal that’ll satisfy weekend grill enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.25 lbs (567 g) ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup (30 g) breadcrumbs (optional, for structure)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 4 burger buns
• Olive oil for brushing grill
• Sliced mozzarella or provolone (optional)
• Tomato slices
• Arugula or lettuce
• Additional pesto or mayo

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Thoroughly blend ground turkey with pesto, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and breadcrumbs, mixing delicately to maintain meat’s tender texture.
2. Patty Formation: Craft 4 uniform patties, then refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to enhance structural integrity during grilling.
3. Grilling Technique: Heat grill to medium-high, lightly oil grates, and cook patties 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F, optionally topping with cheese during final minute of cooking.
4. Burger Assembly: Lightly toast buns, apply pesto or mayo as a flavor-enhancing spread, layer with crisp arugula, ripe tomato slices, and freshly grilled turkey patty.
5. Serving: Present immediately alongside preferred accompaniments for a delectable dining experience.

Notes

• Handle ground turkey mixture delicately to prevent tough, dense burgers – overmixing breaks down protein structure and creates compact, less tender patties.
• Refrigerating patties before grilling helps them maintain shape, reduces crumbling, and allows flavors to meld together effectively.
• Use meat thermometer to ensure 165°F internal temperature, preventing foodborne illness while keeping turkey burger moist and safely cooked.
• Add small amount of olive oil or grated zucchini to ground turkey mixture to prevent dryness, enhancing juiciness and tenderness of burger.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg