Zesty Grilled Pesto Turkey Burgers Recipe – Juicy Summer Joy!

Sinking your teeth into a mouthwatering pesto turkey burger sends taste buds on an unforgettable culinary adventure.

These lean protein patties blend Mediterranean herbs with classic burger charm.

Packed with fresh basil and garlic, each burger delivers a robust flavor profile that stands out from traditional beef options.

Homemade pesto adds a vibrant green touch that makes every bite sing with bright, aromatic notes.

The lean turkey ensures a lighter meal without sacrificing satisfaction.

Grill or pan-sear these burgers to golden perfection, transforming simple ingredients into a delectable dinner that will have everyone requesting seconds.

Savor the unexpected magic of these irresistible burgers that promise to elevate your weeknight meal game.

Serve Grilled Pesto Turkey Burgers With Flair

• Flavor-Boosting Pesto Burger Tricks: Add fresh chopped basil leaves directly into the meat mixture for extra herbaceous punch.
• Moisture-Locking Technique: Include a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or olive oil into the ground turkey to prevent dryness and enhance tenderness.
• Low-Carb Swap: Replace traditional burger buns with large lettuce leaves for a gluten-free, low-carbohydrate alternative that keeps the meal light and fresh.
• Vegetarian Transformation
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare burger patties up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and making weeknight dinner preparation super quick and convenient.

Keep Grilled Pesto Turkey Burgers Nice And Tidy

• Flavor Fusion Plate: Pair these juicy pesto turkey burgers with roasted garlic herb potatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired meal that brings zesty, herbaceous notes to every bite.
• Picnic Perfect Combo: Serve alongside a crisp summer salad with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and light vinaigrette to balance the burger's rich, savory profile and add refreshing crispness.
• Gourmet Appetizer Twist: Transform leftover patties into smaller slider-sized portions for casual gatherings, garnishing with extra fresh basil and serving with herb-infused aioli for elegant finger food.
• Wine & Dine Option: Match these burgers with a chilled glass of pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc, enhancing the pesto's herbal notes and cutting through the burger's richness for a sophisticated dining experience.

Everything You Need For Barbecued Pork Steaks

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover burger patties in an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking for maximum freshness, keeping for 3-4 days.
• Freezing Technique: Wrap individual uncooked patties in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags to store up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before grilling.
• Smart Prep Timing: Make burger mixture ahead of time and store in sealed container for 24 hours before cooking to enhance flavor development and save cooking time.
• Leftover Transformation: Crumble cold turkey burgers into salads, pasta dishes, or grain bowls for quick meal repurposing, adding extra protein and reducing food waste.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 5

Tools That Take Grilled Pesto Turkey Burgers Further

• Ground Turkey: Lean protein that absorbs pesto's vibrant flavors, select fresh meat with minimal liquid for better patty formation.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind ingredients and maintain burger's moisture, use plain or seasoned varieties.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich savory depth and helps create crispy exterior when grilling.

• Pesto: Infuses Mediterranean herbs and garlic notes, choose fresh or homemade for intense taste.
• Garlic Powder: Provides consistent garlic flavor without raw garlic chunks, ensures even seasoning.
• Salt and Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that balance and elevate overall burger taste, use freshly ground black pepper for best results.

• Arugula: Peppery green that adds fresh, crisp texture and slight spiciness.
• Tomato: Brings juicy brightness and balances rich burger flavors, select ripe, firm tomatoes.
• Burger Buns: Sturdy base that complements turkey's lighter profile, consider whole wheat or brioche for added interest.
• Cheese Slices: Optional melty topping that adds creamy richness, Swiss or provolone work wonderfully.
• Mayonnaise or Additional Pesto: Provides moisture and extra flavor layer for serving.

Foolproof Way To Make Grilled Pesto Turkey Burgers

• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining ground turkey and all seasonings smoothly.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately add salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
• Grill or Grill Pan: Essential for cooking turkey patties to crispy perfection.
• Spatula: Needed for flipping burgers carefully without breaking them.
• Knife: Useful for slicing tomatoes and preparing burger toppings.
• Cutting Board: Creates clean surface for chopping vegetables.
• Meat Thermometer: Ensures turkey burgers reach safe internal temperature of 165F.

Fun Swaps For Grilled Pesto Turkey Burgers

• Blend Burger Blend

Grab your ground turkey and toss it into a mixing bowl. Sprinkle in pesto, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together without mashing the meat. Think soft touch, not heavy hands.

• Shape Your Patties

Create four burger rounds with your freshly mixed meat mixture. If you’ve got a few extra minutes, pop them in the refrigerator to firm up and help them stay together better during grilling.

• Fire Up the Grill

Heat your grill to a nice medium-high temperature. Brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking. Place your patties on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side. Aim for a perfect internal temperature of 165F. Want cheese? Melt a slice on top during the final minute of cooking.

• Build Your Burger Masterpiece

Toast those buns for extra crunch. Spread a layer of pesto or mayo on the bottom bun. Layer with fresh arugula, juicy tomato slices, and your perfectly grilled turkey patty. Crown with the top bun.

• Devour and Enjoy

Serve immediately alongside your favorite side dish. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Juicy Pesto Turkey Burgers

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 31 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent grilled pesto turkey burgers combine fresh Mediterranean herbs with lean protein for a delightful summer meal. Herb-infused patties deliver robust flavor and lean nutrition that elevates weeknight dinner expectations.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.25 lbs (567 g) ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
• 0.25 cup (59 ml) basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 0.25 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 burger buns
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 0.25 cup (30 g) breadcrumbs (optional, for structure)
• 1 tbsp olive oil, for brushing grill
• Sliced mozzarella or provolone (optional)
• Tomato slices
• Arugula or lettuce
• Additional pesto or mayonnaise

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Merge ground turkey with pesto, Parmesan, garlic powder, seasoning, and breadcrumbs by gently folding ingredients to maintain meat’s delicate texture.
2. Patty Formation: Craft four uniform patties with minimal pressure, creating smooth discs that will hold together during grilling. Briefly refrigerate to solidify structure and enhance flavor.
3. Grilling Setup: Heat outdoor grill to moderate-high temperature and brush cooking grates with olive oil to prevent sticking and encourage caramelization.
4. Cooking Process: Grill turkey patties for 5-6 minutes per side, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F. Optional cheese can be melted during final cooking moments for added richness.
5. Bun Preparation: Lightly toast burger buns to introduce crisp texture and elevate overall dining experience.
6. Assembly: Spread pesto or mayonnaise on toasted buns, layer with arugula, tomato slices, and grilled turkey patty. Arrange with artistic precision to maximize visual and flavor appeal.
7. Serving: Present immediately with complementary side dishes, celebrating the vibrant essence of summer grilling cuisine.

Notes

• Gentle Meat Handling: Mix ground turkey ingredients with light, swift movements to keep the meat tender and prevent tough, dense burgers.
• Chilling Patties: Refrigerate formed patties for 15-30 minutes before grilling to help them hold together and develop deeper flavor integration.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring food safety without overcooking the delicate turkey meat.
• Moisture Preservation: Avoid pressing patties while grilling, which can squeeze out natural juices and result in dry burgers; let them cook undisturbed for optimal tenderness.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg