Who doesn’t love a burger night?! But hit the brakes before you swing into the drive-thru—the standard takeout cheeseburger contains a shocking amount of saturated fat and sneaky sodium. With a few smart swaps, you can easily build a healthier burger at home. Trade marbled meat for lean protein, white bread for whole wheat, and load ’er up with fresh veggies. Instead of sugary ketchup, whip up your own fresh and flavorful “secret” sauce.
This trio of irresistible recipes, featuring juicy turkey flecked with spinach, marinated ahi topped with slaw, and a tender mash-up of sweet potatoes and beans, is great for the grill or the stove. Whether you want to have one last backyard barbecue before retiring your grill for the season, or you simply want to pull out one skillet for a quick weeknight dinner, sink your teeth into these patties!
Turkey Burgers with Spinach, Feta & Tzatziki
The trick with turkey burgers is to keep them from drying out. Stuff them with veggies, like superfood spinach or zucchini, and you’ve got a juicy and flavorful solution. A dollop of yogurt sauce, laced with lemon and herbs, takes it to the next level.
Get the full recipe for Turkey Burgers with Spinach, Feta & Tzatziki.
Ahi Tuna Burgers with Carrots, Daikon & Wasabi Sauce
Meaty ahi tuna is amazing on the grill. Marinate it in soy, and just barely sear it, to let that fresh fish shine. Making this on the stove? Here’s another fun twist: You could roll the ahi in black and white sesame seeds, for an irresistibly crunchy crust.
Get the full recipe for Ahi Burgers with Carrots, Daikon & Wasabi Sauce.
Veggie Burgers with Sweet Potato, Black Beans & Quinoa
There’s no contest between homemade veggie burgers and freezer-burned hockey pucks. This superfood rendition is a delectable mix of sweet potato, black beans, and quinoa, packing plenty of protein, with just the right amount of spice. Cook these tender patties in a pan, and turn them gently, to help them hold together. Serve them in lettuce wraps, if you like, and don’t hesitate to mash up that avocado, if you live for guacamole.
Get the full recipe for Veggie Burgers with Sweet Potato, Black Beans & Quinoa.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or condition. Always check with your doctor before changing your diet, altering your sleep habits, taking supplements, or starting a new fitness routine.
Becky Duffett
Becky Duffett is a contributing nutrition editor for Fitbit and a lifestyle writer with a passion for eating well. A former Williams-Sonoma cookbook editor and graduate of San Francisco Cooking School, she’s edited dozens of cookbooks and countless recipes. City living has turned her into a spin addict—but she’d still rather be riding a horse. She lives in the cutest neighborhood in San Francisco, spending weekends at the farmers’ market, trying to read at the bakery, and roasting big dinners for friends.
Delicious !