These healthy zesty zucchini turkey burgers make a quick lunch or dinner, and are packed full of delicious flavour! {Paleo, gluten-free, keto, & low carb}
I’m pretty sure I haven’t revealed this fact about myself yet, but I LOVE burgers.
This probably surprises a lot of people because for some strange reason, the second people meet me, they think that I’m a vegetarian.
I have NO clue why.
Maybe they assume because we dietitians love our veggies, it automatically makes us vegetarians?!
Anyways…
Just to clear it up, although I do enjoy meatless meals, I’m not a vegetarian.
And in my opinion, nothing beats a nice juicy burger.
YUM.
Similar to meatballs, I really enjoy experimenting with new burger flavours.
I’ll never forget the time when my husband brought me to a place called “The Works” when we first started dating. I was amazed at how many different burger flavours and combos existed.
It blew my mind.
You can basically choose the type of meat you want, whether you want it topped up or naked, and then there are all of these awesome burgers with fun names to choose from!
Who knew there was so much you could do with a burger?!
Eat it with a bun.
Eat it naked.
Load it with veggies.
Slap on some cheese.
Put the cheese inside the patty.
Serve it with different sauces and spreads.
So yeah….burgers are pretty awesome.
While every once in a while, I enjoy a fully loaded go-big-or-go-home type of burger, for the most part, I try to keep it relatively lean and light since burgers tend to be a regular part of my diet.
That’s why I love these zesty zucchini turkey burgers — they’re loaded with flavour while still being a leaner and healthier option!
How to make Zesty Zucchini Turkey Burgers
So this part doesn’t require much explanation because these burgers are E-A-S-Y.
Basically toss all of the ingredients in a bowl and combine them with a spoon or your hands.
Form into four equal-sized patties.
There are two different methods of cooking – baking or grilling.
To bake: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bake for 30 minutes or until cooked through.
To grill: I recommend grilling the burgers from a frozen state as they’ll be less likely to fall apart on the grill. Preheat the grill to medium-high. Ease the burger patties onto the grill and do not move them for 6 minutes, leaving the cover of the grill open.
After 6 minutes, flip the burgers just once and let them continue to cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the burgers release from the grill and the interior temperature of the thickest part of the burgers reaches 165°F. Transfer the burgers to a clean plate.
Benefits of Zesty Zucchini Turkey Burgers
We love these turkey burgers for so many reasons!
They are:
- Lean & light. Because they’re made with extra lean ground turkey (or ground chicken), they’re lower in saturated fat than your typical beef burgers.
- Packed with protein to keep you feeling full for longer.
- Refreshing. The lemon zest, fresh herbs and garlic add this refreshing flavour perfect for the summer time!
- Full of moisture. The zucchini adds plenty of moisture so no egg is required.
- Contains almost a full serving of veggies. How many burgers have that veggie-loaded perk?
So many reasons to enjoy these burgers!
And there’s one more I forgot to mention!
Zesty Zucchini Turkey Burgers: Perfect for Meal Prep
One of my favourite things about these burgers is that you can make up a batch or double the batch and store them in the freezer for a quick meal option.
You can freeze them either from an uncooked or cooked state.
If you choose to freeze them from a cooked state, defrost them by:
- Preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. Place the patty(s) directly onto a metal rack and position over a baking pan to make sure the excess fat doesn’t drip all over the oven. Alternatively, you can place the patties directly on a baking sheet. Place the patty(s) in the oven for about five to ten minutes until heated through. The time may depend on the strength of your oven.
- Alternatively, reheat the burgers in the microwave for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, or until heated through.
Lunches and dinners just got a whole lot easier!
How to serve these Zesty Zucchini Turkey Burgers
These zucchini burgers are totally versatile as you can serve them up with a bun and all the works or completely naked for a lighter option.
Here are some of my favourite ways to serve them up:
- On a whole-grain bun topped with lettuce, tomato, avocado, pickles, hummus or tzatziki (so good)!
- Naked with a side salad (try this Spiralized Greek Cucumber Salad or Grilled Corn, Tomato & Avocado Salad)
- Along with a quinoa salad. Try this Greek Quinoa Salad!
- Served in a wrap or pita
So many delicious options!
How would you serve up these burgers?
More delicious burgers:
- Pesto Chicken Burgers
- Chicken Feta Burgers
- Best Black Bean Burgers
- Chicken Caprese Burgers
- Lemon Falafel Burgers with Greek Yogurt Tahini Spread
- Zesty Zucchini Turkey Burgers
Did you make this recipe? Scroll down to leave a rating and review!
Zesty Zucchini Turkey Burgers
Ingredients
- 1 lb extra lean ground turkey can also sub in ground chicken
- 1 small zucchini grated (about 1 cup grated zucchini)
- ½ tsp lemon zest
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 green onions finely chopped
- 2 tbsp. parsley finely chopped
- ¼ tsp. red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp. onion powder
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- Freshly ground pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 F.
- Combine all ingredients for the burgers in a medium sized bowl and form mixture into four evenly sized patties. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the patties on top of the parchment paper.
- Bake patties for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Garnish with desired toppings and serve with or without a bun.
I love the zucchini in these burgers, such a nice textural addition and definitely a boost of vitamins, healthy and delicious!
Thank you Katalina! Loving zucchini in my burgers!!
I’m loving all of the healthy components of this burger. Great way to sneak some veggies into a meal, too!
That’s right Christine..always trying to sneak those veggies in!
Mmm this looks absolutely fabulous!!
Her Heartland Soul
http://herheartlandsoul.com
Thanks Erin!