Sizzling Grilled Pesto Turkey Burgers Recipe for All Foodies

Crafting a mouthwatering pesto turkey burger promises to revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine.

This lean protein powerhouse combines Mediterranean herbs with juicy ground turkey for an unexpected flavor explosion.

Homemade pesto elevates each bite with vibrant basil and nutty parmesan notes.

Weeknight cooking gets a gourmet upgrade through these simple yet sophisticated patties.

A quick marinade infuses the meat with incredible depth and complexity.

Summer grilling sessions will never feel ordinary again when you serve these innovative burgers.

Let your taste buds embark on a culinary adventure that redefines the classic burger experience.

Why Grilled Pesto Turkey Burgers Are Packed With Flavor

• Quick and Effortless Prep: Whip up these burgers in no time with simple ingredients you likely have in your kitchen. Mixing takes just minutes, and the patties come together easily without complicated techniques.
• Healthy Twist on Classic Burger: Swap out traditional beef for lean ground turkey, packed with protein and lower in fat. The addition of pesto adds a burst of fresh herb flavor that elevates the entire burger experience.
• Grill-Friendly Summer Delight: Perfect for backyard cookouts, these burgers are a crowd-pleaser that captures the essence of summer entertaining. Minimal ingredients and quick cooking time make them ideal for casual gatherings with friends and family.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adapt the recipe by changing cheese types, adding different toppings, or switching up the buns. Vegetarians can even try the pesto mix with a plant-based patty for a similar flavor profile.

What You Need For Grilled Pesto Turkey Burgers

• Ground Turkey: Lean protein base for the burger, choose meat with 93% lean for juiciness without excess fat.

• Pesto, Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich Italian-style herbal and cheesy flavor to the turkey meat.
• Garlic Powder: Provides deep, aromatic seasoning without raw garlic chunks.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced burger taste.

• Breadcrumbs: Helps hold the burger together and adds subtle texture.

• Burger Buns: Soft carrier for the grilled patty, can be toasted for extra crunch.
• Arugula: Peppery green that adds fresh, crisp element to the burger.
• Tomato: Provides juicy, fresh contrast to the grilled meat.
• Cheese Slices: Optional melty topping for extra richness.
• Mayonnaise or Additional Pesto: Creamy spread to enhance moisture and flavor.

Steps To Cook Grilled Pesto Turkey Burgers

Step 1: Blend Flavor-Packed Ingredients

• Ground turkey
• Fresh basil pesto
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Breadcrumbs (optional)

Gently fold the ingredients together, being careful not to overwork the meat. A light touch keeps the patties tender and juicy.

Step 2: Shape Delectable Patties

Mold the mixture into four perfectly shaped burger patties. For extra stability, pop them in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. This quick chill helps the patties maintain their shape during grilling.

Step 3: Fire Up The Grill

Prepare your grill by heating it to medium-high temperature. Brush the grates with a thin layer of cooking oil to prevent sticking. Place the patties on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side. The goal is to reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe and delicious turkey burgers. If you’re a cheese lover, add your favorite slices during the final minute of cooking.

Step 4: Build Mouthwatering Burgers

Toast the burger buns for an extra crispy texture. Spread a layer of pesto or mayonnaise on the buns. Layer with fresh arugula, juicy tomato slices, and your perfectly grilled turkey patty.

Step 5: Serve And Savor

Plate these delectable turkey burgers immediately. Pair with crispy fries, a fresh salad, or your preferred side dish for a complete meal that’s sure to impress!

Tips For Juicy Grilled Pesto Turkey Burgers

• Prevent Tough Burgers: Handle the ground turkey gently when mixing and shaping patties to keep them tender and juicy, avoiding overworking the meat.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley to the turkey mixture for an extra burst of aromatic freshness.
• Ensure Perfect Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F, guaranteeing safe and fully cooked turkey burgers.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour for a gluten-free option, or use lettuce wraps instead of buns for a low-carb alternative.
• Meal Prep Hack: Prepare patties in advance and freeze between parchment paper for quick weeknight meals, thawing in the refrigerator before grilling.

How To Keep Grilled Pesto Turkey Burgers Fresh

• Cool the patties to room temperature before packing.
• Wrap each burger in foil or plastic wrap, then place in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days; reheat gently in a skillet or oven to avoid drying out.
• To freeze, flash‑freeze the wrapped patties on a tray until solid, then move to a freezer bag, store for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve juiciness.

What Matches Grilled Pesto Turkey Burgers Best

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon blanc cuts through the rich pesto flavor, complementing the turkey burger's herbal notes with its bright, zesty profile.
• Match with Cucumber Salad: A cool, light cucumber salad provides refreshing contrast to the grilled burger's warmth, balancing the meal's intense flavors and adding textural variety.
• Serve with Roasted Garlic Aioli: Creamy garlic aioli enhances the burger's pesto undertones, adding an extra layer of indulgent richness that elevates the overall taste experience.
• Complement with Pinot Grigio: This light, clean wine offers a smooth accompaniment that won't overpower the delicate turkey and pesto combination, creating a harmonious dining moment.

Fun Variations On Grilled Pesto Turkey Burgers

• Mediterranean Boost: Replace pesto with sun-dried tomato spread and add crumbled feta cheese into the turkey mixture for a tangy Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Mix chopped jalapeños and cumin into the ground turkey, top with pepper jack cheese and serve with chipotle mayo for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Herb Garden Blend: Incorporate fresh chopped basil, oregano, and thyme directly into the turkey meat for an aromatic herbal burger experience.
• Italian Caprese Inspiration: Layer fresh mozzarella on the burger, add fresh basil leaves, and drizzle with balsamic glaze for a classic Italian-inspired version.

Grilled Pesto Turkey Burgers FAQ

• Why use ground turkey instead of beef?

Ground turkey is leaner, healthier, and absorbs flavors like pesto beautifully. It’s a great protein option for those wanting a lighter burger without sacrificing taste.

• How do I prevent my turkey burgers from falling apart on the grill?

Chilling the patties for 15-20 minutes before grilling helps them hold their shape. Also, mix ingredients gently and avoid overworking the meat, which can make burgers tough.

• Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the patties and refrigerate them, covered, for up to 24 hours before grilling. This actually helps the flavors meld and makes prep easier on cooking day.

• What if I don't have a grill?

No problem! You can cook these turkey burgers in a hot skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Just ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165F for food safety.

Grilled Pesto Turkey Burgers Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Juicy Pesto Turkey Burgers bring Mediterranean zest to classic summer grilling with herbal, cheesy goodness. Crisp and flavorful patties promise a delightful meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1.25 pounds (567 grams) ground turkey (93% lean recommended)

Flavor Enhancers:

• 0.25 cup (59 milliliters) basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 0.25 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Binding and Structure:

• 0.25 cup (30 grams) breadcrumbs (optional, for structure)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, for brushing grill

For Serving:

• 4 burger buns
• Sliced mozzarella or provolone (optional)
• Tomato slices
• Arugula or lettuce
• Additional pesto or mayonnaise

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing vessel, delicately fold ground turkey with aromatic pesto, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, seasoning, and breadcrumbs, ensuring minimal manipulation to preserve meat’s tender texture.
2. Craft four uniform patties with gentle pressure, creating smooth, compact discs that will maintain structural integrity during grilling. Refrigerate momentarily to enhance cohesion and flavor melding.
3. Prepare outdoor grill by heating to moderate-high temperature, meticulously brushing cooking grates with olive oil to prevent adherence and promote beautiful caramelization.
4. Position turkey patties onto heated grill, allowing approximately 5-6 minutes per side, monitoring internal temperature until reaching safe 165°F. During final cooking moments, optional cheese melting can transform burger’s profile.
5. While patties rest, lightly toast burger buns to introduce delightful crispness and enhance overall gustatory experience.
6. Assemble burgers by applying thin layer of verdant pesto or creamy mayonnaise onto toasted buns, then artfully layer with peppery arugula, juicy tomato slices, and freshly grilled turkey patty.
7. Serve immediately alongside complementary side dishes, presenting a vibrant, flavorful meal celebrating summer grilling traditions.

Notes

• Gentle mixing prevents tough burgers by avoiding overworking the ground turkey meat.
• Chilling patties before grilling helps them maintain structural integrity and prevents crumbling during cooking.
• Lean turkey meat requires careful handling to keep moisture and prevent dryness, so avoid overcooking and monitor internal temperature closely.
• Experiment with alternative binders like ground oats or almond flour for gluten-free options that maintain burger texture and binding properties.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg