We Found Your New Favorite Burger: 5 Delicious Recipes You’ll Want to Make ASAP

Maybe it’s the warmer weather and longer days. Maybe it’s the fact that many of us can now get vaccinated — or the fact that more than 60 million of us already are. Or maybe we’re just ready for a new mindset. But, we’ve been feeling kind of optimistic lately. We know that we still need to be careful, but the idea of a small, backyard grilling session seems within reach. Which has us thinking about burgers. We’ve been doing a lot of burger-scrolling (it’s so much better than doom-scrolling) and we’ve found some patties that we can’t wait to make.

From Greek turkey burgers to a decadent mushroom option that’s completely plant-based, one of these burgers deserves a spot on your burger bucket list. Each is packed with flavor, easy to customize, and full of whole foods ingredients that keep your nutrition in mind. If you do find a new favorite, promise to let us know!

1. Tender Greek Turkey Burgers from Killing Thyme

The secret to making a turkey burger taste delicious instead of dry? Load it up with flavor. Here, garlic, kalamata olives, briny capers, feta cheese, red onion, and plenty of spices ensure that every bite will knock your socks off. Loading the patty up with tzatziki sauce, cucumbers, and roasted red peppers doesn’t hurt either. A standard burger bun will work here, but a whole wheat pita could be nice, too. Or simply place it atop a salad, and you’ve got a lovely meal.

Photo Credit: Zestful Kitchen

2. Vegan Mushroom Veggie Burger from Zestful Kitchen

Roasted mushrooms keep the patties firm and flavorful without much filler. Chickpeas are chock full of protein and fiber. And miso adds deep richness and even more protein. Fair warning: These burgers take a little time, but they’re totally worth it. Plus, they can be made ahead and frozen, ready to be cooked whenever you’re craving a burger.

Photo Credit: Joe Lingeman for Kitchn

3. Beef Butter Burgers from Kitchn

Okay, so “beef butter burger” may not sound particularly healthy, but hear us out. If you’re using grass-fed and finished beef (and we think you should!), the meat can be on the dry side. Work tiny pieces of chilled (grass-fed) butter into the beef and problem solved! This might be the most deliciously easy way to up the ante in terms of juiciness. Looking for more fiber? Double up on veggies and use a whole grain bun.

Photo Credit: Salt & Wind

4. Mediterranean Lamb Burger With Tapenade Mayo, Arugula, and Feta from Salt and Wind

This recipe takes full advantage of lamb’s unique flavors and pairs them with even more goodness. Cucumbers make it crunchy, red onion makes it a little zippy, and arugula adds a delicately bitter note. If you avoid dairy, skip the cheese, but make sure you have plenty of the tapenade mayo, a super-simple 2-ingredient condiment made with olive tapenade and good-quality mayo.

Photo Credit: Well Plated by Erin

5. Salmon Burgers from Well Plated by Erin

These burgers aren’t your traditional salmon burgers and therein lies there secret. Made with diced salmon (instead of canned salmon), they use Greek yogurt to bind them, lemon juice for brightness, and plenty of herbs. Top them with even more Greek yogurt and fresh herbs, and serve on a bun or over a simple salad of arugula, lemon juice, and olive oil.