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Healthy High-Protein Grilled Turkey Burgers with Easy Zesty Slaw

healthy high-protein grilled turkey burgers - featured image

A juicy, flavorful turkey burger recipe paired with a tangy, crunchy zesty slaw. Perfect for healthy summer cookouts or quick weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground turkey (preferably lean, 93% lean for juiciness)
  • 1/4 cup (30g) finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup (30g) whole wheat breadcrumbs (gluten-free option: almond flour)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional but recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups (150g) shredded green cabbage
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded carrot
  • 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Whole grain burger buns or lettuce wraps
  • Optional toppings: sliced avocado, tomato slices, pickles

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Divide mixture into 4 equal portions (about 4 ounces each). Shape each into a round patty about 3/4 inch thick, pressing a slight indentation in the center.
  3. In a medium bowl, toss shredded cabbage, shredded carrot, chopped cilantro, and jalapeño. In a small bowl, whisk lime juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. Pour dressing over veggies and toss well. Let sit while cooking burgers.
  4. Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil grates or pan.
  5. Cook patties on grill for 4-5 minutes per side, flipping once carefully. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Toast buns lightly on grill if desired. Assemble burgers with patties, zesty slaw, and optional toppings. Serve immediately.

Notes

Avoid overmixing the burger mixture to keep patties tender. Press a small dent in the center of each patty to prevent puffing. Use a meat thermometer to ensure burgers reach 165°F for safety. Let burgers rest 3-5 minutes before serving. Toss slaw just before serving for best crunch. For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs and buns with almond flour and gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey burgers, grilled turkey burgers, healthy burgers, high protein, zesty slaw, summer BBQ, gluten-free option