Savor Summer: Juicy Pesto Turkey Burgers with Fresh Mozzarella and Tomato

Escape to a Mediterranean summer with every bite of these incredible Pesto Turkey Burgers! Imagine homemade turkey patties, infused with flavor and guaranteed to be moist, topped with ripe, juicy tomatoes and creamy fresh mozzarella, all slathered with vibrant basil pesto. This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, bringing the refreshing taste of summer directly to your plate. Forget dry, bland turkey burgers – we’re about to unlock the secret to patties that are tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor.

The Allure of Summer and Farmer’s Market Freshness

As the warmth of summer embraces us, so does the anticipation of outdoor gatherings, backyard BBQs, and the sheer delight of fresh, seasonal produce. For many, summer signifies the peak of farmer’s market season, a time when vibrant tomatoes, fragrant basil, and an array of other garden treasures become readily available. There’s nothing quite like strolling through a bustling market on a Sunday morning or a relaxed Thursday evening, gathering ingredients that whisper tales of sun-drenched fields and local farms.

However, summer’s heat can sometimes make heavy meals less appealing. While classics like BBQ Bacon Burgers or rich Fried Egg Burgers are undeniably delicious, they might feel a bit too substantial on a scorching day. And let’s be honest, sometimes premium ingredients like avocados for an Avocado Burger can stretch the budget, especially when fresh and in season. This calls for a burger that’s light, refreshing, and celebrates the best of summer’s bounty – precisely where our Pesto Turkey Burgers shine.

Why Choose Turkey Burgers for a Healthier and Flavorful Twist?

Turkey burgers often get a bad rap for being dry or lacking flavor compared to their beef counterparts. However, when prepared correctly, turkey offers a fantastic alternative that is both healthier and incredibly versatile. Ground turkey typically contains less saturated fat, making it a lighter option for those looking to enjoy their favorite burger without the guilt. The key, as you’ll discover, lies in enhancing its natural tenderness and injecting it with robust flavors.

Our Pesto Turkey Burgers aim to change any preconceived notions you might have. Inspired by the classic Italian Caprese salad, these burgers bring together the harmonious trio of fresh basil, mozzarella, and tomato. We’ve explored these refreshing flavors before in recipes like tomato mozzarella flatbread, and their vibrant character is perfectly suited to complement the lean profile of turkey. And yes, we’ll reveal the simple trick to ensure your turkey patties are always moist, tender, and far from tough!

Essential Ingredients for Your Pesto Burger Masterpiece

Crafting these delectable turkey burgers with pesto requires just a few key components, many of which can be sourced fresh from your local farmer’s market or grocery store. Quality ingredients make all the difference in achieving that authentic summer taste:

Ground Turkey: Opt for lean ground turkey for a healthier choice. While light meat is common, if you can find ground dark meat turkey, it will naturally yield an even juicier and more flavorful burger due to its higher fat content.
Mayonnaise (or alternatives): This is our secret weapon for moist turkey burgers! Since ground turkey is lean, mayo acts as a binder and adds crucial moisture, preventing the patties from drying out during cooking. For a lighter touch, you can substitute with sour cream or Greek yogurt, both of which also contribute to the burger’s tender texture.
Worcestershire Sauce: A splash of Worcestershire sauce introduces a savory depth (umami) that elevates the overall flavor of the turkey, giving it a richer, more complex taste.
Basil Pesto: The star of the show! Whether you use your own vibrant homemade basil pesto or a high-quality store-bought jar, ensure it’s fresh and aromatic. Pesto provides that distinctive herby, garlicky, and slightly tangy flavor that defines these burgers.
Fresh Tomato: Select ripe, firm tomatoes, ideally those picked fresh from your garden or the farmer’s market. Slice them evenly to match your mozzarella. Remember, avoid refrigerating fresh tomatoes as it can break down their cell structure, leading to a mealy texture and diminished flavor.
Fresh Mozzarella: A ball of fresh mozzarella, often packed in water, is paramount for this recipe. Its milky, mild flavor and soft texture melt beautifully, complementing the pesto and tomato. Slice it to a similar thickness as your tomato for balanced layers.
Hamburger Buns: Choose sturdy buns that can hold up to the juicy patty and generous toppings. Brioche buns are an excellent choice, offering a slightly sweet and rich flavor that pairs wonderfully with the savory ingredients.

For a delightful change of pace or a taste of the islands, don’t miss my Teriyaki Turkey Burgers, offering a unique Hawaiian twist on the classic!

The Secret to Moist and Flavorful Turkey Patties: The Perfect Binder

The biggest challenge with cooking ground turkey is its lean nature, which means less fat to keep it moist and flavorful. Without a proper binder, turkey burgers can often turn out crumbly, dry, and tough. Many recipes call for an egg, but for smaller batches, a whole egg can be too much, leading to a softer, less burger-like consistency. The goal is to bind the meat and add moisture without making the patty overly dense or altering its texture negatively.

This is where mayonnaise steps in as our secret ingredient! Mayonnaise provides the perfect amount of fat and emulsion to bind the ground turkey effectively, ensuring your patties hold together beautifully on the grill or in the skillet. Its creamy texture also directly contributes to the juiciness of the burger, infusing it with moisture from within. Paired with a touch of Worcestershire sauce, which adds a savory depth and helps tenderize the meat, you get a burger that’s not just moist, but incredibly flavorful from the inside out. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, Greek yogurt or sour cream can perform a similar binding and moisturizing function, offering a tangy note to the patties.

Crafting the Perfect Pesto Turkey Burger: Step-by-Step

Making these pesto turkey burgers is surprisingly straightforward, but a few key techniques will ensure you achieve the best possible results – tender, flavorful patties that are a joy to eat. The entire process, from mixing to assembling, is designed to be quick and efficient, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend lunch.

How To Make Pesto Burgers

Prepare the Patty Mixture: In a large bowl, combine your ground turkey, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix these ingredients gently with your hands until just combined. Overworking the meat can lead to tough burgers, so stop as soon as everything is incorporated.
Shape the Patties: Divide the mixture into two equal portions. Gently shape each portion into a ½-inch thick patty that is slightly larger in diameter than your chosen hamburger buns. This extra size accounts for some shrinkage during cooking. Crucially, make a slight indent in the center of each patty with your thumb. This simple trick prevents the burgers from puffing up in the middle and helps them cook evenly.
Preheat and Cook: Heat a large skillet (or grill pan) over medium heat and add a teaspoon of vegetable oil. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, carefully place your turkey patties into the skillet.
Cook to Perfection: Cook the patties for approximately 6 minutes on the first side. Resist the urge to press down on them with your spatula, as this squeezes out valuable juices and moisture. Flip the burgers only once and cook for another 5-6 minutes on the second side, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) with an instant-read thermometer.
Prepare Pesto and Toppings: While the burgers are cooking, take this time to warm up your pesto (if using a jarred cold variety) and have your sliced tomatoes and fresh mozzarella ready for assembly.
Assemble and Serve: Toast your hamburger buns if desired. Spread a generous amount of basil pesto on the bottom bun. Place a cooked turkey patty on top, followed by a slice of fresh tomato and a slice of mozzarella. Add another dollop of pesto on the top half of the bun before completing your burger. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of summer flavors!

Elevated Serving Suggestions to Complete Your Meal

A delicious burger deserves an equally delightful sidekick! These Pesto Turkey Burgers pair beautifully with a variety of dishes, from classic comfort foods to fresh, vibrant salads. The goal is to complement the burger’s fresh, summery profile without overwhelming it.

Serve your pesto turkey burgers with one of these tantalizing side dishes:

Amish Macaroni Salad: A creamy, tangy, and classic choice that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Antipasto Pasta Salad: Packed with olives, cheeses, and cured meats, this offers a delightful Italian flair.

Amish Potato Salad: Another classic, comforting choice that provides a hearty balance.

Italian Potato Salad: A lighter, vinaigrette-based potato salad that echoes the Mediterranean theme.

Pesto Mac and Cheese: For those craving ultimate comfort, this rich dish with a pesto twist is irresistible.

Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: (As pictured in the original) A healthier and flavorful alternative to traditional fries. You can find a great recipe here.

Fresh Garden Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a refreshing choice.

Homemade Pita Chips with Pesto Dip: A crunchy, flavorful snack that doubles down on the pesto goodness.

Pesto Burgers

Yield:
2 burgers

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
15 minutes

Total Time:
30 minutes

These Pesto Burgers are a homemade turkey burger recipe featuring moist patties, fresh tomato, and mozzarella, all generously slathered with basil pesto. It’s a refreshing taste of summer in every delightful bite!

Ingredients

1/2 pound ground turkey
1 tablespoon mayo, sour cream, or Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt (preferably kosher)
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
2 tablespoons basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
2 slices tomato
2 slices fresh mozzarella
2 hamburger buns

Instructions

In large bowl gently mix together turkey, mayo, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper. Shape into two patties that are roughly 1/2 inch thick and slightly larger than your buns, making a slight indent in the middle with your thumb. You don’t want to overwork your meat or they’ll become tough.
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. When hot, add patties. Cook for 6 minutes. Flip then cook another 5-6 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 160F degrees.
To assemble: Add some of the pesto to the bottom of one bun. Add 1 burger then 1 slice tomato and 1 slice mozzarella. Add half the pesto then finish with the top bun.
Repeat with the remaining ingredients.

Notes

Enjoyed this recipe? Check out my BBQ Bacon Burgers, Teriyaki Turkey Burgers, and Avocado Burgers!

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First published June 29, 2022

Gourmet Pesto Burgers