Turkey Avocado Burger Recipe with a Cilantro Crema (2024)

· Modified: by Melissa Bravo-Almazan · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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Satisfy your burger cravings in a lighter, more flavorful way with our turkey avocado burger recipe. This delicious turkey burger is the epitome of taste and nutrition, served with a zesty cilantro crema that adds an extra burst of flavor to your meal.

Be sure to view our helpful guide that shows you different methods for how to reheat a burger.

Related: what to do with leftover avocado

Turkey Avocado Burger Recipe with a Cilantro Crema (1)

Avocado turkey burgers are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed year-round. However, they're particularly amazing during the warm months of spring and summer when you can fire up the grill for that classic outdoor burger experience.

Their fresh flavors make them perfect for picnics, barbecues, and sunny weekend lunches. Of course, you can enjoy them anytime you're in the mood for an awesome burger.

Jump to:
  • Juicy Burger Ingredients
  • How to Make this Turkey Avocado Burger Recipe
  • Ingredients for Cilantro Crema
  • Making the Cilantro Crema (Burger Sauce)
  • Assembling your Delicious Avocado Turkey Burger
  • Substitutions
  • Variations
  • Equipment
  • Storage
  • Conclusion
  • Top tip
  • FAQ
  • Related
  • Recent
  • Turkey Avocado Burger
  • Food Safety

Juicy Burger Ingredients

This is a great recipe that calls for usingwhole foods like these simple ingredients:

Turkey Avocado Burger Recipe with a Cilantro Crema (2)
  • Lean ground turkey
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Egg
  • Yellow onion
  • Jalapeño
  • Garlic cloves
  • Lime juice
  • Feta crumbles

Ingredients for serving:

  • Ripe avocados
  • Butter lettuce
  • Fresh onion rings
  • Brioche buns

See recipe card for quantities.

How to Make this Turkey Avocado Burger Recipe

Below, you will find process shots along with step-by-step instructions:

Turkey Avocado Burger Recipe with a Cilantro Crema (3)

1. In a medium bowl, add in your ground turkey, salt, pepper, egg, diced onion and jalapeño, minced garlic, lime juice, and feta crumbles.

Turkey Avocado Burger Recipe with a Cilantro Crema (4)

2. Combine all the ingredients with a spoon. Form turkey mixture into 6 balls. If you weigh them, each one should be around 4.2 oz.

Turkey Avocado Burger Recipe with a Cilantro Crema (5)

3. Place a large skillet on your stovetop and adjust heat setting to medium heat. Once skillet is hot, add in some extra virgin olive oil. Once oil is hot enough, place 3 turkey patties on the skillet and flatten them slightly with a spatula. Wait 5 minutes before flipping them over. Cook for another 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Hint: You can whip up your cilantro crema as your second batch of patties are cooking.

Ingredients for Cilantro Crema

Turkey Avocado Burger Recipe with a Cilantro Crema (6)
  • Cilantro
  • Lime juice
  • Sour cream
  • Salt

See recipe card for quantities.

Making the Cilantro Crema (Burger Sauce)

Turkey Avocado Burger Recipe with a Cilantro Crema (7)

1. Place cilantro, lime juice, sour cream, and salt into a small food processor. Pulse until mixture looks creamy.

Turkey Avocado Burger Recipe with a Cilantro Crema (8)

2. This is what your crema should look like.

Assembling your Delicious Avocado Turkey Burger

Turkey Avocado Burger Recipe with a Cilantro Crema (9)

1. Toast hamburger buns and spread a bit of cilantro crema on each bun.

Turkey Avocado Burger Recipe with a Cilantro Crema (10)

2. Add a bed of lettuce over the bottom bun followed by a turkey patty. Spread a little (or a lot) of the cilantro crema over the patty.

Turkey Avocado Burger Recipe with a Cilantro Crema (11)

3. Cut an avocado in half, remove the pit and scoop out the flesh with a spoon. Cut into slices and place over the patty and crema.

Turkey Avocado Burger Recipe with a Cilantro Crema (12)

4. Add a few yellow onion rings over the sliced avocado and lastly, place hamburger bun over the onions. Serve with fries and a small side salad!

Do you ever find yourself with ripe avocados that cant be consumed in time? Check out our latest resource on how to freeze avocado chunks. It's a simple guide on freezing avocado for later use!

Substitutions

  • Turkey Burgers- instead of turkey burgers, you can use this recipe to make beef burgers using ground beef or chicken burgers using ground chicken.
  • Brioche Buns- you can use pretzel buns, potato buns or any other burger buns!
  • Onions- you can substitute chopped onions for a bit of onion powder or use a red onion instead of a yellow one.
  • Fresh Garlic- instead of using fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder.
  • Lime Juice- instead of using lime juice in your meat mixture, you can use lemon juice.

Variations

  • Bread Crumbs- feel free to add ¼ cup of bread crumbs to your turkey avocado burger recipe.
  • Spicy Burgers- sprinkle in a bit of chili powder or hot sauce to your ground meat for added heat. You can also use thinly sliced jalapeños as toppings for your burger patties.
  • Getting Cheesy- feel free to add a slice of cheese to your warm turkey patty. Pepper jack cheese would be a great addition.
  • Green Goddess Dressing- this dressing would make a delicious sauce option for these turkey avocado burgers.

Equipment

Storage

  1. Allow the turkey patties to cool to room temperature. This usually takes about 1 hour.
  2. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. If using a container, separate each burger patty with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  3. Store patties in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the container or wrapping is airtight to avoid having a dry burger and to maintain its freshness.
  4. Freeze (Optional): Freezing is a great way to preserve your patties if you don't plan to consume them within a few days. Wrap them in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Place in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they should be good for up to 2-3 months.

Remember that proper storage helps maintain the quality and taste of the turkey patties, whether you're saving them for a quick meal or as part of meal prep.

Conclusion

Incorporating this turkey avocado burger recipe into your weeknight meal rotation will transform the way you enjoy burgers. With the wholesome goodness of lean turkey, a zesty cilantro cream and the richness of creamy avocado, this flavorful creation is a standout from the normal burger fare. Plus, its simplicity and minimal cooking skills required, makes it a favorite way to whip up a quick and easy dinner.

Top tip

The cilantro crema makes an excellent chicken salad dressing or dip for tortilla chips!

FAQ

Can I bake the turkey patties instead?

Yes! Add some foil to a baking sheet and spray with a bit of nonstick spray. Arrange raw patties on the sheet and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Why are burgers a staple in California cuisine?

1. Versatility: California's diverse culinary culture welcomes a wide array of flavors, and the burger's versatility allows it to adapt to various tastes. From classic cheeseburgers to innovative avocado and kale combinations, burgers offer something for everyone.
2. Casual Dining: California is known for its relaxed, outdoor-centric lifestyle. Burgers, with their handheld convenience, fit perfectly into this laid-back atmosphere, making them an ideal choice for quick and casual dining.
3. Farm-to-Table: The golden state's commitment to fresh, local ingredients aligns perfectly with the concept of traditional burgers. Many Californian restaurants prioritize using locally-sourced, high-quality ingredients in their burger creations.
4. Cultural Fusion: California's vibrant food culture is a melting pot of diverse culinary influences. Traditional burgers offer a familiar and comforting taste while still allowing room for creative fusions and multicultural twists.
5. Outdoor Dining: The state's pleasant weather encourages outdoor dining. Whether it's a beachfront picnic or a barbecue in the backyard, burgers are the go-to choice for these al fresco occasions.
6. Iconic Venues: California boasts a selection of iconic burger joints such as, In-N-Out Burger which have gained worldwide recognition. These institutions have contributed to the burger's enduring popularity in the state.

Looking for other main dish recipes like this? Try these:

  • The Best California Chicken Recipe to Make Today
  • Simple Sardine Salad Recipe Made with Canned Sardines
  • Bacon Spaghetti Recipe with a Creamy Garlic Sauce
  • The Ultimate Quinoa Veggie Bowl, Simple and Delicious

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Turkey Avocado Burger Recipe with a Cilantro Crema (21)

Turkey Avocado Burger

Author: Melissa Bravo-Almazan

Juicy turkey, creamy avocado, and zesty cilantro crema – your taste buds are in for a flavor fiesta with our turkey avocado burger recipe.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Ingredients

Turkey Patties

  • 1 lb lean ground turkey
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 egg
  • ½ yellow onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 jalapeño, diced
  • 1 lime for lime juice
  • ¼ cup feta crumbles

Cilantro Crema

  • 1 handful of cilantro
  • 1 lime for lime juice
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ½ teaspoon salt

For Serving

  • 6 burger buns we recommend brioche buns
  • 3 avocados ½ avocado for each burger
  • ½ yellow onion for fresh onion rings
  • 4.5 oz lettuce we recommend butter lettuce

Instructions

Turkey Patties

  • In a medium bowl, add in your ground turkey, salt, pepper, egg, diced onion and jalapeño, minced garlic, juice from 1 lime, and feta crumbles.Combine all the ingredients with a spoon.

  • Divide and form turkey mixture into 6 balls. If you weigh them, each one should be around 4.2 oz.

  • Place a large skillet on your stovetop and adjust heat setting to medium heat. Once skillet is hot, add in some olive oil. Once oil is hot enough, place 3 turkey patties on the skillet and flatten them slightly with a spatula. Wait 5 minutes before flipping them over. Cook for another 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Cilantro Crema

  • Place cilantro, juice from 1 lime, sour cream, and salt into a small food processor. Pulse until mixture looks creamy.

Assembling your Burger

  • Toast hamburger buns and spread a bit of cilantro crema on each bun. Add a bed of lettuce over the bottom bun followed by a turkey patty. Spread a little (or a lot) of the cilantro crema over the patty.

  • Cut an avocado in half, remove the pit and scoop out the flesh with a spoon. Cut into slices and place over the patty and crema. Add a few yellow onion rings over the avocado and lastly, place hamburger bun over the onions. Serve with fries and a small side salad!

Keyword burger, dinner recipes, hamburger, main course, main dish, turkey burger

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Food Safety

When making any turkey burger recipe, it's essential to prioritize food safety to prevent foodborne illnesses. Here are some key food safety tips:

  1. Keep it Cold: Refrigerate or freeze ground turkey until you're ready to use it. Thaw frozen turkey in the refrigerator, not on the countertop, to avoid bacterial growth.
  2. Clean Hands and Surfaces: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling raw turkey or any other raw meat products. Also, clean all surfaces and utensils that come in contact with the turkey to prevent cross-contamination.
  3. Avoid Cross-Contamination: Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw turkey and ready-to-eat ingredients, like lettuce and tomatoes. Do not use the same plate for raw and cooked burgers.
  4. Use a Food Thermometer: Cook turkey burgers to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C). Verify the temperature by using a food thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.

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Turkey Avocado Burger Recipe with a Cilantro Crema (2024)

FAQs

What condiment is best on a turkey burger? ›

Aioli is a great complement to turkey burgers because it adds creaminess and richness to the lean turkey meat. There are a lot of varieties of aiolis these days, but you can't go wrong with a classic garlic aioli. Garlic adds flavor to any dish without being overpowering.

What is the best binder for turkey burgers? ›

Add a spoonful of mayonnaise.

Most recipes use egg to bind ground turkey, helping the meat to form into cohesive, juicy patties.

How do you improve the texture of a turkey burger? ›

A few tablespoons of panko bread crumbs break up the finely ground turkey; gently tossing all the ingredients together and using a light touch to shape the patties helps keep the texture loose. Baking soda and gelatin keep the meat moist; help with browning, richness, and savory flavor; and provide a juicy mouthfeel.

How do you make turkey burgers hold together? ›

Just like in a traditional meatloaf, you need something to hold the meat together. Try adding some dry breadcrumbs to the turkey mixture before you shape the patties. The crumbs will absorb the moisture and, together with the egg, will act like glue and help your burgers maintain their shape on the grill.

How to improve turkey burgers? ›

Turkey burgers are much leaner than hamburgers, but they can be dry and dull. Moisten them by adding ketchup and a bit of grated onion to the ground turkey — or mayonnaise and a bit of mustard. The idea is to emphasize condiments, and keep the turkey moist.

What to use to keep turkey burgers from falling apart? ›

Keep your burgers from falling apart.

We recommend adding a raw egg and a handful of breadcrumbs.

How to stop turkey burgers from being dry? ›

Turkey burgers always sound like a great idea, but they too often taste like a fat sawdust patty. No more, friends! Mashing avocado into the turkey mixture helps prevent the meat from shrinking and drying out during cooking, which is why these stay awesomely juicy, even when they're cooked all the way through.

Why are my turkey burgers rubbery? ›

Make sure you have enough fat in your burger blend

The high heat cooking needs fat to melt into your burger or you will end up with dry, rubbery, bland burgers every time.

How to keep turkey burgers from sticking to the grill? ›

⇢ In my experience, it's best to grill turkey burgers with medium-high direct heat, 450-500 degrees F. Once the grill reaches cooking temperature, let it sit for 5-10 minutes before grilling. This simple step ensures the grill grates get nice and hot, which helps to prevent sticking. Oil the grates.

What does adding an egg to ground turkey do? ›

Since turkey burgers tend to be drier than their ground beef counterparts, we added an egg to ours to help it hold together and give it more moisture. We also use 94% lean ground turkey in our patties—we don't recommend any higher than that, or your burgers might not hold together.

How do I make ground turkey more flavorful? ›

1. Give Ground Turkey a Savory Boost. To amp up the meat's flavor—but keep it versatile for a range of applications—we added chopped shallot and Worcestershire sauce. Both enhanced the meaty taste of the turkey, while Worcestershire sauce's pungent tang added balance.

How can I improve my turkey flavor? ›

Never pass up the opportunity to add flavor to turkey by stuffing the cavity with a simple aromatics mix. Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage along with a half lemon go a long way to add flavor, and stuffing it into the bird takes almost no time at all.

Why add eggs to turkey burgers? ›

Egg: With turkey burger recipes it can be tricky to make a burger that is moist and juicy because ground turkey tends to be dryer than beef. The egg adds moisture for juicy burgers and also helps to bind the ground turkey mixture together.

Should turkey burgers be cooked all the way through? ›

Use a thermometer to ensure you don't overcook and dry out the turkey burgers. They'll continue cooking for a few minutes after being taken off the heat, so cook them to an internal temperature of 160°F. Allow them to rest a few minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

How do you not overcook turkey burgers? ›

Cook turkey patties for about 4 minutes per side, until browned. Turkey Burgers are done when they have an internal temperature of 165°. Once they reach 165° F, pull them from the grill. Overcooking your burgers can cause a dry patty, so be sure to get them off the grill once that internal temperature is reached.

What goes well on turkey burgers? ›

These juicy turkey burgers are topped with cheddar cheese and a simple cilantro-jalapeño slaw. This is the BEST turkey burger recipe; perfect for cookouts or an easy weeknight dinner! Burger nights are the best nights, according to my boys.

What condiment goes well with turkey? ›

Mayo is a simple and apt pairing when the sandwich consists of richly flavored dark meat. Pat Eby takes it up a notch, though, mixing equal parts of Duke's with a country Dijon. “Grey Poupon is nice but not mandatory—but Duke's is sacred,” she says.

How do you add flavor to ground turkey? ›

How do you add flavor to ground turkey? Turkey meat can be flavored with easy ingredients like kosher salt and pepper, bell peppers, garlic powder, and olive oil. If you're cooking meat, specifically turkey taco meat, hot sauce and enchilada sauce are your best mates.

What are the best sauces to put on a burger? ›

Tried & loved and haven't tried but would be very interested in.
  • Ketchup (65.9%)
  • BBQ Sauce (62.2%)
  • Mayonnaise (62.1%)
  • Signature Burger Sauce (60.8%)
  • Steak Sauce (54.9%)
  • Yellow Mustard (54.3%)
  • Spicy Sauce (54.2%)
  • Spicy Mustard (Dijon, Hot & Spicy) 53.5%

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