Turkey Avocado Burger Recipe with a Cilantro Crema

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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 on a white plate with fries and ketchup.

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.

Juicy Burger Ingredients

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

Ingredients for making turkey avocado burgers.
  • 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 ingredients in a bowl.

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

Ground turkey meat in a clear bowl.

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.

Three turkey patties in a cast iron skillet.

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

Cilantro crema ingredients.
  • Cilantro
  • Lime juice
  • Sour cream
  • Salt

See recipe card for quantities.

Making the Cilantro Crema (Burger Sauce)

Cilantro crema ingredients in a food processor.

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

Creamy cilantro crema pulsed in a food processor.

2. This is what your crema should look like. 

Assembling your Delicious Avocado Turkey Burger

Cilantro crema on hamburger buns.

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

Open face hamburger on a white speckled plate.

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.

Sliced avocado half on turkey patty.

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.

Closeup of turkey avocado burger recipe.

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 1/4 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.

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Turkey Avocado Burger

Juicy turkey, creamy avocado, and zesty cilantro crema – your taste buds are in for a flavor fiesta with our turkey avocado burger recipe.
Print Recipe PIN RECIPE
turkey avocado burger recipe featured image blog edit 1
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:35 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

Turkey Patties

  • 1 lb lean ground turkey
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 yellow onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 jalapeño, diced
  • 1 lime for lime juice
  • 1/4 cup feta crumbles

Cilantro Crema

  • 1 handful of cilantro
  • 1 lime for lime juice
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 tsp salt

For Serving

  • 6 burger buns we recommend brioche buns
  • 3 avocados 1/2 avocado for each burger
  • 1/2 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!

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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