It’s summer and grilling is in full-force, right!?  When summer hits I immediately have intense cravings for burgers (along with a myriad of other things!).  This is definitely one of my go-to burgers because I almost always have the ingredients, it’s easy, and it tastes fancier than a run-of-the-mill burger (although I like those too).  Turkey and avocado go so well together and the cheese gives it that punch of flavor (and fat) to make it filling and oh-so-yummy. And, it probably goes without saying, but avocado is a MUCH healthier spread than mayo.  For calorie control, I used sandwich thins for my bun (only 100 calories each), but I usually like to make my own buns because they are SO much better and only a few more calories.

So, this is a keeper in my book and I think you all should add it to your grill line-up this summer (maybe even more than once)!

Happy Grilling . . . and Happy Summer!

Cheddar and Avocado Turkey Burgers
Adapted from Real Simple

canola oil, for the grate
1 avocado, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (about 1/2 lime)
kosher salt and ground pepper
1 pound ground turkey
1/2 cup reduced fat Cheddar, grated
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
4 whole-wheat buns (Sandwich Thins)

Heat grill to medium-high. Once it is hot, clean the grill grate with a wire brush.  Just before grilling, oil the grill grate.

Mix together the avocado, lime juice, and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper in a small bowl until combined.

Gently mix together the turkey, Cheddar, grated onion, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper with your hands in a medium bowl until just combined. Form the turkey mixture into five patties. Use your fingers to make a shallow well in the top of each patty (this will prevent overplumping during cooking).

Grill the burgers until cooked through and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center registers 165° F, 6 to 8 minutes per side. Grill the buns, split-side down, until toasted, 5 to 10 seconds per side.

Stack the burgers, sliced onion, and avocado mixture between the buns.

Serves 5.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving = 1 Full Burger)
Calories:  301
Protein:  24.1g
Carbs:  24.9g
Fat:  15.2g (3.6g = Sat.)
Fiber:  5.2g
Sugars:  2.4g