Caprese Turkey Burgers with Basil Vinaigrette.

These Caprese Turkey Burgers with Basil Vinaigrette are simple to prepare, come together quickly, and are SO flavorful. It’s a twist on the classic caprese trio (basil, tomato, and mozzarella cheese), and I’m quite confident this recipe will become a part of your regular rotation!

Not a fan of caprese? Give the turkey burger recipe itself a try and add your favorite ingredients. You won’t be disappointed. 😊

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Caprese Turkey Burgers with Basil Vinaigrette Recipe.

I need all the easy and healthy recipes I can get right now. Getting caught up in the excitement and stresses of life sometimes alters good eating habits, and I’ve had my fair share in 2021. Starting a business, a military PCS (cross-country road trip from Florida to Washington State), selling and buying a house, living in a hotel for months, welcoming the first baby into our family (my niece); just to name a handful. I’m incredibly grateful and certainly not complaining; however, so many major life events at once tend to be a bit distracting.

It’s 2022; I am so ready to create, grow, learn, and thrive. This quick and easy Caprese Turkey Burgers with Basil Vinaigrette recipe will be in my regular rotation to help me do just that. I hope it’s added to yours, too!

How to Make the Best Simple and Juicy Turkey Burger Recipe

The best turkey burgers must be moist and juicy and seasoned to perfection. The combination of panko breadcrumbs, grated onion, garlic, Worcestershire, red pepper flakes, and of course, salt + pepper deliver just that. The grated (or blended) onion is my secret to keeping the turkey burgers from drying out, and it adds so much flavor throughout the entire burger!

Preparing these turkey burgers is almost too easy. Toss the above-mentioned ingredients into a bowl along with ground turkey, mix by hand or in your stand mixer, and divide into four even patties (be sure not to overmix). Next, give the turkey burgers cute little dimples using your thumb, as pictured below. This helps the patties cook evenly and hold their shape, rather than seizing up and looking like a meatball.

After the dimples are created, chill the turkey burgers in the freezer for about 20-30 minutes. This helps them firm up a bit and makes for a really good turkey burger!

Preparing the Basil Vinaigrette

Another super simple component to my Caprese Turkey Burger with Basil Vinaigrette recipe: the basil vinaigrette. For this recipe, I like a thick vinaigrette with extra basil, so it spreads nicely on the bun.

Bright, fresh, and acidic; this savory basil vinaigrette is the turkey burger’s match made in Heaven. All you need to achieve this (besides a small food processor) is:

• Fresh Basil
• Capers
• Shallot
• Garlic
• EVOO
• Red Wine Vinegar
• Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes
• Salt + Pepper

…chef’s kiss. 💋

Not only amazing on turkey burgers; this basil vinaigrette is equally as fantastic on eggs, chicken, fish, steak, potatoes, salads, etc. Let’s just say, I put it on anything and everything. 😜

Cooking and Assembling the Caprese Turkey Burgers with Basil Vinaigrette

If you’re using a grill pan or cast iron, heat the pan over medium heat for a few minutes, then add the oil and heat for another minute or so. If you put the turkey burgers in the pan and you don’t hear a sizzle, your pan is not hot enough. Cook the turkey burgers for about four minutes on one side without flipping them. I know it’s tempting to want to check them, but just trust me. You don’t want your burgers to come out tough and dry!

Flip the turkey burgers and top with sliced fresh mozzarella cheese. Since it doesn’t melt as easily as some other cheeses, it’s helpful to add a tiny splash of water to the pan to create steam. Be sure to cover it instantly and completely to avoid grease splattering all over the place (may or may not be speaking from experience). 🙃

Ground turkey needs to reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. I suggest using a meat thermometer and removing the turkey burgers from the pan once they reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit, then setting them aside to rest for five minutes. Resting the burgers will allow them to continue to cook to 165 degrees and will also hold all those delicious juices inside the patty.

Lastly…

1. Toast the buns in the same pan that was used to cook your turkey burgers (optional).
2. Slice your tomatoes.
3. Top the burgers with basil vinaigrette.

For a quick, easy, and complete dinner; I like to pair these Caprese Turkey Burgers with Basil Vinaigrette with sweet potato/regular fries, or a side salad. 🥗

As always, I’d love to hear from you all! About your experience with this dish, any alterations you may have made and loved (or didn’t love), or just life and cooking in general. Please leave a review/comment/question below, reach out via email, and/or stay connected with me on social media, which I have linked below. Take care! – Jenna 🖤

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