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
How to Make the Best Simple and Juicy Turkey Burger Recipe
The best turkey burgers must be moist, 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
- Olive Oil
- 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…
- Toast the buns in the same pan that was used to cook your turkey burgers (optional).
- Slice your tomatoes.
- Top the burgers with basil vinaigrette.
For a complete dinner, I like to pair these Caprese Turkey Burgers with Basil Vinaigrette with sweet potato/air fryer french fries, a side salad, protein pasta salad, Mexican street corn pasta salad, etc.!
I’d love to hear about your experience with this Caprese Turkey Burgers with Basil Vinaigrette recipe!
Please leave a question or comment below, get in touch via email, and follow me on social media, which I have linked below.
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Caprese Turkey Burgers with Basil Vinaigrette
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 turkey burgers 1x
Description
Perfectly seasoned turkey burgers are accompanied by a bright and flavorful basil vinaigrette, sliced tomatoes, and creamy fresh mozzarella cheese. A dynamic trio all wrapped into one tasty caprese turkey burger recipe!
Ingredients
Turkey Burgers:
- 1 pound ground turkey (I use 93% lean, 7% fat)
- 2 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon yellow onion, grated or blended in food processor
- 1 tablespoon worcestershire
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
Basil Vinaigrette:
- 4-ounce package (or about 1 cup tightly packed) fresh basil leaves, stems removed
- 2 teaspoons capers
- 1 small shallot, roughly chopped
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Other Ingredients:
- 4 burger buns (I use Dave’s)
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese
- 1–2 tomatoes (beefsteak or heirloom), sliced
Get Recipe Ingredients
Instructions
- FORM THE TURKEY BURGERS. Combine all ingredients for the turkey burgers in a large bowl. Be sure not to over mix. Form the burgers into 4 equal patties, dimple each burger (see more on this in the post above), and place in the freezer while you make the basil vinaigrette; about 10 minutes.
- PREPARE THE BASIL VINAIGRETTE. Toss all ingredients into a food processor and blend for about a minute, or until all ingredients are well combined. Cool in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
- COOK THE TURKEY BURGERS. Heat a grill pan or cast iron on medium heat for a few minutes, then add the oil and heat for another minute. Sear the turkey burgers in the hot pan for 4 to 5 minutes until a golden-brown crust is formed, flip, top with mozzarella cheese, and cook until the turkey burgers reach an internal temperature of 160° F (74°C); about 5 minutes. Set the turkey burgers aside to rest for another five minutes. This allows the turkey burgers to continue cooking until they reach the proper temperature of 165°F (74°C) and ensures all those delicious juices are redistributed throughout the burger for maximum juiciness.
- TOAST THE BUNS AND ASSEMBLE. This is optional, but for a little added warmth and flavor, I like to toast the buns in the same pan in which the turkey burgers were cooked. Top burgers with sliced tomato and a hefty spoonful of basil vinaigrette and enjoy!
Notes
- If you splash a little water in the center of the pan after flipping the turkey burgers, this will create steam, helping the mozzarella cheese melt faster!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Made the turkey burgers. Oh so good!!!
Made these tonight. The best turkey burgers ever!! So flavorful! Easy recipe . I highly recommend that you try this amazing recipe.
Thank you so much for trying this recipe. I’m glad you loved it! 💚
Your turkey burgers are the best. Everyone will love them and should make them!!
Great recipe. My mom started to eat healthier recently. I’m sure she’ll love this recipe. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for sharing with your Mom! Good luck to her on her healthy eating journey. I hope she enjoys my turkey burger recipe. 🙂
I can’t wait to prepare this recipe. Thanks!!!
I hope you love it!! Thank you. 🙂
This recipe looks so wonderful. Thank you for sharing this easy to make delicious turkey burgers 🍔
Pastor Natalie (ExamineThisMoment)
Letstakeamoment.com
Thank you for your kind words, Natalie! I hope you enjoy my turkey burger recipe. 🍔😊
Yess! Love this recipe….that combination of fresh ingredients with lean protein is spot on!
Thank you so much, Vaishali! I’m glad you love the recipe. 🙂
I think these will be a hit with my family!
That’s great Lashunta! I hope you and your family enjoy them as much as we do. 🌿🍔
Oh how Yummy these look! I already had turkey burgers on the menu this week but I will be tweaking and using this recipe. These look absolutely divine! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Beth! I’m so happy to hear you’ll be trying my recipe. I’d love to know what you think! 😊
These turkey burgers look very delicious. The basil pesto is a unique touch. I can on;y imagine the flavor profile. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and for stopping by, Kevin! I hope you enjoy the recipe. 😊
Loved the vinaigrette! It was excellent on the turkey burgers and on its own
I’m so glad you loved the vinaigrette and turkey burgers, Kelly! Thank you very much for leaving your feedback. 🙂