ahhh, pesto. there isn’t much that i wouldn’t enjoy if it has pesto on it.

the little she and i were on a road trip recently and we stopped at a friend’s house on the way for the night. my dear sweet friend made us a wonderful dinner that night (i seriously expected delivery pizza with the notice i gave her) of pesto turkey burgers and sweet potato fries. this was AHmazing after an entire day of road trip food.

these burgers are so light and fresh tasting with the pesto and breadcrumbs mixed in. they are topped with delicious mozzarella slices and arugula that just screams “summer dish”. i made these the night we got home for my other half and even he, a red-meat-and-potatoes guy, loved it.

pesto turkey burgers
makes 4 burgers

ingredients

1 lb ground turkey

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/3 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese

1/2 cup pesto, plus more for serving

1 egg, beaten

sea salt

4 ciabatta buns

arugula

sliced mozzarella

quick & easy aioli

directions

1. combine the turkey, panko, parmesan cheese, 3/4 cup pesto, egg, and a generous pinch of sea salt in a large bowl and combine by hand. form into 4 patties.  cook on the grill (i find this is easier than in a skillet). on each patty, melt a slice of the mozzarella just before removing from the grill, so it melts nicely.

2. spread one side of each bun with pesto and the other side with aioli – generously of course. top the burger with a small handful of arugula, put the top bun on, cut in half and serve. (oh and fyi, these burgers go really well with this kale salad.)

enjoy!

photos via here & here