Lightened-Up Turkey Burger Wraps

These Lightened-Up Turkey Burger Lettuce Wraps with Avocado Ranch are a fresh, vibrant take on a backyard classic. Juicy, lean ground turkey is seasoned to perfection and nestled into crisp butter lettuce leaves, creating a satisfying meal that won't leave you feeling heavy. It's an easy, healthier take on the classic burger that doesn't skimp on flavor.

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The star of the show is the homemade avocado ranch dressing. By blending ripe avocado with Greek yogurt and fresh herbs, you get all the creamy richness of a traditional dressing with added nutrients and a tangy zip that perfectly complements the smoky paprika in the turkey burgers.

Ingredients

• For the Turkey Burgers
  • 500 g (1.1 lb) ground turkey (lean)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
• For the Avocado Ranch Dressing
  • 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • 120 ml (1/2 cup) plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (light or regular)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2–3 tablespoons water (to thin, as needed)
• For Assembly
  • 8 large butter lettuce leaves
  • 1 medium tomato, sliced
  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced

Instructions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, onion, garlic, parsley, smoked paprika, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.

Step 2

Divide mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into patties.

Step 3

Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add turkey patties and cook for 6–7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 74°C / 165°F). Set aside to rest.

Step 4

While burgers cook, make the avocado ranch: In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, dill, chives, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. Blend until smooth, adding water 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.

Step 5

To assemble, layer two lettuce leaves per serving. Place a turkey patty on each, then top with tomato, red onion, cucumber, and a generous spoonful of avocado ranch dressing.

Step 6

Fold lettuce around the burger and serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To keep the burgers juicy, avoid overmixing the ground turkey. When cooking, ensure the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) for safety. Letting the patties rest for a few minutes after cooking helps retain their moisture before assembly.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily substitute ground chicken for turkey if desired. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add a dash of hot sauce or some sliced jalapeños to the top of the burger before folding the lettuce.

Serviervorschläge

These lettuce wraps are best served immediately while the patties are warm and the lettuce is crisp. They pair beautifully with a light, citrusy white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the creamy ranch and savory turkey.

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With a preparation time of just 20 minutes and a quick cook time, these wraps are perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. They offer all the satisfaction of a traditional burger with a light, fresh twist that fits perfectly into a low-carb or gluten-free lifestyle.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of turkey is best for these burgers?

Lean ground turkey works best to keep the patties juicy while maintaining a lower fat content.

→ Can I prepare the avocado dressing in advance?

Yes, the avocado ranch dressing can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.

→ What cooking method is recommended for the patties?

Pan-frying in olive oil over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side ensures golden, cooked-through patties.

→ Are the lettuce wraps gluten-free?

Yes, using butter lettuce leaves instead of bread keeps the dish naturally gluten-free and low carb.

→ How can I add extra spice to this dish?

Add a dash of hot sauce or sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick without overpowering the flavors.

→ Can I substitute chicken for turkey in this dish?

Ground chicken is a suitable alternative and works well with the same seasonings and cooking method.