These turkey burgers with basil mayo are incredibly tasty. Lean turkey patties, grilled or pan-fried, topped with tomato, red onion, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, and a generous spread of basil mayo—juicy and full of flavor.
Turkey Burgers with Basil Mayo are a family favorite. The seasoning is approachable, so kids enjoy them, yet the combination of basil mayo and balsamic glaze gives the burger a distinctive, grown-up flavor that impresses guests. These burgers are moist, flavorful, and satisfyingly messy in the best way.
If I need to get everyone to the table fast, burger night wins every time. We enjoy all kinds—beef, chicken, turkey, and vegetarian—but these turkey burgers stand out for their balance of lightness and rich flavor. They’re easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
Herbs & Mayo
Plain mayonnaise can be bland, but adding fresh herbs transforms it into a bright, flavorful spread. Basil mayo only needs a few simple ingredients—quality mayonnaise, fresh basil, white vinegar, and black pepper—to elevate sandwiches, burgers, and dips. Freshly mixed mayo is nice, but making it ahead allows the basil to infuse the mayo for an even deeper herb flavor.
You may notice these turkey burgers don’t include melted cheese. Although I love cheese, the basil mayo and the juicy turkey—moistened by tomato and finished with a touch of balsamic glaze—make cheese optional. The burger is fully satisfying without it, though feel free to add a slice if you prefer.
Turkey Burgers with Basil Mayo
Ingredients
Basil mayo
- ½ cup quality mayo
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped fine
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Turkey burgers
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 large hamburger buns, toasted or untoasted
Toppings
- fresh spinach
- sliced tomatoes
- thinly sliced red onion
- balsamic glaze
Instructions
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Combine all basil mayo ingredients in a small bowl and refrigerate until ready to use. The flavors deepen the longer it sits.
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In a medium bowl, mix ground turkey with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Shape into four patties about 1/4 inch thick. Chill the patties in the freezer for 5–10 minutes to make them easier to handle.
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Preheat a large skillet, indoor grill pan, or outdoor grill to medium-high. Lightly oil the skillet or brush oil on the grates.
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Cook the turkey patties 10–12 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Watch the temperature closely, as turkey can dry out if overcooked.
Build Burgers
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Spread basil mayo on both cut sides of the buns to taste.
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Place a layer of fresh spinach on the bottom bun, then set the cooked turkey patty on top.
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Add two tomato slices, red onion, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Adjust amounts to your taste—balsamic glaze adds a sweet, tangy finish.
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Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.
Notes
Cheese option: If you want cheese, pepper jack or sharp cheddar complement these flavors well.
Low-carb option: Use large iceberg or butter lettuce leaves to wrap the burger and toppings, or serve the patty on a bed of shredded lettuce with mayo spread on the burger.
Nutritional facts are based on one turkey patty with two tablespoons of basil mayo, a bun, and toppings. Values are estimates provided for convenience and not guaranteed.
Nutrition
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