Burgers are the ultimate summer meal, so why not ratchet the flavor up a notch? These Caprese Burgers are a surprising, delicious twist on a classic. Serve them with a side of green salad (use the leftover balsamic vinegar from the zucchini as a salad dressing), watermelon salad, sweet potato chips, or grilled veggies like peppers or corn on the cob.
Yield: 4 burgers
Hands-on time: 15 minutes or less
Ingredients
- 4 pre-shaped turkey, beef or veggie burgers
- ¼ cup + 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- 1 small zucchini, thinly sliced
- 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 4 Tbsp basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 burger buns
- 4 thick slices fresh mozzarella
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- Basil leaves (2-3 per burger)
Instructions
- Lay out burger patties on a plate. Evenly brush 2 Tbsp vinegar over both sides of patties and lightly sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
- In a mixing bowl, toss zucchini with remaining ¼ cup vinegar, ¼ tsp salt, and a generous grind of black pepper. In a separate small bowl, mix together mayonnaise and pesto. Set both aside.
- Preheat grill or stove top griddle over medium heat. Cook burger patties for 2-3 minutes per side, or to desired doneness; remove from heat.
- Spread pesto mayo on burger buns, then layer with a burger patty, tomato, cheese, zucchini, and basil leaves. Serve immediately.
Shopping List
- 4 pre-shaped burgers (beef, turkey, veggie)
- Mayonnaise
- 2 oz basil pesto
- 1 large ball fresh or buffalo mozzarella
- 4 burger buns
- Side of choice
Pantry Staples
- Balsamic vinegar
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
Garden Harvest
- Tomatoes
- Zucchini
- Basil
Recipe by Sarah Ward.