Growing Garden Burgers in your Backyard

Growing up with a love for burgers doesn’t mean you can’t embrace the green side of life! Join me in the backyard burger revolution with these five plant-powered creations that have never moo-ved near a cow. From the Zen Zucchini Zenith Burger, with its light and refreshing combination of grated zucchini, cooked quinoa, and fresh cilantro, to the Sweet Potato Sunshine Burger, bursting with the warmth of mashed sweet potato and the smokiness of paprika, each plant-powered creation offers a unique and delicious twist on tradition. Your taste buds will be dancing when you make these garden burger recipes, and your garden will thank you!

The Zen Zucchini Zenith Burger

Imagine sinking your teeth into a burger that’s as light and refreshing as a summer breeze. That’s exactly what awaits you with the Zen Zucchini Zenith Burger. Grated zucchini, cooked quinoa, breadcrumbs, fresh cilantro, and a hint of cumin come together to form patties that are bursting with flavor and texture. Grill them until golden brown, then nestle them between a whole-grain bun alongside creamy avocado slices and crisp sprouts for a burger experience that’s truly zen. Click the linked ingredients to check out our Gardening Guides for each one.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups grated zucchini
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Squeeze excess moisture from zucchini.
2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
3. Form patties and grill until golden brown.
4. Serve on a whole-grain bun with avocado slices and sprouts.

Sweet Potato Sunshine Burger

When it comes to adding a burst of sunshine to your plate, look no further than the Sweet Potato Sunshine Burger. Mashed sweet potato, black beans, red onion, oats, and smoked paprika combine to create patties that are as vibrant in flavor as they are in color. Bake them until the edges are crispy, then crown each patty with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a spoonful of fresh salsa for a burst of freshness that will brighten even the dreariest of days. Click the linked ingredients to check out our Gardening Guides for each one.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mashed sweet potato
• 1 cup black beans (canned and drained)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup oats
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Shape into patties and bake until edges are crispy.
3. Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh salsa.

Mushroom Magic Burger

Magic is in the air with the Mushroom Magic Burger. Finely chopped mushrooms, cooked lentils, breadcrumbs, parsley, and garlic powder mingle together to form patties that are earthy, savory, and utterly irresistible. Pan-fry them until golden brown, then top them with melted Swiss cheese and a handful of peppery arugula for a burger experience that’s nothing short of enchanting. Click the linked ingredients to check out our Gardening Guides for each one.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups finely chopped mushrooms (any variety)
• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Saute mushrooms until tender and dry.
2. Mix with other ingredients in a bowl.
3. Shape into patties and pan-fry until golden.
4. Pair with melted Swiss cheese and arugula.

Chickpea Fiesta Fiesta Burger

Let your taste buds do the salsa dance with the Chickpea Fiesta Fiesta Burger. Mashed chickpeas, cooked quinoa, diced bell peppers, green onions, and a touch of chili powder create patties that are bursting with flavor and fiesta-worthy flair. Grill them until crisp, then pile them high with salsa, guacamole, and shredded lettuce for a party on your plate that’s sure to delight. Click the linked ingredients to check out our Gardening Guides for each one.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (mixed colors)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mash chickpeas in a bowl.
2. Add remaining ingredients and mix well.
3. Form patties and grill until crisp.
4. Serve with salsa, guacamole, and shredded lettuce.

Spinach Serenity Burger

Find your moment of serenity with the Spinach Serenity Burger. Chopped fresh spinach, cooked brown rice, crumbled feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning come together to create patties that are both comforting and nourishing. Bake them until firm, then top them with a dollop of tzatziki and a few slices of crisp cucumber for a burger experience that’s as soothing as a day at the spa. Click the linked ingredients to check out our Gardening Guides for each one.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chopped fresh spinach
• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Wilt spinach by rinsing then cooking in a pan with a tbsp of butter for a couple minutes.
2. Mix with other ingredients.
3. Shape into patties and bake until firm.
4. Enjoy with a dollop of tzatziki and cucumber slices.

Serve these garden delights on whole-grain buns or lettuce wraps for a wholesome twist that’s sure to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites. So go ahead, embrace the green side of life, and let the burger revolution begin! Remember to share your delicious creations in the comments below, and happy gardening and burger munching to all!