Our Definitive Healthy-Burger List

By: Emily Lee

Related To:

FN Kitchens Juicy Grilled Cheeseburgers

FN Kitchens Juicy Grilled Cheeseburgers

FN Kitchens Juicy Grilled Cheeseburgers

©2012, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

2012, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Try as we might to limit our caloric intake during the warm-weather months, there’s no getting around it: Summer feels incomplete if you don’t have a hearty burger in hand from time to time. But what if we told you there was a burger that is just as satisfying as the one you’ve had at your favorite barbecue or fast-food joint but won’t sabotage your summer health goals?

Luckily, there is. Not just one, in fact, but 10 — in various permutations of smoky, grilled perfection. You aren’t dreaming. From savory beef and poultry burgers to hearty fish and vegetable patties, here’s a rundown of our favorites that cater to various tastes, dietary restrictions and nutritional goals.

If you think you need to skip beef entirely in order to reduce calories, think again. Food Network Kitchen’s Juicy Grilled Cheeseburgers take the guilt out of this summertime staple and weigh in at just under 400 calories per serving — roughly half of what you could expect from most fast-food options.

These golden chicken burgers are unbelievably juicy but surprisingly low in fat. To keep the calorie count low, use ground white chicken meat and low-fat milk when preparing the burger patties.

Lighten up these burgers by cutting back on the meat and adding some texture with bulgur. Add great Asian flavors with a quick pickling of cucumbers and onions, plus a spicy yogurt sauce to tie everything together.

Turkey Burgers

Turkey Burgers

Photo by: Tara Donne

Tara Donne

“I always like to offer a turkey burger at my outdoor barbecue for friends who no longer eat red meat,” says Bobby Flay. “Luckily poultry is a perfect canvas for many big flavors, and this combination of tart goat cheese, sweet Meyer lemon-honey mustard and peppery arugula makes for one outstanding burger.”

The trick to stuffing Ellie Krieger’s burgers perfectly with gooey cheese is to start by making eight half patties. After putting cheese on half the burgers, stack another patty on top of each and seal around the edges. Voila!

Lighten up these burgers by cutting back on the meat and adding some texture with bulgur. Add great Asian flavors with a quick pickling of cucumbers and onions, plus a spicy yogurt sauce to tie everything together.

“Perfect” is a tough name to live up to, but this recipe delivers on its promise. The secret? Hand-formed patties made with a combination of pureed salmon, which includes mustard, mayonnaise, lemon juice and cayenne, and small-diced pieces of center-cut salmon. Incorporating the hearty pieces of diced fish will ensure that the burgers retain the soft, buttery texture of a salmon fillet.

Photo by: Stephen Johnson ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Stephen Johnson, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

These burgers are packed with flavor, fiber and protein while still being low in fat. We love them grilled, but you can also pan-fry them: Heat 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and fry patties until well browned, about 2 minutes per side. (Remember: The extra oil will alter the calorie and fat totals.)

Edamame are a nutritional powerhouse, rich in fiber and protein but low in fat and cholesterol, and they lend a hearty texture and a buttery flavor to any meal. The best part of this recipe is the contrast between the melt-in-your-mouth center and the crisp, brown crust, reminiscent of falafel, which you can achieve by cooking the burgers under the broiler.

Chef Name: Food Network Kitchen

Full Recipe Name: Healthy Bean and Bulgur Burgers

Talent Recipe: 

FNK Recipe: Food Networks Kitchen’s Healthy Bean and Bulgur Burgers, as seen on Foodnetwork.com

Project: Foodnetwork.com, HOLIDAY/SUPER BOWL/COMFORT/HEALTHY

Show Name: 

Food Network / Cooking Channel: Food Network

FNK_HealthyBeanAndBulgurBurgers_H

Chef Name: Food Network KitchenFull Recipe Name: Healthy Bean and Bulgur BurgersTalent Recipe: FNK Recipe: Food Networks Kitchen’s Healthy Bean and Bulgur Burgers, as seen on Foodnetwork.comProject: Foodnetwork.com, HOLIDAY/SUPER BOWL/COMFORT/HEALTHYShow Name: Food Network / Cooking Channel: Food Network

Photo by: Renee Comet ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Renee Comet, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Don’t let these veggie burgers fool you: They may look like fried-chicken sandwiches, but they’re actually packed with plant protein and fiber — and flavor! We love the simple broiler method for cooking the patties. A light coating of cooking spray makes the outside come out nice and crunchy.

For more mouthwatering burgers, check out these recipes from our friends:

In Jennie’s Kitchen: Stuffed Cheeseburgers

Next Up

Which Is Healthier: Turkey or Beef Burgers?

Beef burgers get a bad rap for being too high in fat, but turkey burgers can cook up dry and bland. Here's what to know about choosing the best burger.

Here's What Our Staffers Do When They Want to Feel Healthy

Sometimes half the battle of being healthy is feeling it.

Bring on the Cozy Vibes with 6 Healthy Ways to Eat Chili

You’re one dish away from instant comfort.

9 Healthy Sides to Bring to Any Labor Day BBQ

You won't believe the calorie count!

Is Falafel Healthy?

This classic dish is loaded with fiber- and protein-packed chickpeas, but is it good for you?

Is Pasta Healthy?

Why you can (and should!) embrace pasta as part of a healthful diet, according to a dietitian.

These Veggie Butters Make Pasta for Picky Eaters a Little Healthier

Got a pasta-with-butter lover? This is your weeknight dinner solution.

Hearts of Palm Are the Pasta Substitute You're Missing

Zoodles, schmoodles. This healthy hack is more satisfying — and super cheap.

Is Instant Oatmeal Healthy?

A bowl of classic oatmeal packs a hearty dose of vitamins, protein and cholesterol-lowering soluble fiber. So, what about the packets? We've got the facts on this convenience food.

Healthier Hot Dogs to Bring to Your Next Cookout

We found healthier hot dogs that are lower in calories, sodium and ingredients. They also suit both meat eaters and vegetarians.