7 Memorial Day Burger Recipes for a Healthier Cookout

By Brandi Koskie - DietsInReview.com

With some parts of the country experiencing record-early 100 degree days this week, there can be no doubt that summer is just around the corner. Even closer is the unofficial start of summer - Memorial Day.

You've probably already dusted off the grill and made a few dinners on your patio, but that practice will likely increase exponentially once the first major holiday of summer hits in just three weeks. If your plan is to grill up as many burgers as possible to honor this U.S. holiday, there are a few things you should know to ensure you're serving up the healthiest meal possible.

When grilling your favorite burger recipe, keep it delicious and lean by following these simple steps:

Choose a lean cut of meat: 90% or higher ground beef (organic if possible), chicken breasts, or lean ground turkey (white meat only). Even consider a vegetarian option - a large portobello mushroom cap.

Choose a wholesome bun: Nature's Own makes a delicious whole wheat bun. You want something with a whole grain and no high fructose corn syrup.

Choose a lot of veggies: Roast a red pepper to top your burger, add grilled onions, and finish with sweet slices of fresh tomato. This is how you add some serious nutritional punch, not to mention incredible flavor, to a juicy burger.

Choose condiments carefully: Mayo, BBQ sauce, and the like just add empty calories. Look for a BBQ sauce without added sugar, try a few slices of avocado instead of mayo, and get more flavor out of a brown mustard rather than yellow.

With these basic tips, you can customize your grilled burger feast anyway you like, keep calories (and fat) at a minimum, and enjoy a more flavorful cookout experience. After all, it is flavor that we're ultimately chasing, and the right ingredients coupled with the right cooking technique will give you more than you bargained for.

If you're still looking for ways to shake-up the burger presentation at your Memorial Day cookout, try some of these lean recipes. The burger isn't just about beef any more!

Cheeseburgers with Grilled Onions

Barack Obama Pizza Burger

Feta Stuffed Chicken Burger

Actually Delicious Turkey Burgers

Grilled Salmon Burgers

Barbecued Portobello Burger

Black Bean and Sweet Potato Burgers

Finish off your healthy cookout with some other sides that complement the entree. Try PopChips instead of regular potato chips. Make a fresh fruit salad with watermelon, kiwi, strawberries, and blueberries topped with honey. Finally, make the beers light, the lemonade with Truvia, and memories that last all summer long.



© DietsInReview.com