5 healthy and delicious burger recipes for Memorial Day

Are burgers healthy? They absolutely can be. We’ve rounded up five healthy and delicious Noom burger recipes that are packed with flavor and made lighter with smart ingredient swaps. These healthy burger recipes satisfy cravings without derailing your goals. They’re a perfect addition to your collection of healthy summer recipes, proving that with a few simple tweaks, burgers can be both nutritious and satisfying. Looking for more healthy meal ideas? Head to the recipe section in your Success Kit and find something tasty to make tonight.

1. The Best Summer Burger

This better-for-you beef burger combines lean ground beef, spinach, oats, and onion for a juicy, fiber-packed patty with just 320 calories per serving. Topped with a sprinkle of cheese and served on a whole-grain bun, it’s a satisfying summer classic made 73% from Green foods—no one will guess it’s secretly healthy.

Servings: 4

Calories per serving: 320

Time to make: 17 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1  egg
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup oats
• 1/3 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup chopped spinach
• 2 tbsp reduced-fat shredded Mexican-blend cheese
• 4 whole-grain buns
• salt to taste
• black pepper to taste

Recipe:

1. In a large bowl, whisk the egg. Add everything else and mix—your (clean) hands are the best tool—until well blended.
2. Form the meat into four patties.
3. Place the burgers on a grill pan or nonstick skillet that’s heated over medium-high. Cook for 6 minutes per side or to the desired level of doneness.

2. Tarragon Chicken Burgers with Spicy Salsa

These flavorful chicken burgers are made from lean chicken breast blended with fresh tarragon, wholegrain mustard, and soft white breadcrumbs for a juicy, herb-packed patty. Each burger is pan-seared until golden (or grilled if you prefer to skip the oil), then served on a whole wheat bun with creamy Brie and a spoonful of spicy salsa. It’s a lighter, high-protein alternative to beef—big on flavor, lower in fat.

Servings: 4

Calories per serving: 442

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Time to make: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast
• 1/2 cup fresh white breadcrumbs
• 6 tbsp chopped tarragon
• 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 whole wheat buns, split
• 4 slices of Brie
• 4 tbsp ready-made spicy salsa

Recipe:

1. Put the chicken breasts in a food processor or blender and process until smooth. Add the breadcrumbs, tarragon, and mustard and process again. 
2. Shape the mixture into 4 balls and flatten them into 4 patties with lightly oiled hands.
3. Heat the oil in a large frying pan and cook the burgers, turning once, over a moderately high heat for 8-10 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
4. Split the buns and serve the burgers in the buns with slices of Brie and a spoonful of spicy tomato salsa.

3. Easy Salmon Burgers

Looking to switch up your burger routine for a healthier option? These salmon patties are seasoned with chili powder, oregano, garlic, and green onion, then lightly pan-seared for a crisp, golden finish. Flaked cooked salmon is mixed with light mayo, panko, and egg to hold it all together—no food processor needed. Rich in protein and omega-3s, these flavorful burgers are a heart-healthy twist on the classic.

Servings: 6

Calories per serving: 232

Time to make: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
• 2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
• 1 1/4 pounds fresh salmon fillets
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs

Recipe:

1. In a small bowl, combine chili powder, oregano, and salt and pepper to taste.
2. Coat salmon with mixture.
3. Heat a large nonstick skillet coated with nonstick cooking spray over medium heat. Cook about 3-4 minutes on each side or until the salmon flakes with a fork.
4. Remove the skin and flake the salmon into a bowl. Add remaining ingredients, mixing.
5. Using your hands, gently form the mixture into burgers.
6. In a nonstick skillet with nonstick cooking spray, cook salmon burgers several minutes on each side, until lightly browned.

5. Portobello Burgers with Roasted Peppers, Swiss, and Caramelized Onions 

Looking for a satisfying meatless option? These hearty portobello burgers are grilled to perfection and topped with caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, and melty dairy-free Swiss-style cheese—all served on a toasted whole grain English muffin. Brushed with a balsamic glaze and seasoned simply with salt and pepper, the mushrooms deliver deep, savory flavor in every bite. It’s a plant-based twist that is naturally lower in saturated fat and packed with fiber.

Servings: 4

Calories per serving: 236

Time to make: 29 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced, 1 cup
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 4 portobello mushroom caps, about 3 1/2-4 ounces each
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 slices dairy-free cheese, about 2 ounces
• 4 whole-grain English muffins, split
• 2 jarred roasted red peppers, drained and cut into strips

Recipe:

1. Preheat the grill
2. Heat 1 teaspoon of the oil in a small nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sugar and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from the heat.
3. Combine the remaining 2 teaspoons of oil and the vinegar in a small bowl. Brush the mixture over the mushroom caps and sprinkle with the salt and pepper. Grill, covered, turning occasionally, until tender, 9 to 11 minutes. 
4. Top each with 1 slice of the cheese and grill until the cheese melts, about 1 to 2 minutes longer. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
5. Toast the English muffins. Place the bottom half of each muffin on a plate and top with 1 portobello cap, one-fourth of the roasted peppers, and one-fourth of the onion. Top with the remaining muffin halves.

5. Pork and Apple Burgers 

These savory-sweet pork burgers are a fresh take on a summer classic. Made with ground pork, grated apple, onion, and dried sage, the patties are tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Grilled or pan-fried until golden, they’re delicious on a toasted bun with a dollop of mango chutney and crisp salad leaves. They’re easy to prep in advance or freeze for later—perfect for easy weeknight meals or backyard BBQs.

Servings: 4

Calories per serving: 540

Time to make: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground pork
• 1/2 onion, grated
• 1 apple, peeled and grated
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• salt and pepper
• 4 burger buns or muffins
• mango chutney, to serve
• small salad leaves, to serve

Recipe:

1. Put all the ingredients for the burgers into a mixing bowl and mix them all together. The more you knead this mix, the more tender the burgers will be. 
2. Divide into 4 portions and work each portion into a ball in your hands. Flatten into a burger shape and store on a plate.
3. Layer the burgers with cling film to prevent them from sticking together. These can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the fridge. They also freeze well, so make extra.
4. Grill, fry, or barbeque the burgers until cooked through (approximately 5 minutes on each side). Meanwhile, cut the buns in half and lightly toast.

6 tips for making healthier burgers

Restaurant and fast-food burgers tend to be high in saturated fat, sodium, and calories, but with a few smart choices, burgers can absolutely fit into a healthy eating pattern. Here’s what you can do to make burgers healthier:

1. Choose lean proteins: The type of meat in your burger has a big impact on whether it’s good for you or not, so start there. Here are some basic tips on building a better burger: 

• Opt for lean cuts of beef (look for 90% lean or higher). Lean beef in moderation can be part of a healthy diet plan. 
• Choose poultry like turkey or chicken for your patties. Poultry burgers offer much less saturated fat than regular beef. 
• Try fish like salmon or tuna. Salmon and tuna provide beneficial omega-3 fats and are associated with heart health.
• Try plant-based burgers: Veggie burgers made from beans, lentils, tofu, or mushrooms are cholesterol-free and often high in fiber. Swapping red meat for a plant-based patty can reduce saturated fat intake and increase nutrients. 

What to watch out for: Be mindful of highly processed vegetarian burgers that may be high in sodium or additives. For the healthiest option, choose veggie burgers that highlight whole foods like beans, grains, mushrooms, and seeds (or make your own).

2. Practice portion control: Size matters. Keeping your burger patty to a reasonable portion about 3 to 4 ounces (roughly the size of a hockey puck) is key to controlling calories and saturated fat (if you’re using beef). Oversized half-pound burgers (8 ounces) might pack two or three times the recommended portion of meat. Remember, you get plenty of protein even with a modest patty, and your heart will thank you for not overdoing it.

3. Whole-grain buns: The bun makes a difference! Refined white buns offer little nutritional value, while 100% whole grain buns add fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The extra fiber in whole-grain bread can help you feel full on fewer calories and support steady blood sugar. You can even use a lettuce wrap or open-face your burger (using only half a bun) to cut back on refined carbs.

4. Load up on veggies: Vegetables are your burger’s best friend. Pile on the lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, or even extras like grilled zucchini and peppers. These add volume, crunch, and flavor, plus a wealth of vitamins and minerals. You can add them on top of the burger or on the side (think a leafy salad or grilled vegetable skewers instead of fries). The fiber and water content in veggies will help fill you up and make your meal more balanced.

5. Choose a smart cooking method: How you cook your burger is crucial. Grilling or broiling is preferred over frying. If you’re cooking on the stovetop, try using a grill pan or broiling in the oven so you get that char without the extra grease. 

Tip: Avoid charring the meat (very blackened meat can create unhealthy compounds); cook just to a safe internal temperature.

6. Go easy on cheese & sauces: Pay attention to the extras. A slice of cheese or a smear of mayo can add a lot of saturated fat and calories. 

• Choose lower-fat cheese, like part-skim mozzarella, reduced-fat Swiss, feta, or light cheddar. 
• Use flavorful toppings like sliced avocado, a drizzle of hummus, or spicy mustard instead of mayo. 
• Use condiments like ketchup or BBQ sauce sparingly due to added sugars. 
• Opt for light, zesty additions like a spoonful of fresh salsa or a Greek yogurt-based sauce instead of heavy dressings. 

Small tweaks here and there reduce calories and make your burger even healthier, while still keeping every bite delicious.

Burgers can be healthy—if you build them wisely. By choosing lean or plant-based proteins, watching your portion size, using whole-grain buns, loading up on veggies, and cooking in a health-conscious way, you can transform the typical burger into a nutritious powerhouse. So go ahead and enjoy those summer cookouts! With these tips and our five healthy burger recipes, you can savor a mouthwatering burger that tastes amazing and supports your health goals.