Turkey Burgers with Zucchini
My trick to making the juiciest turkey burgers EVER is by adding grated zucchini! A huge bonus if you want your kids to eat more veggies!
Turkey Burgers with Zucchini
These are the BEST turkey burgers! They come out so juicy, and the flavor is delicious. I started experimenting with adding zucchini to my turkey burgers back in 2010 and never looked back. They are healthy, easy and and perfect for quick dinners any night of the week. You can also try these Greek Feta Turkey Burgers.
Adding zucchini also lowers the calories per serving because you get five patties out of 1 pound of ground turkey them instead of four. Serve them with your favorite burger toppings, on a whole wheat bun or skip the bun and serve them on lettuce to keep the carbs low. These can be grilled or cooked indoors. If you want to make them on the grill, it’s best to make the patties ahead (overnight is best) and keep them refrigerated so they hold their shape. You can also freeze them and thaw them right on the grill.
How To Make Perfect Turkey Burgers
- Use a box grater to grate the zucchini, onion and garlic super fine. A mini chopper would also work.
- Get the pan hot before you put the burgers on to get a nice sear, then lowered the flame to the lowest setting to let the burgers cook all the way through, turning a few times so the burgers don’t burn.
- Squeeze ALL the moisture from the zucchini with paper towels. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, zucchini, breadcrumbs, garlic, onion, salt and pepper. Make 5 equal patties, 4 1/2 ounces each, not too thick so they cook in the center.
To cook on a skillet:
Heat a large nonstick skillet on high heat. When hot, lightly spray oil. Add burgers to the pan and reduce the heat to low. Cook on one side until browned, then flip. Flip over a few times to prevent burning and to make sure the burgers are cooked all the way through.
Air Fryer Turkey Burgers:
Cook in a single layer in two batches 370F for 10 minutes, turning half way until browned and cooked through in the center.
For Grilled Turkey Burgers:
Clean grill well before cooking and spray with oil spray to prevent sticking. Cook the burgers on medium heat about 5 minutes on each side, or until no longer pink in the center.

Turkey Burgers with Zucchini
My trick to making the juiciest turkey burgers EVER is by adding grated zucchini! A huge bonus if you want your kids to eat more veggies – they’ll never know!
Ingredients:
- 6 oz grated zucchini (when squeezed 4.25 oz)
- 1 lb 93% lean ground turkey
- 1/4 cup seasoned whole wheat or gluten-free breadcrumbs
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 1 tbsp grated red onion
- 1 tsp kosher salt and fresh pepper
- oil spray
Directions:
- Squeeze ALL the moisture from the zucchini with paper towels. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, zucchini, breadcrumbs, garlic, onion, salt and pepper. Make 5 equal patties, 4 ounces each, not too thick so they cook in the center.
- STOVE: Heat a large nonstick skillet on high heat. When hot, lightly spray oil. Add burgers to the pan and reduce the heat to low. Cook on one side until browned, then flip. Flip over a few times to prevent burning and to make sure the burgers are cooked all the way through.
- If grilling: Clean grill well before cooking and spray with oil spray to prevent sticking. Cook the burgers on medium heat about 5 minutes on each side, or until no longer pink in the center.
Air Fryer Directions:
- Squeeze out all the moisture well from the zucchini using paper towels.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, zucchini, breadcrumbs, garlic, onion, salt and pepper. Make 5 equal patties, 4 ounces each, 1/2 inch thick.
- Preheat the air fryer to 370F.
- Cook in a single layer in two batches 10 minutes, turning half way until browned and cooked through in the center.
*Use gluten-free crumbs for gluten-free diets.
Nutrition Information
Yield: 5 burgers, Serving Size: 1 burger
- Amount Per Serving:
- Freestyle Points: 3
- Points +: 4
- Calories: 161 calories
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 385mg
- Carbohydrates: 4.5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 18g
Amazing recipe!! I made these and they were so tasty. Best turkey burger I've ever had. I did not have breadcrumb on had so I left them out and they weren't missed…texture was still fine.
This was, without question, the BEST Turkey Burger I've ever made. The entire family was blown away and I have a few excellent turkey burger recipes so this is a huge compliment. This will be in rotation now that summer is here and we can grill! Thank you again for your amazing, delicious recipes.
can cucumber be used instead of zucchini ?
Can you make them ahead and freeze them?
Yes you can.
I don't generally leave comments on anything but I have to say these are some of the best burgers I've ever had. My parents said the same thing, my dad doesn't even want beef burgers anymore! My fiancé loved them as well. I don't even understand how they're so good, generally I'm not huge on turkey/chicken burgers but these are incredible. I make your recipes every week and this is one of my favourites (which says a lot, since I have loved them all). Thank you!!
Gina, I've been using your website for a couple years now and what you're doing has helped me completely change my eating habits. It's miraculous. I've been counting calories and have lost a total of 80lbs! Skinnytaste is my first go-to for planning out meals for the week.
I want to point out that these burgers are AMAZING. I followed the recipe, sprinkled some creole seasoning on top as they were cooking, and made some sweet potato bites to go along with it. My boyfriend exclaimed that these were the best burgers he's eaten all year. We live in a very "foodie" area so that's truly saying something! Thanks for everything you do, Gina, you're helping people change their lives for the better!
As I was checking out your recipe for meat free zucchini "meat"balls, I remembered this fantastic turkey zucchini recipe. So yummy. Then I thought, why can't I make meatballs out of this instead of patties? – and the answer is of course I can! Trying tonight with pomodoro sauce.
I made these as mini turkey meatballs today. Cooked them at 350° for 25 minutes on a lined baking sheet and then dropped them into a big pot of minestrone soup and let them simmer along with the soup a few minutes before serving. All 5 of us loved it!
Made these for lunch with grated carrot instead of zucchini because I forgot I used the last of my zucchini last night. They are delicious! Served over mixed greens and topped with chopped tomatoes. Flavorful and filling and very healthy. Thank you for another wonderful recipe!
One of my favorite skinnytaste recipes. Makes a great burger or meatballs. I've substituted shredded carrots for zucchini and they taste great like that, too.
This was beyond delicious. How sp points?
Could you update this recipe with the Smart Points? Thanks 🙂
How many smart points is the turkey zucchini ??
3 SP
Is is it supposed to be 1 tsp combined of salt and pepper or 1 tsp of each?
A family favorite! I cook in a cast iron skillet until I get a crust and then finish off in oven.
which store do you find whole wheat breadcrumbs. I have had no luck at 3 different grocery stores.
I find the 4C whole wheat seasoned bread crumbs at Walmart.
Recipe look great .can i used ground chicken instead of turkey?
I merely wanted to inform you how much I actually appreciate almost everything you’ve provided to help improve the lives of individuals in this theme. Through your own articles, I have gone via just a newbie to a pro in the area. It can be truly a homage to your work. Thanks
Gina – If I use 93% ground beef instead of turkey (what’s on hand), will it change the point value? Thanks!
Help! Can we have approximate zucchini amounts in cups as well as by weight? I don’t have room for a scale in my kitchen and I cook by the volume not weight. 5 oz zucchini, squeezed dry is approximately how much in cups? Thanks!!
I have similar Q about the quantity of zucchini. I’ve never grated zucchini before. I plan to start with just 1 average-sized zucchini (since that’s what’s in my fridge) and hope it will produce about 5 oz of grated zucchini.
Due to dietary restrictions in our household, the zucchini will be peeled and seeds removed, so 1 zucchini may come up short especially after squeezing the moisture out. However, I don’t think too little zucchini will make the recipe unworkable, maybe just less tasty. Any input from those with experience grating and measuring zucchini would be much appreciated. 🙂
it’s less than one. A small to medium zucchini is about 7 oz so that may work taking out the seeds.
I feel like I am doing something wrong I have made these twice now and love the flavor but they are not holding shape at all 🙁 any advice for next time?
Have you tried making in the am and refrigerating them all day or a few hours before cooking?
Made these tonight and they were awesome! We’ve had turkey burgers before but these were the best we’ve ever had! 🙂
I have NEVER had a turkey burger I liked until I ate this one tonight! It was moist and had so much flavor. Fantastic!
Yay! Glad you liked it!
Gina!!! Another amazing recipe, thank you so much!! It was perfect!
my 8 year old is so picky and she ate 2 and a half patties!!! These are the BEST turkey burgers we’ve ever had 🙂
Thank you!!! I love when a recipe is so family friendly and kid approved!
Hi Gina, So I bought you Skinny Taste cookbook and last night I tried Naked Persian Turkey Burgers, and I have to say this turkey burger was the best I’ve ever had! The whole recipe with salad was amazing. I just wanted to let you know. Thanks for such great and healthy recipes!
Thank you, so happy you enjoyed it!
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These were amazing….
I’m gf and I think instead of gf bread crumbs, almond meal might work really well. I’m going to give it a try. ????
These were so good! we are new to weight watchers and slowly learning good recipes. This will stay in rotation. My super picky 2 year old ate 1/2 a patty and that’s a lot for her! I love the added veggies in it. Score!
Great! Love to hear that!
These were great! easily adjusted to our tastes. Thanks for another great recipe Gina 🙂
You’re welcome!
Hi Gina! I want to say that I have tried ALOT of your recipes and I haven’t come across one yet that my family and I didn’t like! Several are a staple for our weeknight dinners! I do have a question about the sausage boats as well as the turkey burgers. Can the zucchini be interchanged with yellow squash?
Thanks in advance!
Has anyone tried freezing these? I would assume freezing them cooked is the best option but are they good defrosted? My husband is not a burger lover but sometimes i just want a really good burger and i guess i could just figure out how to make 1 burger but if i could freeze them they would be really cool to pop out for a quick lunch at work if need be.
Should be fine, defrost the night before in the refrigerator.
I love your turkey burgers. I freeze them all the time and they are perfect.
I tried these for the first time last night and all I can say is WOW! I am completely impressed and pleasantly surprised all at the same time. I was skeptical about putting zucchini in my burger. My husband was even more skeptical. He tolerates zucchini but is not a fan by any stretch. So when he saw me putting grated zucchini into the burger patties he got a little concerned about his dinner. His concerns (and my skepticism) were quieted when we took that first bite. It was moist and delicious and you honestly cannot taste the zucchini at all. These will definitely be making it into the regular rotation in our house! Thank you so much for you wonderful recipes!!!!!
Awesome!!!
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Tried these for the first time a couple months ago and I am so impressed. Never thought to add zucchini to my turkey meat. So glad you shared this recipe. So moist and lots of flavor too. I make them up ahead of time and then I put them in the freezer. As a matter of face I just put 20 of them in my freezer the other day. Thanks so very much for all of your recipes.
Would it be best to freeze these raw, then defrost & cook?
Thanks!
I haven’t tried, but I think raw would be best, then thaw in fridge overnight before cooking.
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How do you recommend reheating them if I am making them for later in the week?
This is my favorite go to Paleo Burger! In order to make it Paleo I replace the breadcrumbs with Almond Meal from Trader Joe’s. I could eat this everyday!
Best burgers ever!!!! Recipe is just perfect ????????
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If ever I don’t have turkey can I use beef and it will still taste good?
Just had these for dinner tonight and they were delicious! I’m looking forward to the leftovers for lunch tomorrow. My husband gave me two thumbs up which is a really high rating for him. 🙂
Thank you, Gina!
Made another batch last night. I make them with a 20 oz package of 99% fat free turkey breast and they’re still juicy and delicious. I put chipotle mayo on mine which added a nice spicy kick. I want to try it with some roasted green chilies as well.
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My breadcrumbs aren’t seasoned. How would you suggest seasoning them?
I love all your recipes and photos. What changes would I need to make if I substituted ground chicken instead of turkey? Ground chicken I find has a wetter consistency so I was wondering if I needed to add more bread crumbs (or a substitute).
Perhaps, but it might be fine as is.
These were Amazing! I’ve tried several turkey burger recipes and this is by far the best. Even my husband loved them and its hard to find healthy recipes that he enjoys. I am going to make up a batch and freeze them. Thanks for the great recipe!
You’re welcome Grace!
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Just made these for dinner. Delish!!! I love your recipes Gina!!! Thank you!!!
I assembled these last night and I’m going to BBQ them tonight. Can anyone tell me the condiments they use on the burger? Mustard ? Mayo? Ketchup ? Thanks!
Whatever you like!
I used chicken instead of turkey, very nice thank you. I am loving your recipes Gina.
Hi Gina,
My grocery store sells ground turkey in 1&1/3 lb packages so I’ve adjusted the recipe so I use up all of the turkey. I also add 3/4 teaspoon of tarragon. Yummy.
These were so easy and great! I’m expecting my first child in August and am trying to stock up on freezer meals before he arrives. These burgers are definitely on my list of meals to freeze! Thank you! 🙂
You’re welcome and congrats! 🙂
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Hi: I have a question about your burgers as a whole. When you show them for a meal do you serve them with a top bun or do you just eat them without top bun? I see this on other sites and wonder the same thing,
Thanks in advance for your answer!!!!
Lynne
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Made these last night as we are trying to get away from eating red meat. These were amazing!! We added feta into the burger patty, topped them with arugula, balsamic caramelized onions, avocado, garlic aioli, and tomato slice. Simply amazing!!!!
Great! 🙂
YUM!! I had these for lunch with some salad and tzatziki sauce – so good! I have to admit, I was nervous while I was making them because they weren’t hanging together so well, but they were delicious! The streak continues – I have never been disappointed by a Skinnytaste recipe. Thank you thank you thank you Gina!
You’re welcome Katie! Glad you enjoyed them!
Made these for my sons birthday party last night… everyone raved how good they were. It was great using zucchini, we have a few in our CSA box this week!
Great! Happy birthday to your son!
Why are these so good? Separately you wouldn’t think the ingredients would be magical, but somehow put together, they are delicious. I had to make some slight adjustments because I was out of bread crumbs, so I crumbled some saltines in and also added some rolled oats. Also, I wanted to save some of my zucchini for another recipe, so here I used half zucchini and half grated carrot. I also added an egg because I was worried it wouldn’t stick together, but I’m not sure if that was necessary. I don’t think these changes made the flavor much different from the original, however, and it is GOOD. I never thought I’d like a turkey burger better than a beef burger, but this is steep competition.
🙂 Glad to hear it!
Can you make this and then freeze for a meal prep? Or would you have to leave it ucooked?
I honestly cannot believe how good these are. I like them as much as an actual hamburger. Found these off of Weight Watchers Connect (user eastendgirl1) and man I am so glad I did! Thank you for helping me love food and be healthy!!!!!
Insanely Delicious ! Better than a beef hamburger in my opinion. This recipe isn’t in my permanent file of recipes. I️ did use garlic powder instead of fresh and added some steak and shake seasoning.
“is” in my permanent file of recipes. STUPID spell check.
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Has anyone tried these with 99% turkey? Since that’s 0’points, I’m assuming the breadcrumbs would be the only point value….1 each?
I made them with 99% turkey and thought they were juicy and delicious!
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I should have doubled this recipe. My 15 year old son ate 3 of these.
My family loves these burgers. They are so juicy and flavorful
SUPER delicious turkey burger and so easy to make. I barely tasted the zucchini, although I do love zucchini! I can imagine these would be great for kids because they might not even notice the veggies 🙂
Delicious! I actually made mine with venison and on the grill and came out perfect. My son the picky eater (he’s 7). Enjoyed the burger gave it a thumbs up. It’s so hard to get my kids to eat veggies, this was perfect.
Just plugged the ingredients in to my WW app and came up with 4SPs, not 3. 🙁
Are you using the recipe builder?
What season do you put in the breadcrumbs?
You CANNOT go wrong with these delicious juicy burgers!!!!!!! They are so tasty, and now we make them all the time. I make them ahead,split them up and freeze them this way I can just pull one out for lunch or dinner and they are wonderful, I tell everyone about where I got the recipe!
These were delicious. My kids loved them and were begging for more. I should have doubled the recipe. My entire family said they were the best burgers they’d ever had AND they’re healthy. Mom win!!
These are the best turkey burgers EVER! Who knew zucchini could make such a delicious difference!
This is the first time I have ever made turkey burgers that were actually delicious! Thank you for this recipe
I added a bit of coriander and cumin and omitted the breadcrumbs by accident. I am also GF and I did not miss the breadcrumbs at all. The 2nd time, I added turkey bacon on top! OMG! Mind blown! I cannot believe the taste. Seriously…I just may not ever make a beef burger again. It’s just that good! Nom, nom, nom. My husband is not a huge turkey burger fan and LOVED these! WhoopWhoop!
Why are these 3 free style points? The only thing that isn’t a zero point is the bread crumbs and that works out to less than 1Tablespoon of crumbs per burger and 1/4 cup is only three points. Great recipe!
OMG! This burgers, served on a Smartbagel (100cal) with Gina’s Peruvian green sauce: Awesome!
Has anyone added egg white to this recipe? My husband wanted to try it with egg white & all the other ingredients.
Delicious!!
These are delicious! Moist. Flavourful. Easy to make. A new favourite recipe for ground turkey!
AMAZING!!!!!
Everyone who I make these for love them. They are so juicy and tasty. We put a little fresh avocado on top and then melt a thin slice of provolone cheese (they don’t need the bun). Easy, quick and delicious!
I am making these on repeat!! The only changes I made was to saute the red onion in a bit of of olive oil for added flavor and I throw in a few splashes of Worcestershire sauce.
These were delicious! I have made turkey burgers in the past and they always came out dry. The zucchini made them perfect!
These look delicious! Another way to keep lean turkey (I use 99% lean) moist is to mince 2 or 3 mushrooms and some onion to mix in with the turkey. I don’t add egg or breadcrumbs. They are deliciously moist every time and only zero freestyle Points! If they are chilled when you put them on the grill, they don’t fall apart at all.
Gina, I am so thankful for your amazing site and recipes. I have been making your recipes for a few months now and the whole family raves! I will be buying your cookbook when it comes out. Thank you!
I’ve been making these intermittently for a number of years and they’re always great. Our family is mostly vegetarian and my husband is vegan (all on preference rather than principle) but I regularly make these to bring a meal to friends and about once or twice a year make a batch for our family. I make 12 slider style mini burgers and pack them in my kids’ lunches. They love them! So many of my favorite freezer recipes come from you, such as black bean butternut squash enchiladas and mushroom shepherds pie. Just wanted to pop in and say thanks!!!
You’re welcome Kelly! 🙂
My favorite turkey burger. My go to dinner when pre-cooking for the week. I add a little kefir cheese to the ingredients.
Hi, Gina – I just ran this through the Recipe Builder, and, even including 5 oil sprays, I’m only coming up with 1 Point for each burger. Thanks for another great recipe. You are my #1 go-to WW recipe source.
I made some changes… my turkey came in 1.33 lb packages, I didn’t increase the zucchini but added some leftover shredded carrot I needed to use up. I used plain panko bread crumbs and added some other burger grilling-type seasonings because that’s what I had. And I left out the grated onion. I added a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce and 2 eggs. With my additions, it was a bit too wet so I added some old fashioned oats until it looked right. I should have used them instead of the panko to begin with, but I forgot. It made (7) 4.5oz burgers with a bit leftover. I pan seared the little one and it was great, very moist! The others are chillin’ in the fridge until tomorrow night. 🙂
Really, really, really good. This will be my go to for turkey burgers or meatballs. The addition of spices for a change up are endless. Wonder how it would work as a meatloaf?? Hmm….. Thank you.
I printed the original recipe that called for 1.25 lbs of ground turkey on May 23, 2010. I am still loving these turkey burgers and use each recipe according to the weight of the packaged turkey. Gina, I have a whole file of your recipes that have become an integral part of my family’s meal planning. Thanks for all you do!
Thanks Dot!
So I know there are already a million comments on here but I just have to say… these are AMAZING!!! This is my go to recipe for burgers and my husband loves them too! We eat these at least twice a month. They’re so easy and make a perfect lunch leftover!
I made these a few months ago & froze them.. idky but I ignored them until about a week ago… I’ve eaten them everyday SINCE they’re SO good. I eat them with mixed veggies for lunch & its super satisfying and tasty. Making another freezer batch this weekend! OBSESSED.