With grilling season in full swing, burgers are a classic go-to as an easy (and delicious) way to feed a crowd. But beef burgers aren’t always the healthiest option — many are more than 20% fat, with 10 or more grams of saturated fat per patty. Instead, try these five lighter options at your next barbecue:
Why they made the cut: One patty has less than 200 calories and just 2.5 grams of saturated fat, yet packs 22 grams of protein. They’re juicy and flavorful, but lean enough to give you wiggle room for toppings like avocado or caramelized onions.
Why they made the cut: Using lean ground chicken gives these burgers 19 grams of protein for just 150 calories and 2 grams of saturated fat. You won’t miss any of the fat because the chili-lime seasoning has tons of flavor without tacking on extra calories. These savory, slightly spicy burgers are great on a bun or crumbled atop a taco salad.
Why they made the cut: Pea protein gives these burgers 26 grams of protein per patty, making them a filling main dish. They also have a great texture many veggie burgers lack and are a great option for vegans and those who are gluten-free.
Why they made the cut: While burgers are typically known for being high in saturated fat and skimping on healthy fats like omega-3’s, these salmon burgers flip the switch and provide 3 grams of heart-healthy unsaturated fats and just 1/2 a gram of saturated fat. Plus, they’re perfectly portion-controlled with each patty clocking in at 110 calories with 15 grams of protein.
Why they made the cut: Eating more fish could help with weight loss. These mahi mahi burgers have a milder flavor than salmon burgers, but a similarly great nutritional profile — just 110 calories per patty with 5 grams of unsaturated fat and 15 grams of protein.
