As the weather continues to get warmer, you may find yourself craving a meal that feels light and fresh, but still satisfying and full of flavor. This Chicken Caprese Burger with Spinach Pesto is just the thing to make. Use lean ground chicken to cut down of the saturated fat that contributes to high cholesterol levels and risk of heart disease, while also including an extra nutrition boost by adding spinach into the pesto. You could also use other greens like kale, chard, beet greens or even peas! –Dana Mealing, RDN, LDN
Ingredients:
Chicken Patty:
- 1½ lbs ground chicken
- 1 cup finely chopped fresh spinach
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp mixed Italian herbs
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Olive oil spray
Spinach Pesto:
- 1 ½ cups baby spinach leaves
- ¾ cup fresh basil leaves
- ½ cup toasted pine nuts (sub walnuts)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled and quartered
- 1 Tsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp lemon zest
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 3 to 4 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 12 oz. fresh mozzarella, sliced (1 oz. slices)
- 12 slider buns
Make the pesto by adding all the ingredients into a food processor. Pulse then blend to make a thick sauce. Set aside.
Mix all the patty ingredients together in a bowl until ingredients are evenly distributed.
Oil your hands with olive oil to prevent sticking. Dive the patty mix into six equal portions. Roll each patty portion into a ball, then press down to form a patty.
Over medium-low heat, grease a skillet with olive oil or cooking spray. Cook each patty 3 to 5 minutes on each side, until lightly golden and cooked all the way through (internal temperature of 165F). When patties have 1 minute left to cook, add a slice of fresh mozzarella on top, then cover pan to melt the cheese.
When patties are done, place on top of the bottom bun, then top with a slice of tomato, and ½ to 1 tablespoons of pesto. Makes six servings.
Tip 1: Patties can also be grilled or baked in the oven.
Tip 2: Lightly oil and toast the inside of the buns on the skillet or grill for a little crisp!
Nutrition facts:
Serving size: 1 burger
Calories:& 333; Fat: 4.3g; Sat fat: 4.5g; Carbs: 34.5g; Fiber: 2.6g; Protein: 41.6g; Sodium: 435.6mg
Adapted from: https://www.skinnytaste.com/chicken-burger/#recipe and https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/200283/spinach-basil-pesto/
