by Alexa Sparkman, MA, RD, LD with Agata Matusz , Alyssa Ferguson, Amanda Pratchett and Liz Torres, UT Nutrition Students; photo by Nicole Story


Southwestern turkey burgers are a flavorful twist on traditional turkey burgers. Topped with spicy mango salsa, these burgers will be a tasty treat at your next barbeque or family dinner.

Nutrition: Burgers

Calories: 274 cal / Protein: 36 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g / Fat: 8 g / Fiber: 3 g
Sodium: 488 mgs / Cholesterol: 88 g

Nutrition: Salsa

Calories: 79 cal / Protein: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g / Fat: 0 g / Fiber: 3 g Sodium: 15 mgs


What You Need: Burgers

1/8 cup canola oil ($0.06)
½ bundle green onions; thinly sliced ($0.45)
3 Granny Smith apples; peeled and diced ($3.14)
½ red bell pepper (about ¾ cup); diced ($0.80)
½ green bell pepper (about ¾ cup); diced ($0.38)
2 pounds 97% lean ground turkey breast ($7.98)
½ teaspoon salt ($0.01)
1 tablespoon black pepper ($0.24)
4 jalapeños minced; include ½ the ribs and seeds ($0.42)
½ bundle cilantro; finely chopped ($0.35)
½ bundle parsley; finely chopped ($0.75)

Total Cost For Burgers $14.58


How to Make: Burgers

{1} Preheat grill.
{2} Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Sauté green onions, apples and bell peppers until tender. Set aside to cool.
{3} Place ground turkey in a large mixing bowl. Add sautéed items and mix thoroughly. Add salt, black pepper, minced jalapenos, cilantro and parsley. Mix well.
{4} Divide into six equal portions. Refrigerate for one to two hours.
{5} Place burgers on preheated, lightly oiled grill. Grill burgers on each side for about seven minutes or until meat is thoroughly cooked.
{6} Top with Spicy Mango Salsa.

Makes 6 Burgers


What You Need: Salsa

1 ripe mango; peeled, pitted and diced ($1.49)
½ honeydew melon; diced ($1.50)
1 red bell pepper; diced ($1.60)
½ cup red onion; finely chopped ($1.11)
½ cup yellow onion; finely chopped ($0.34)
½ cup carrots; finely chopped ($0.59)
3 jalapeño chilies; minced with ribs and seeds ($0.33)
½ cup cilantro; finely chopped ($0.35)
Optional for extra heat:
1 small habanero pepper; minced with ribs and seeds ($0.12)

Total Cost For Salsa $7.31


How to Make: Salsa

{1} Place all ingredients in large mixing bowl.
{2} Refrigerate for one hour or until chilled.
Pour ½ cup over Southwestern Turkey Burgers

Makes 6 Servings