The summer season means time spent in the great outdoors, warmer weather, and delicious grilled food. When it comes to grilling, most people think of animal-based proteins, like hamburgers, which are a summer staple on many backyard BBQ menus. However, if you practice a plant-based diet, you may be wondering what’s on the menu for you and your tastebuds. Luckily, there are a variety of plant-based burger ideas for you to enjoy. Here are a few plant-based burger ideas for your next summertime soiree - or any time of the year.
Beet Burger
If you are bonkers for beets, then you will love a hearty beet burger. The natural earthy flavor of beets along with their brightly colored hue make for a beautiful filling for homemade plant-based burgers. Plus, according to the Cleveland Clinic, beets contain fiber, nitrates, vitamins, and minerals, all of which may help maintain a healthy weight, improve blood pressure, and lower cholesterol levels among other benefits. Photo credit: samael334
Black Bean Burger
Beans are such a versatile food, they can be used for almost anything, and that includes black bean burgers. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, one cup of black beans (172 grams) contains just over 15 grams of protein, a whopping 15 grams of fiber, and just under one gram of fat making it a low-calorie, low-fat, and low-sodium plant-based burger option. Photo credit: nata_vkusidey
Chickpea Burger
Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are another plant-based burger option. Just like black beans, chickpeas are a legume and are loaded with health benefits. A two-thirds cup of garbanzo beans (100 grams), has roughly 7 grams of protein, 3 grams of fat, and almost 6 grams of fiber. Like black beans, chickpeas are a blank canvas for flavors so you can mix and match any flavor combination you like when it comes to burger toppings. Photo credit: vaaseenaa
Falafel Burger
If you really enjoy chickpeas, then you will most likely love another plant-based burger idea that comes from fried chickpeas - falafel. Featured in many Middle-Eastern cuisines, falafel is a deep-fried ball or patty-shaped fritter that comes from garbanzo beans. Falafel pairs perfectly with hummus or tahini, which can give your handcrafted plant-based burger a burst of flavor if using one of those savory spreads. Photo credit: zi3000
Lentil Burger
You may be familiar with lentils in recipes like lentil soup, but lentils can also double up as a plant-based burger ingredient. Just like black beans and chickpeas, lentils offer plant-based protein and fiber, plus iron and folate. Research has found that people who regularly eat lentils have a lower risk of diseases like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, and some cancers. This is likely due to lentils’ high levels of healthy compounds called polyphenols. Photo credit: Yummy pic
Nut Burger
Nutty about nuts? Well, then you probably have a few bags of nuts in your kitchen cabinet. Put them to good use by making a plant-based burger using plant-based ingredients like walnuts. Photo credit: Falguni Mandal
Here is a pretty basic recipe from All Recipes to get you started if you need something super simple. However, if you are Vegan, be sure to nix the eggs and use a vegan-friendly binder. Same with the cheese. Simply ditch the dairy-based cheese and opt for a plant-based option instead like cashew cheese.
Portobello Mushroom Burger
An OG option for plant-based burgers would be the classic portobello mushroom. This plant-based option is especially easy to prepare. Simply cook the portobello mushroom caps and serve them with your favorite burger toppings. Portobello mushrooms have a naturally hearty and meaty texture and come with a delicious umami flavor. They are also low in calories and contain antioxidants, fiber, protein, and vitamins. Photo credit: jenifoto
Tofu Burger
Another original plant-based burger option that has been around for a while is the tofu burger. (Tofu is a soy-based food). Meanwhile, extra-firm tofu gives more form to these burgers. Photo credit: semenovp
Soy-based foods like these are not only packed with protein, though - they provide a punch of valuable nutrients like B vitamins, iron, and zinc, notes the Cleveland Clinic. Eating more soy-based foods has even been linked to better gut health and a decreased risk of heart disease.
Vegan Burger
If you or your backyard BBQ guests are completely Vegan, then you will want to make sure your plant-based burgers do not contain any animal products such as cheese, eggs, or other animal-based products. This is why it is best to stick to all of the plants and veggies. However, since eggs are usually a popular burger binder, stick to Vegan options like bread crumbs, ground flaxseeds, oats, and wheat germ. Photo credit: Sarsmis
Veggie Burger
One of the best parts about a vegetable burger is that you can use up any veggies you have on hand. Use whatever you have available in your backyard garden or what is in season for a delicious burger that is all your own creation. Ideas include carrots and peas, mushrooms, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes. Photo credit: Quanthem
Enjoy these plant-based burger options this summer or any time of the year for a delicious handcrafted plant-based backyard burger.
- Stay Healthy and Happy
Need some more recipe ideas for plant-based burgers? Check out @Mbveganvegetarianshare or view our CEO at @itsnolasnacks as she shares recipes via video on It’s Nola Reels. Do not worry, even if you are not Vegan, you will still enjoy these dishes.
Tag us @itsnolasnacks so we can see all of your one-of-a-kind plant-based burger creations.
