Pesto, Avocado, Onion Cheeseburger

Here’s another delicious twist on a cheeseburger that is quick and simple to make. You can grill the hamburger patties or cook them on the stovetop. For an extra kick, you can add some jalapeno peppers to your cheeseburger.  Enjoy!

Author: Michelle Hanson

Michelle Hanson, MA, RD, LD is Fresh & Natural Food’s Registered Dietitian. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics with a minor in Community Health from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. She is a registered dietitian and current member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Michelle has been a nutrition consultant for numerous years as well as a nutrition research director at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.

Michelle is passionate about food and nutrition and believes in helping people find simple, realistic ways to make healthy eating a part of their everyday lifestyle.
If you are interested in meeting Michelle or have questions for her, you can email her at: michelle@fnfoods.com. She will look forward to meeting you!

Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Ready in: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• 1/4 c finely chopped green onion
• 1/4 c. salsa
• 2 T minced garlic
• 1/2 t salt
• 1/2 t black pepper
• 4 slices of pepper jack cheese
• 1 cup pesto (or as much as desired)
• 4 hamburger buns, toasted
• Sliced tomato, onion, avocado, lettuce, mayonnaise, jalapeno (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (375º-450ºF) and lightly oil the grate.
2. Mix together ground beef, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, salsa, and chopped jalapeno pepper (optional) in a bowl. Form into 4 patties.
3. Grill patties, covered, 5 minutes per side, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest parts registers 165º. Top with cheese and serve on buns with desired toppings.

For those that are sodium conscious, use a salt substitute and omit the salsa (and added pickles as pictured).