*These Barbecue Turkey Burgers are a lightened-up version of a summer classic! Ground turkey is combined with barbecue sauce for a flavorful and moist patty; melty cheddar cheese and fresh avocado are the perfect toppings.*

Memorial Day is coming up in less than a week which basically means that summer is here, so I’ve got a few amazing warm-weather, outdoor party-type recipes to share with you this week! I remember growing up we would always eat so many delicious seasonal foods in the summer. Lots of ice cream, of course, but also fresh homemade basil pesto, corn on the cob all the time slathered with melty salted butter, strawberry popsicles and tart fresh lemonade, and delicious cherry tomatoes from my mom’s garden. We’d lounge outside in the early summer evenings, enjoying the last of the sun, eagerly sharing stories from that day’s adventures at summer camp and eating dinner together as a family. Needless to say, my mind is spinning with all sorts of summer recipe ideas to make in the next few months.

One of the most popular activities this time of year, of course, is outdoor grilling. In fact, I’m sure that many of you are planning to grill out for Memorial Day. I love the idea of a big, casual party in the backyard to kick off the summer season. Some delicious fruity cocktails, plenty of chips and guac, some easy grilled meats, a few light salads, and a dessert to share. Unfortunately, this dream of a day isn’t really possible to pull off here in the big city, but maybe someday I’ll be able to make it a reality. Until then, I’ve got these delicious turkey burgers to enjoy.

These burgers are such a simple dish but they taste truly fantastic. The key ingredient is barbecue sauce, which we add to the patties and brush on top for the perfect sweet and smoky taste. I find that turkey burgers are often dry, but the addition of this sauce helps to keep them super moist and juicy. I love to pair these simple burgers with a yummy brioche bun, some melted cheddar cheese, and fresh tomato slices and lettuce. If you’re grilling out next Monday, I hope you’ll consider whipping up these turkey burgers, or adding them to the grill along with your beef burgers for a delicious lighter option. And yes, let’s definitely keep them coming for the rest of summer!