Description
The California Burger is a fresh, flavorful twist on the classic burger. Topped with creamy avocado, fresh tomatoes, crispy lettuce, and melted cheese, it’s a perfect balance of textures and tastes. This burger is light, yet satisfying, with all the bright, zesty flavors of California, making it a great option for a delicious summer meal or anytime you want something fresh and tasty.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 hamburger buns
- 4 slices provolone cheese (or Swiss cheese)
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- 4 leaves of romaine lettuce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Olive oil, for grilling
- Optional: pickled jalapeños or red onion slices for extra flavor
Instructions
- Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the grill grates with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Shape the ground beef into 4 equal-sized patties, about 1/2 inch thick. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Grill the burger patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. In the last minute of grilling, place a slice of cheese on top of each patty to melt.
- While the burgers are cooking, prepare the toppings: slice the avocado, tomato, and any additional toppings like pickled jalapeños or red onions.
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice to make a tangy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Toast the hamburger buns lightly on the grill or in a toaster.
- Assemble the burgers: spread the mayo-mustard sauce on the bottom bun, then layer with lettuce, the grilled patty with cheese, slices of avocado, and tomato. Top with the other bun.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh California burger!
Notes
- For a healthier version, use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and opt for a whole wheat bun.
- If you’re a fan of spicy flavors, add a few slices of pickled jalapeños to the burger for a little heat.
- For extra flavor, grill the avocado slices for 1-2 minutes on each side until slightly charred before adding to the burger.
- Serve with sweet potato fries or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg