Turkey Zucchini Burgers with Cranberry Relish are a lighter twist on classic burgers, packed with flavor and moisture in every bite. Lean ground turkey is mixed with shredded zucchini, garlic, and herbs to stay juicy and tender, then seared until golden and stacked on buns with a bright, tangy-sweet cranberry relish. The combo of savory burger and fruity topping makes every bite feel special and a little bit festive.

This recipe brings together simple ingredients—ground turkey, zucchini, onion, garlic, and pantry spices—plus a quick homemade cranberry relish that tastes like a fresh, zesty sauce instead of a heavy condiment. With minimal prep and a quick cook, you get burgers that feel restaurant-worthy but are easy enough for any weeknight.

Perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or holiday-inspired meals, these Turkey Zucchini Burgers with Cranberry Relish are the kind of recipe that feels both comforting and fresh at the same time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Juicy & Tender – Zucchini keeps the turkey burgers moist, not dry.
Bright & Tangy Relish – Cranberries add a sweet-tart pop that cuts through the richness.
Lighter but Satisfying – Lean turkey with plenty of flavor and texture.
Great for Any Season – Festive enough for holidays, simple enough for everyday.

Ingredients

For the Turkey Zucchini Burgers:

1 lb (450 g) ground turkey (93% lean works well)
1 small zucchini, finely grated (about 1 cup, excess moisture squeezed out)
¼ cup finely chopped red onion (or yellow onion)
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
1 large egg
1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp salt (or to taste)
¼ tsp black pepper
1–2 tbsp olive oil (for pan-searing, if using a skillet)

For the Cranberry Relish:

1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
2–3 tbsp orange juice (or water)
3 tbsp granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
1 tsp orange zest (optional, but recommended)
Pinch of salt

For Serving:

4 burger buns (toasted, if desired)
Lettuce leaves
Sliced red onion or pickled onions (optional)
Sliced cucumber or tomato (optional)

Instructions

Make the Cranberry Relish
In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, sugar, orange zest (if using), and a pinch of salt.
Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and the mixture thickens slightly.
Taste and adjust sweetness by adding a bit more sugar if needed.
Remove from heat and let cool; it will thicken more as it cools.

Prep the Turkey Zucchini Mixture
Place grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and squeeze out excess moisture.
In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, squeezed zucchini, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Mix gently with clean hands or a spatula until just combined—don’t overwork the mixture.

Form the Patties
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a burger patty about ½–¾ inch thick.
Place patties on a plate or tray and chill in the fridge for 10–15 minutes to help them firm up (optional but helpful).

Cook the Burgers (Skillet or Grill)
Skillet:
Heat 1–2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the patties and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).

Grill:
Preheat grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grates.
Grill burgers for about 5–6 minutes per side, until nicely charred and fully cooked through.

Toast the Buns (Optional)
Lightly toast burger buns in a dry skillet, on the grill, or under the broiler until golden.

Assemble the Burgers
Layer lettuce on the bottom bun, add a turkey zucchini burger, then spoon a generous amount of cranberry relish on top.
Add sliced onion, cucumber, or tomato if desired, then top with the other half of the bun.

Serve
Serve immediately with extra cranberry relish on the side and your favorite sides like salad, roasted veggies, or sweet potato fries.

Nutritional Information

(Approximate per burger with bun and some relish, 1 of 4)

Calories: ~420
Protein: 27g
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Sugar: 14g
Fiber: 4g

Tips for Success

Squeeze the Zucchini Well – Removing excess moisture keeps the patties from being too wet or falling apart.
Don’t Overmix the Meat – Gentle mixing helps keep the burgers tender.
Check Doneness – Use a thermometer to make sure the center reaches 165°F (74°C).
Make the Relish Ahead – The cranberry relish can be made a day in advance and kept in the fridge; the flavor gets even better.

Why This Recipe Works

Ground turkey can dry out easily, but mixing in grated zucchini adds moisture and subtle sweetness, keeping the burgers juicy without adding a lot of fat. Aromatics like onion, garlic, and herbs build savory flavor so the burgers don’t taste bland.

The cranberry relish adds a bright, tangy-sweet contrast that cuts through the richness of the burger and bun, giving you balance in every bite. Together, the tender turkey zucchini patties and the zesty cranberry topping create a burger that’s fresh, satisfying, and just a little bit special—perfect for both everyday dinners and holiday-inspired meals.