Summer Stack: How to Build the Ultimate Nutritious Burger

Written By Lindsey Lovett, RD

When summer heats up, nothing hits the spot like a juicy burger right off the grill. But this season, let's give the classic burger a healthy twist!

Dietitian Lindsey provides just a few simple swaps and creative additions to can transform your favorite summer staple into a wholesome, satisfying meal that nourishes your body. Here’s how to build a better burger that the whole family is guaranteed to enjoy.

Step 1: Choose your bun

Try swapping your traditional burger bun for a whole grain version. 

  • When shopping for whole grain bread, check that the first ingredient listed is “whole wheat flour” and that it contains at least 3 grams of fiber per serving. This helps ensure your bun is truly whole grain, and you don’t fall for misleading labels. 

Not a fan of whole grain buns? 

  • Try one topped with seeds like poppy or sesame. Seeds are a great source of fiber, plant-based protein, B vitamins, and essential minerals. 

  • Another nutritious option is sourdough from your local bakery. Thanks to its natural fermentation process, sourdough contains prebiotic that support digestion

Step 2: Make quality patties

The patty is the heart of the burger, so it’s important to choose high-quality beef. When selecting ground beef, look for these key indicators of quality:

  • 100% grass-fed and grass-finished

  • Raised using regenerative agriculture and sustainable practices

Did you know?
Beef from regenerative ranches contains up to four times more omega-3 fatty acids and six times more Alpha-linolenic acid fatty acids compared to conventionally raised beef. These healthy fats are important for their anti-inflammatory properties and play a vital role in supporting brain and heart health.

Step 3: Load up on veggies

It’s time to think beyond the usual lettuce, tomato, and onion. Vegetables are a key part of a healthy diet—packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber to help keep you full and satisfied. How many new veggies can you try for an extra boost of crunch and nutrition?

Try additions like: avocado, roasted red peppers, shredded cabbage or coleslaw, beets, pickles, mushrooms, sprouts, jalapeños, radishes, and more.

Fun fact:

Just 1 cup of broccoli sprouts can offer the same nutritional benefits as eating 50 cups of mature broccoli. Sprouts pack a powerful punch of nutrients in every bite!

Step 4: Choose smarter condiments & cheese

Avoid sugary sauces and overly processed cheeses by opting for healthier, more flavorful choices.

  • Choose condiments with less than 5 grams of added sugar per serving.

  • Make your own sauces using simple, wholesome ingredients you can control the nutritional profile of your sauce to minimize sugar or added fillers

  • Select natural cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, goat cheese, or blue cheese for richer flavor and fewer additives.

Ready to elevate your summer burger game?

Tag @YampaValleyRanch with pictures of your next burger masterpiece and share with us your favorite combinations!

 

Yampa Valley Ranch Beef:

*100% Grass Fed and Finished*

*Holistically managed with extensive regenerative agriculture practices*

*Hand picked for superior genetic qualities*

We are an honest and transparent ranch. We want our customers to be fully informed in their decision making when choosing where their meat comes from.

To learn more about our cattle program please go to:

https://yampavalleyranch.com/cattleprogram

Lindsey Lovett, RD