Black Bean Burger with Avocado Pesto

ByHannah Peterson

Black Bean Burger with Avocado Pesto

A hearty, flavorful vegan burger packed with protein and fresh flavor!

This Black Bean Burger with Avocado Pesto is a plant-based dream come true — juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and bursting with vibrant textures and tastes. Made with wholesome ingredients like black beans, oats, and spices, this burger is a delicious and nourishing alternative to traditional meat patties.

💚 Why You’ll Love It

  • 100% vegan, high-protein, and gluten-free optional
  • Hearty and satisfying — not your average veggie burger
  • Easy to make with pantry staples
  • Perfect for meal prep or summer BBQs

🍔 Ingredients

For the Black Bean Patties:

  • 1 ½ cups cooked black beans, drained and rinsed
  • ½ cup rolled oats (or breadcrumbs for crispier texture)
  • ½ small red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste or ketchup
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1–2 tbsp olive oil (optional, for pan-frying)

For the Avocado Pesto:

  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • (Optional: 1 tbsp nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor)

To Assemble:

  • Whole-grain or seeded burger buns
  • Lettuce, tomato slices, and shredded purple cabbage

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Make the patties:
    In a food processor, combine black beans, oats, onion, garlic, soy sauce, tomato paste, and spices. Pulse until mostly smooth but still slightly chunky for texture.
  2. Form and cook:
    Shape mixture into 4 patties.
    • Pan-fry: Cook on a lightly oiled skillet for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and firm.
    • Bake: Place on parchment-lined tray and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.
  3. Prepare the avocado pesto:
    Blend all pesto ingredients until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. Assemble:
    Toast the buns lightly. Layer lettuce, tomato, the black bean patty, a generous spoonful of avocado pesto, and shredded cabbage.
  5. Serve & enjoy:
    Serve warm with sweet potato fries, salad, or pickles!

🌱 Tips

  • For extra smoky flavor, add a dash of liquid smoke or BBQ sauce to the mix.
  • Use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water) if your patties feel crumbly.
  • Make double the batch — they freeze beautifully!

Hearty, flavorful, and packed with good-for-you ingredients — this Black Bean Burger with Avocado Pesto will make you forget all about takeout. 💚

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