Green Goddess Black Bean Burger
Green Goddess Black Bean Burger is a delicious, hearty veggie burger that’s full of flavor and texture. It combines creamy avocado, fresh herbs, and tender black beans to create a…
Tip: save now, cook later.Green Goddess Black Bean Burger is a delicious, hearty veggie burger that’s full of flavor and texture. It combines creamy avocado, fresh herbs, and tender black beans to create a burger that feels both healthy and satisfying. The green goddess dressing adds a herby, tangy twist that makes each bite pop.
I love making these burgers because they’re easy to whip up and really filling. The black beans give it a lovely, chewy texture, while the green goddess sauce brings a fresh, zesty touch that keeps it from feeling heavy. I usually mash the beans just enough to hold everything together but leave some chunks for a nice bite. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak extra greens into your meal without anyone feeling deprived.
My favorite way to serve these burgers is on a toasted bun with crisp lettuce, ripe tomato slices, and maybe a bit of red onion for crunch. They’re perfect for a casual dinner or a weekend cookout with friends. I often pair them with sweet potato fries or a simple green salad. Trust me, once you try this burger, it’ll probably become one of your go-to veggie meals!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions for Your Green Goddess Black Bean Burger
Black Beans: The heart of these burgers! They add creaminess and protein. Use canned for ease, but rinsing helps remove excess salt and improves flavor. If you like chunkier patties, mash lightly.
Breadcrumbs & Oats: These bind the patty together. Gluten-free breadcrumbs work well if needed. Oats add texture and help keep them moist. You can grind oats for a finer texture or leave them whole for more chewiness.
Walnuts or Sunflower Seeds: Optional but great for crunch. Walnuts bring richness; seeds add a nutty note. Leave out if you have nut allergies or want a softer patty.
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika give a warm, smoky flavor. Adjust spice amounts to match your taste—add more for heat or less for milder burgers.
Egg or Flax Egg: This binds the mixture. For vegan options, flax egg works perfectly—just mix flaxseed with water and let it sit to thicken before adding.
Green Goddess Sauce Herbs: Fresh parsley, tarragon or basil, and chives make this sauce bright and flavorful. If you can’t find tarragon, basil is a fine substitute.
Mayonnaise and Yogurt: These create a creamy base for the sauce. Use vegan mayo and plant-based yogurt to keep it vegan. Greek yogurt adds tang and protein if you prefer dairy.
How Do I Make Perfect Black Bean Patties That Hold Together and Taste Great?
The trick is balancing moisture and binding while keeping texture. Here’s how I do it:
- Mash the beans gently to leave some beans intact—this prevents a mushy patty.
- Add dry ingredients (breadcrumbs, oats) gradually if your mixture is too wet.
- Include an egg or flax egg to help the patties hold shape.
- Chop ingredients finely for even mixing.
- Form patties gently but firmly. If sticky, refrigerate them for 10-15 minutes before cooking.
- Cook over medium heat in olive oil, giving them time (4-5 minutes per side) to develop a crispy crust—this adds flavor and helps hold them.
With patience and these steps, your black bean burgers will be tasty and stay together well!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – perfect for mashing and mixing all the burger ingredients evenly.
- Potato masher or fork – helps mash black beans while keeping some texture.
- Skillet or non-stick frying pan – ideal for cooking patties evenly and getting a crispy outside.
- Spatula – makes flipping patties easy without breaking them.
- Blender or food processor – great for blending the Green Goddess sauce until smooth and creamy.
- Knife and cutting board – for chopping herbs, vegetables, and slicing avocado and cucumber.
- Grill pan or grill (optional) – to grill asparagus and add nice charred flavor.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add corn kernels or diced bell peppers to the patties for a sweet crunch and extra color.
- Swap walnuts with pumpkin seeds for a milder nutty texture or to avoid nuts altogether.
- Try adding shredded cheese like cheddar or pepper jack into the patty mix for a melty surprise.
- Mix in chopped jalapeños or hot sauce if you like a spicy kick to your burgers.
How to Make Green Goddess Black Bean Burger
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Black Bean Patties:
- 2 (15 oz) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if preferred)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup oats, ground or whole
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds (optional for texture)
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg or flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Green Goddess Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or vegan mayo)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or vegan yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh tarragon or basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Additional Toppings and Assembly:
- 4 sesame seed burger buns
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Fresh microgreens or sprouts
- Grilled asparagus spears
- 4 slices cucumber or another fresh vegetable (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare the patties and sauce, 10 minutes to cook the patties and veggies, and additional time for assembly. In total, expect to spend around 30-35 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and easy meal full of fresh flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Black Bean Patties:
In a large bowl, mash the black beans with a fork or potato masher, leaving some beans whole to add nice texture. Add breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, oats, chopped walnuts or seeds (if using), chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well. If you want a vegan option, prepare the flax egg by mixing ground flaxseed with water and letting it thicken for a few minutes; otherwise, use a regular egg. Stir the egg substitute into the bean mix, combining thoroughly. Form the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties. If the patties feel too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs or oats until they hold together well.
2. Cook the Patties:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook each patty for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the outside is crispy and the patties are heated through. Once cooked, remove them from the heat and set aside.
3. Make the Green Goddess Sauce:
In a blender or food processor, combine mayonnaise, Greek or vegan yogurt, chopped parsley, tarragon or basil, chives, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.
4. Prepare the Grilled Asparagus and Other Veggies:
Season asparagus spears lightly with salt and pepper. Grill or sauté until tender and slightly charred. Meanwhile, slice the cucumber and avocado for fresh, cool toppings.
5. Assemble the Burgers:
Lightly toast the burger buns. Spread a generous spoonful of Green Goddess sauce on the bottom bun. Layer with grilled asparagus, cucumber slices (if using), the black bean patty, avocado slices, and microgreens or sprouts. Add more Green Goddess sauce on top if you like. Finish by placing the top bun over.
6. Serve:
Serve your delicious Green Goddess Black Bean Burgers warm with sides like sweet potato fries or a crisp salad for a delightful meal. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Black Beans Instead of Canned?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the frozen black beans completely and drain any excess moisture before using. This helps avoid soggy patties and ensures better texture.
How Can I Make This Burger Gluten-Free?
Simply swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or use ground oats only. Both options work well to bind the patties without gluten.
Can I Prepare the Patties Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can form the patties and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just cover them tightly to prevent drying out. Cook them fresh when ready for best results.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Burgers and Sauce?
Store any leftover patties and Green Goddess sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Patties keep well for 3-4 days, and the sauce stays fresh for up to 5 days. Reheat patties gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
