Southwest Sunflower Quinoa Veggie Burgers are a delicious, healthy make-ahead meal. While this burger doesn’t include beef, it is packed with the flavor of rich southwest spices. Meat-eater approved!
Everyone is posting about Thanksgiving this week and I’m over here with a veggie burger. It may not make sense from a calendar perspective, but I’ve never been one for convention. See, I actually can’t stand Thanksgiving food. I don’t like whole turkey, sweet potato casserole, or that green bean thing with the crunchy onions on top. At family gatherings as a child I basically ate salad, dinner rolls, and dessert (I’m not picky enough to pass up pie!).
As an adult, I don’t bother trying to have a traditional turkey day. We’re going to a friend’s house for Japanese chicken. This is why I’m posting about veggie burgers the week of Thanksgiving.
I am a big meat eater. I love a burger with some fries and a cold beer. However, I’m not trying to blow up my diet eating burgers all week long. A veggie burger is a great healthy option for weekday lunches.
I guess I could tie this into the holiday week because they’re really awesome to have on hand for busy days. While you’re menu planning, you still need to eat! Make them at the beginning of the week to have on hand for lunches, or freeze them for food emergencies.
These southwestern veggie burgers are both vegan and gluten-free. That doesn’t mean they taste like cardboard though! The cremini mushrooms add a crave-worthy umami flavor, and the sunflower seeds add a touch of sweetness that is perfect against the spices.
These veggie burgers don’t have to be served as traditional burgers. I enjoyed eating the patties on their own with toppings like tomatoes, sprouts, and leftover caramelized onions and mushrooms. Also try them in a salad with Southwestern flavors like roasted corn, avocado, and pico de gallo.
[Tweet “These Southwest Sunflower Quinoa Veggie Burgers are so full of flavor you won’t miss the meat!”]
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Oddly enough, the burger-loving Vegas does enjoy a veggie burger. Go figure…
Have you ever made your own veggie burgers?
What are you having for Thanksgiving?
I get the green bean and sweet potato casserole thing, but how can someone not like turkey? It’s like chicken, but better!
I don’t. Gasp! I know. I’m so non american. I like turkey sausage, but that’s it. Gimme steak or Lamb any day though. LOL!
It’s just so “meh.” Chicken is more juicy, at least. I do like turkey deli meat… especially piled high with other stuff. LOL!
What a fun idea! I love this recipe. I am very non-traditional when it comes to Thanksgiving meals too, especially not eating the turkey like everyone else. I think it’s good to change it up!
Thank you! I was eating these all week. Mushrooms give such a good flavor to veggie burgers.
Well you know I love these! Nice change of pace from the usual bean based
HA! I thought of you when I was making them. 😉
I’m not a big fan of mushrooms. What would you recommend as a replacement?
I’m not sure about that one… you might try for a bean-based burger instead? If it’s a texture thing (like my sister has), these wouldn’t be a problem though!
Great. Thanks! I should probably try to see if I like it. 🙂
I wish we had thanksgiving this week – could just do with a day off, a good feed and an excuse to have some bubbles! Ha! But alas we just have to wait until Christmas!
Never made a veggie burger but I love to eat them!
HA! I’ve never thought of it for that perspective… I guess we are lucky to have a holiday before a major holiday!
I’ll take one! Love the flavors and they look crispy, not to mention those macros. Nicely done!
Thanks Sarah! I was trying to get a good balance. A lot of times I am disappointed by SUPER high fat content in veggie burgers.
I love anything with southwester flavors! Im really not a huge meat burger fan. I enjoy a veggie burger much more and I think its fun to make your own. This sounds perfect
Whaaaaaat?! This blows my mind.
As far as cooking goes, I’m done with Thanksgiving. (Did one early this year.) For the next round, I will just be an eater! I love your unconventional-ness! Happy Thanksgiving, Laura!
Good for you, getting it done early! I am lucky my friends hosted – not having to clean a house makes such a big difference.
Eating vegetarian so you can WAIT FOR ALL THE LAMB you’re going to RIPPPPP INTO TOMORROW???!! I seeeeeee your plan!
You have NO idea how good it was. That sous vide, tender little lamb melted into my mouth. So naughty!
Let’s trade. You can come here and be in the cold, go to the alps and eat veggie burgers, while I go there, sit at the beach and eat sweet potato casserole and turkey. I have never experienced Thanksgiving! So jealous.
You know you don’t have to ask me twice to trade! All we need is to win the lottery…
Quinoa flakes…I’m intrigued. Also the Hubby will do a veggie burger from time to time despite a major infatuation with meat. I swear him and Vegas are super similar.
I’m not a huge fan of Thanksgiving food either and I don’t even like pumpkin pie. The mashed potatoes could be good if done right, which they rarely are….sigh.
I used them in my cauliflower crust too! They’re so good… and a good source of vegetarian protein. 😉
I can’t believe you don’t like pumpkin pie!!! I thought I was the only one. *fist bump*
YUM! This sounds like such an epically delicious veggie burger! We’re totally digging the southwestern flavors right now, this is definitely going on our dinner menu for the week! Thanks lady!
Susie | http://milehighdreamers.com
Thanks! I’d love to hear what you think!
Just like you I make Southern Style Mac ‘n Cheese for Thanksgiving and love it more than the turkey.
Mac ‘n cheese vs. turkey is no competition!