Labor Day may be the unofficial end of summer, but that doesn’t have to dampen your celebration. Your local Hy-Vee registered dietitian has some tips for including healthy dishes at your next cookout. And check out the sweet and spicy Chipotle Turkey Sliders that are so good they just might make you forget you’re saying goodbye to summer!

Thank you to our local Hy-Vee dietitian Ashley Danielson, RDN, LD for this post!

Full recipe at the bottom of the page.

Keep It Lean

Ground turkey is an excellent source of lean protein and a healthy alternative to ground beef. Turkey burgers can dry out if overcooked. Adding chopped onions to the ground meat helps keep the burger moist. The best way to test doneness is to use a meat thermometer to make sure you’re cooking the burgers to 165°. Sliders are meant to be smaller than typical burgers, with just 2 ounces of meat per patty. They’re a great dish to serve to help with portion control.

Slather on the Slaw & Pile on the Pineapple 

Think about those toppings! Adding coleslaw to these sliders is a great way to sneak in some veggies.  Besides adding fiber, the slaw adds interesting flavor and texture. Plus pineapple is an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps improve absorption of the iron from the turkey. Smell the bottom of a pineapple when selecting the fruit to help check on ripeness. Ripe pineapple will typically smell slightly sweet on the bottom. 

Go with the Whole Grain

Whole-wheat buns provide more fiber than refined. The daily fiber recommendation is 38 grams for men and 25 grams for women. Dietary fiber helps reduce levels of cholesterol in the blood and may lower the risk of heart disease. For a lower-carb option, serve these sliders without the top bun or skip the bun entirely. 

Sensible Sides  

Throw some fruit on the grill for a refreshing dessert. Pair raw veggies with a variety of dips, such as hummus, salsa and guacamole.

Enjoy this delicious healthy recipe to wrap up your summertime celebrations!

Ryan Donahue

Ryan Donahue

Chiropractor

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