The Green Goddess Black Bean Burger is a delightful mix of hearty black beans, fresh herbs, and a creamy green goddess dressing that brings everything together. You get a nice balance of flavors with the earthiness of the beans and that bright, tangy sauce on top. Plus, it’s packed with texture—soft inside with a bit of crisp on the outside when you cook it right.
I love making these burgers because they’re so simple but feel special. The green goddess dressing adds such a fresh touch that I keep coming back for seconds. Whenever I make them, I like to mash the beans just enough to hold together but leave some chunkiness, so each bite has a little surprise. It’s a great way to enjoy something filling without the usual heavy feeling.
My favorite way to serve these is on a toasted bun with crisp lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and a few pickles for a bit of tang. Sometimes I’ll add avocado or a little cheese if people are up for it. They’re perfect for grilling outside or making on a weekday when I want a quick but satisfying meal. Everyone I’ve shared them with keeps asking for the recipe!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Black Beans: These are the base for the patties. Rinsing and draining well helps avoid excess moisture, so your patties hold better. I like leaving some texture by mashing, so they don’t turn into a paste.
Quinoa or Brown Rice: These add body and nutrients. Quinoa has a nice nutty flavor, but brown rice works well too. If you need gluten-free, both are safe choices.
Breadcrumbs: They’re the binder here. Gluten-free breadcrumbs work great if you avoid gluten. If you don’t have breadcrumbs, crushed oats or crushed crackers can be a good substitute.
Egg or Flax Egg: Egg helps hold the patties together, but flax egg is a simple vegan swap. Just mix flaxseed meal and water and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens.
Green Goddess Sauce Ingredients: Avocado makes the sauce creamy and rich. Fresh herbs like parsley and chives brighten the flavor. If you can’t find chives, green onions work too. Use Greek yogurt for tang and creaminess or vegan yogurt to keep it dairy-free.
How Do You Make Black Bean Patties That Hold Together and Don’t Fall Apart?
Mash the beans but keep some bits whole for texture. Then, add your cooked quinoa or rice and breadcrumbs—these soak up moisture and add structure.
- Mix in finely chopped onion and garlic for flavor.
- Add spices like cumin and smoked paprika for warmth.
- Use an egg or flax egg as a binder so the patties hold while cooking.
- If mixture feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs little by little.
Form into thick patties and chill them for 10–15 minutes if you have time; this helps them firm up before cooking.
Cook on medium heat with olive oil to get a nice crust without burning. Flip gently to avoid breaking.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – perfect for combining all the patty ingredients without spills.
- Fork or potato masher – helps you mash beans to the right texture easily.
- Non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan – cooks patties evenly and forms a nice crust.
- Blender or food processor – makes the Green Goddess sauce smooth and creamy in seconds.
- Baking sheet or grill pan – for roasting or grilling asparagus to add a tasty crunch.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add corn kernels to the patty mix for a touch of sweetness and extra texture.
- Use feta or goat cheese in the sauce for a tangy twist that balances the avocado.
- Swap black beans for chickpeas to change up the flavor and create a chickpea burger.
- Include finely chopped bell peppers or spinach in the patties for added color and nutrition.
Green Goddess Black Bean Burger
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Black Bean Burger Patties:
- 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if preferred)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 large egg or flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Green Goddess Sauce:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or vegan yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh chives
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional Burger Components:
- 4 whole grain or sesame seed buns
- 8 roasted asparagus spears
- 4 slices ripe tomato
- 4 large leaves green leaf lettuce
- Optional: sliced cucumber or other preferred veggies
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of preparation and around 20 minutes to cook and assemble the burgers. You’ll also need about 10-12 minutes to roast or grill the asparagus. Overall, expect roughly 40-45 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Black Bean Patties:
In a large bowl, mash the black beans using a fork or potato masher, keeping some beans whole for texture. Add the cooked quinoa or brown rice, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the egg or flax egg until everything is well combined and the mixture holds together. If the mix feels too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs. Form the mixture into 4 even patties.
2. Cook the Patties:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook each patty for about 4-6 minutes on each side until a golden crust forms and the patties are heated through. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Make the Green Goddess Sauce:
In a blender or food processor, combine the avocado, Greek yogurt (or vegan yogurt), parsley, chives, lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
4. Roast or Grill the Asparagus:
Toss asparagus spears with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes or grill them until tender and slightly charred.
5. Assemble the Burgers:
Optionally toast the buns lightly. Spread a generous layer of Green Goddess sauce on the bottom bun, then add a leaf of green lettuce followed by a slice of tomato. Place a black bean patty on top, then add avocado slices or an additional layer of the Green Goddess sauce. Top with the roasted asparagus spears and cover with the top bun.
6. Serve:
Serve your tasty burger immediately with your favorite side—baked fries, salad, or extra Green Goddess sauce make excellent choices. Enjoy!
Can I Use Canned Black Beans Straight from the Can?
Yes! Just make sure to drain and rinse them well to remove excess sodium and liquid. This helps your patties hold together better and prevents them from being too soggy.
How Can I Make This Burger Vegan?
Simply swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes) and use a vegan yogurt for the sauce. This keeps the recipe plant-based and delicious!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Patties?
Keep any leftover cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I Prepare the Burgers Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the patties and the Green Goddess sauce a day ahead. Store patties refrigerated and reheat before assembling your burgers for the freshest flavor.
