Name: California Smash Burger with Tangy Avocado Slaw
Prep time: 35 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend); 4 soft potato buns; 1 ripe avocado; 1 cup shredded cabbage (mix of red and green); 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro; 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion; 1 lime, juiced; 2 tbsp mayonnaise; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tsp honey; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp kosher salt, divided; 1/2 tsp black pepper, divided; 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese; 2 tbsp sliced pickled jalapeños (optional)

California Smash Burger with Tangy Avocado Slaw

miradu

This California Smash Burger combines the irresistible crispy-edged juiciness of a classic smash burger with the vibrant, fresh flavors of the West Coast. Creamy avocado slaw brings a zesty, tangy punch and a cool crunch that perfectly balances the molten cheddar and savory beef. Tucked into a pillowy potato bun and crowned with a pop of pickled jalapeño heat, this burger is both comforting and bright—a true taste of California summer. Perfect for a breezy evening, this burger delivers on texture, flavor, and visual appeal.

Ingredients

Instructions

Prepare the avocado slaw: In a medium bowl, mash the avocado until creamy. Stir in mayonnaise, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Fold in cabbage, cilantro, and red onion until evenly coated. Refrigerate while you make the burgers.
Shape the ground beef into 4 loosely packed balls. Season with remaining salt and pepper.
Heat a large cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. When shimmering, add the beef balls and smash down with a sturdy spatula to about 1/2-inch thickness. Cook undisturbed until edges are crisp and deeply browned, about 2 minutes.
Flip burgers, top each with a slice of cheddar, and cook another 1-2 minutes until cheese is melted and burgers are cooked to your liking.
Lightly toast the potato buns, cut side down, on the skillet until golden.
To assemble: Place a cheesy burger patty on each bottom bun, top generously with avocado slaw, add pickled jalapeños if using, and crown with the top bun. Serve immediately.