Grills are blazing like the summer sun, your frosty beverage is sweating like a pro athlete, and the unmistakable smell of charred meat is in the air. Summer BBQ season is upon us.

But if you’re trying to eat healthy, summertime cookouts can torch your plans, especially if you want to cut back on red meat. Replacing that perfect juicy beef patty with a frozen hockey puck turkey burger seems just plain wrong.

It’s time to enter the world of alterna-burgers. Maybe you’ve visited already, with a homemade turkey burger whose flavor fell flat. Or maybe you made a tuna burger that fell apart as soon as it hit the grill. Or maybe it was a veggie burger that lacked a certain umami. The alterna-burger world can be a scary place, but with a few tips and tricks, and some smart swaps, you can grill up a satisfying burger that almost makes you forget about beef.

A Mediterranean flair on this all-vegetarian mushroom burger will leave even the biggest beef lover satisfied. The olive tapenade and texture of the mushroom gives it a deep, savory flavor that will pacify your “meat tooth.”

Pairs great with a side of grilled asparagus. Serves 4

This salmon burger is packed with flavor to make your mouth happy, and healthy fats to make your heart happy. The sweet heat of the pineapple relish brings the flavors of Hawaii right to your backyard. Serve with a side of grilled corn salad. Serves 4

For the dressing

For the salad