Burger Salad
A burger in salad form, this Burger Salad takes all your favorite hamburger toppings and combines them with crisp, fresh lettuce for a low-carb, satisfying meal. The seasoned burger patties provide rich flavor while staying juicy and tender.
Topped with creamy homemade burger sauce, this salad is a full-flavored tribute to the classic burger experience. From tangy pickles to sharp cheddar, each ingredient elevates the simple salad to a crowd-pleasing dish.
Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this Burger Salad is easy to make and incredibly filling. Whether you’re craving a burger without the bun or looking for a fresh twist on the traditional, this recipe delivers everything you love in a burger, in salad form.
Burger Salad Ingredients
For the burger patties, ground beef brings rich, juicy flavor, while the seasoning perfectly enhances the beef’s natural taste with a balanced blend of salt and pepper.
A creamy, tangy dressing made from mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and dill pickle relish ties the salad together, providing a zesty kick that complements the savory burger patty.
Crisp iceberg lettuce forms the fresh, crunchy base, while slices of sharp cheddar cheese and crunchy pickles deliver layers of flavor. Sweet red onions and juicy tomatoes add freshness and texture, creating the ideal balance.
Burger Salad Recipe Tips
- Burger Patty Perfection
When shaping your burger patties, ensure they’re not too thick or too thin. A 1/2-inch thickness is ideal to allow for a well-cooked patty with a juicy interior. Don’t overwork the meat, as it can lead to tough burgers. Season each patty generously with the burger seasoning for a flavor-packed experience. Also, allow the patties to rest after cooking to retain their juices. - Adjusting the Dressing
The burger sauce in this recipe is a delicious blend of mayo, ketchup, mustard, and dill pickle relish. If you prefer a creamier dressing, add a little more mayo, or if you like it tangier, up the mustard or pickle relish. For a spicier version, a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper can kick the flavor up a notch. - Choosing the Right Lettuce
Iceberg lettuce provides a crisp and refreshing base for this salad, but you can also mix in other greens like romaine or spinach for added flavor and nutrition. If you prefer a sturdier lettuce, consider using butter lettuce, which has a milder flavor and retains its crunch better than other leafy greens. Make sure the lettuce is chilled to enhance its freshness.
What to Serve with Burger Salad
- Crispy Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries pair wonderfully with the savory and tangy flavors of the Burger Salad. The sweetness of the fries balances the rich burger patty and creamy dressing, creating a perfect contrast in taste. For added flavor, season the fries with a pinch of paprika or garlic powder, and serve them with a dipping sauce like ketchup or ranch dressing. - Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilled corn on the cob makes an excellent side dish to accompany your Burger Salad. The smoky char from the grill brings out the sweetness of the corn, complementing the hearty flavors of the burger. For extra zest, brush the corn with melted butter, lime, and chili powder for a bold kick that contrasts the fresh salad. - Classic Coleslaw
A creamy, tangy coleslaw is a great side dish to balance the richness of the Burger Salad. The crunch of the cabbage paired with the smooth dressing creates a satisfying texture contrast, while the slight acidity cuts through the savory flavors of the burger. Opt for a vinegar-based slaw if you prefer something lighter, or a creamy slaw for more indulgence.
FAQ
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! While cheddar cheese complements the Burger Salad perfectly, you can use other cheeses like Swiss, American, or even blue cheese for a unique twist. Choose a cheese that melts well for a rich flavor.
2. Can I make the burger patties in advance?
Absolutely! You can shape the burger patties a day ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together. Just cook them fresh when you’re ready to assemble the salad.
3. How can I make this recipe lower in calories?
To make the Burger Salad lighter, opt for leaner ground beef, or substitute with turkey or chicken for a healthier protein. You can also use a lighter mayo or yogurt in the dressing to cut down on fat and calories.
4. Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. This can save you time on busy days and let the flavors deepen as it sits. Just give it a good stir before serving!
Burger Salad
Ingredients
- For the Burger Patties:
- 1 pound ground beef choose the leanness to your preference
- 2 teaspoons of burger seasoning or a mixture of 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt and ground black pepper
- Avocado oil cooking spray
- For the Burger Dressing makes 1 cup:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish or finely chopped dill pickle
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- For the Salad Assembly:
- 8 cups chopped iceberg lettuce about 16 ounces from one medium head
- 1/2 medium red or yellow onion thinly sliced
- 1 beefsteak or slicing tomato cut into bite-sized pieces, or 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 24 dill pickle chips or 2 medium dill pickles, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Burger Patties:
- Begin by dividing the ground beef into four equal portions. Shape each portion into patties approximately 4 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick. Season both sides of each patty with the burger seasoning, or the salt and pepper mix.
- Cook the Burger Patties:
- Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat for about three minutes. Lightly coat the pan with avocado oil, then add the patties. Let them sear for 3 minutes, or until they develop a rich brown crust and can be easily flipped. Flip the patties carefully, and cook for an additional 3 minutes, allowing them to remain slightly pink in the center. If desired, test the internal temperature with a thermometer to ensure it reaches your preferred doneness. Once cooked, remove the patties from the pan and let them rest.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- While the patties cook, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground black pepper in a small mixing bowl. Stir until the dressing is well-blended and smooth.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In four shallow bowls, evenly distribute the chopped lettuce, sliced onion, tomato pieces, pickle chips, and shredded cheddar cheese. Arrange the ingredients so that each bite includes a bit of everything. Place a burger patty on top of each salad and drizzle generously with the prepared dressing. Finish with a few cracks of black pepper and serve immediately for the best freshness and flavor.
