Name: Cheeseburger Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 5-6 cups mixed greens lettuce; 1-2 tomatoes (sliced (or cherry tomatoes)); 1/2 small onion (sliced); 1 avocado (peeled and sliced); 2 dill pickles (sliced); 4 hamburger patties; 4 slices cheddar cheese (plus more shredded for topping, if desired); 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or use half mayo and half greek yogurt); 2 Tablespoons mustard; 2-3 Tablespoons ketchup (to taste); 1 Tablespoon vinegar; 2-3 teaspoons barbecue sauce (to taste)

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This mouthwatering Cheeseburger Salad delivers all the flavors you love from a classic burger, minus the bun. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a perfect low-carb spin that doesn’t sacrifice taste or satisfaction.

With 23g of protein and only 15g of carbs per serving, this creative dish combines seasoned ground beef, crisp vegetables, and melty cheese in a crowd-pleasing way. Whether you’re watching your carbs or simply craving something different, this quick and nutritious meal will become your new favorite way to enjoy burger night.

Ingredient Section

For the Salad Base:
- 5-6 cups mixed greens lettuce – fresh and crispy
- 1-2 tomatoes or cherry tomatoes – ripe and juicy
- 1/2 small onion – thinly sliced for perfect bite
- 1 avocado – choose perfectly ripe one
- 2 dill pickles – adds wonderful crunch
- 4 hamburger patties – lean ground beef recommended
- 4 slices cheddar cheese – plus extra for topping
For the Special Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise – can substitute half with Greek yogurt
- 2 Tablespoons mustard – adds tang
- 2-3 Tablespoons ketchup – adjust to taste
- 1 Tablespoon vinegar – for extra zing
- 2-3 teaspoons barbecue sauce – brings smokiness

Instructions Section

Prepare the Dressing: Mix all dressing ingredients in a bowl until smooth and chill until needed
Season the Patties: Generously season both sides of hamburger patties with salt and pepper
Grill the Burgers: Cook to your preferred doneness, top with cheese slices and let them melt
Assemble the Salad: Divide lettuce between 4 bowls
Add Toppings: Cut cheeseburgers into bite-sized pieces, arrange on lettuce with tomatoes, onions, avocado, and pickles
Finish: Drizzle with prepared dressing and toss gently to combine

Cooking Techniques

Getting your burger patties just right makes this salad extra special! Keep your grill at medium-high heat (around 375-400°F) for the best results. For a medium burger, cook about 4-5 minutes per side.

Want to check if they’re done? Gently press the center – it should spring back but not be too firm. Remember to let the cheese melt completely before chopping – this creates those amazing, gooey pieces throughout your salad!

Variations & Substitutions

This salad is super flexible! Try these tasty swaps:

Swap the beef patties for turkey or plant-based burgers
Use blue cheese or pepper jack instead of cheddar
Add bacon bits for extra crunch
Mix in corn or black beans
Try ranch dressing or thousand island instead of the burger sauce
Use spinach or romaine instead of mixed greens
Add crispy fried onions on top

Serving Suggestions

Make this salad feel like a real burger joint experience! Serve it with a side of sweet potato fries, onion rings, or even a small cup of tomato soup. Want to make it more filling? Add some garlic bread on the side. For drinks, root beer or a classic milkshake pairs perfectly with these burger-inspired flavors!

Storage Tips

If you’re meal prepping, keep all parts separate until ready to eat. Store the cooked burgers, cut veggies, and dressing in different containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

The lettuce stays crisp longer if you wait to chop it until serving time. When ready to eat, just warm up the burger pieces, assemble your salad, and add the dressing!