Cheeseburger Salad is a creative twist on the classic cheeseburger, transforming it into a refreshing and nutritious salad. This dish combines all the flavors of a cheeseburger – seasoned ground beef, crispy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy pickles, and melted cheese – without the bun. Topped with a tangy dressing, this salad is a satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. It’s also a great option for those looking for a low-carb alternative to the traditional cheeseburger.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup dill pickles, chopped
- 1 avocado, diced (optional)
- 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
For the dressing:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon pickle juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped dill pickles.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Salad: Add the cooked ground beef to the salad bowl with the other ingredients. Toss gently to combine.
- Add Optional Ingredients: If using, add the diced avocado and crumbled bacon to the salad.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately, garnished with additional cheese, pickles, or bacon if desired.
Serve: This recipe serves 4 people as a main dish.
Calories: Approximately 450-550 calories per serving, depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.
Additional Tips:
- For a lighter version of the dressing, you can use Greek yogurt or a low-fat mayonnaise substitute.
- If you prefer, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.
- Feel free to add your favorite cheeseburger toppings, such as sautéed mushrooms, jalapeños, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Enjoy your cooking! If you have any other requests or need more recipes, feel free to ask.