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Craving the classic flavors of a burger but want something lighter? This Burger Salad has you covered! Packed with juicy beef, melty cheese, crunchy pickles, and fresh veggies, all tossed in a zesty homemade dressing—it’s the ultimate low-carb way to enjoy all the flavors you love.
Reasons to Love This Burger Salad
This Burger Salad recipe is a total game-changer: it’s got everything you crave in a classic burger—juicy beef, gooey cheese, and tangy pickles—without the bun! Fresh, crisp veggies and a punchy homemade dressing bring it all together, making this salad both light and seriously satisfying.
Be sure to check out these delicious options for your next burger night: Air Fryer Turkey Burgers, Lamb Burger, Air Fryer Salmon Burgers, Ground Chicken Burgers, and the iconic Travis Scott Burger!
Ingredient Notes
- Mayonnaise: For the best creamy consistency, use full-fat mayo. It provides the perfect base, blending smoothly with other ingredients and adding richness to the sauce.
- Pickle Relish: Be sure to drain it well; excess liquid can make the sauce too thin and watery.
- Honey: Just a teaspoon adds the right amount of sweetness to counter the tang from the ketchup and relish.
- Yellow Onion: They have a natural sweetness that intensifies when caramelized, creating a rich, slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with savory beef.
- Water: Add water in small amounts as the onions cook. This prevents sticking, helps with even browning, and allows the onions to soften gradually without burning.
- Ground Beef (90% lean/10% fat): This lean-to-fat ratio keeps the meat juicy but not overly greasy.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a boost of savory, umami flavor that enhances the beef’s natural taste, giving it depth without overpowering it.
- Beef Broth: We recommend low-sodium broth for better control over salt levels.
- Lettuce: Shred the lettuce finely for even distribution in every bite.
- Dill Pickles: Adds a classic burger tang and crunch.
- Pickled Jalapeños: Optional but recommended if you like a hint of spice.
🔪How to Make Burger Salad
Burger Sauce: Mix mayonnaise, pickle relish, ketchup, and honey in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside.
Caramelized Onions: Cook sliced onion with a little oil and salt over medium heat, stirring until golden. Add water if needed to prevent sticking. Set aside when soft and caramelized.
Ground Beef: In the same skillet, cook ground beef with oil, salt, pepper, Worcestershire, beef broth, and mustard until browned. Divide into portions, add cheese slices on top, and let melt.
Salad Assembly: In a large bowl, layer shredded lettuce, cooked beef, pickles, jalapeños, parsley, and caramelized onions. Drizzle with burger sauce and toss before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Low-Carb: Skip the ketchup in the sauce and replace it with sugar-free alternatives, or swap the beef broth with a low-carb version to reduce overall carbs.
- Cheese Swap: Try cheddar, pepper jack, or blue cheese crumbles instead of American cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Bacon Lover’s: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the salad for extra crunch and a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the burger sauce.
- Veggie-Packed: Add diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, or bell peppers for extra color and a nutritional boost.
- Turkey or Chicken Option: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option that still brings delicious burger flavor.
- Classic Burger Bun Croutons: Toast small cubes of burger buns to make croutons for a fun, classic burger twist.
Storage
To keep your salad fresh, store the ingredients separately: keep the lettuce and veggies in one container, and the cooked beef, caramelized onions, and sauce in another. This way, nothing gets soggy! When you’re ready to eat, just toss everything together. For best taste, enjoy within 2-3 days.
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Burger Salad
Ingredients
Burger Sauce
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup pickle relish, drained
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon honey
Caramelized Onions
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup water
Ground Beef
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound of ground beef with 90% lean meat and 10% fat
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 4 slices American cheese slices
Veggies
- 4 to 5 cups shredded lettuce
- 1/4 cup dill pickle slice
- 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Burger Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, pickle relish, ketchup, and honey. Stir until smooth and set aside.
- Caramelized Onions: In a pan, heat a bit of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are golden and soft. If onions start to stick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until they are fully caramelized. Remove from heat.
- Ground Beef: In the same skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, then stir in Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and yellow mustard. Cook, breaking up the beef until browned. Divide into portions, top with American cheese slices, and allow the cheese to melt. Remove from heat.
- Salad Assembly: In a large bowl, layer shredded lettuce at the bottom. Add the cooked ground beef on top of the lettuce. Sprinkle dill pickle slices, jalapeños, parsley, and the caramelized onions over the beef. Drizzle with the burger sauce and toss everything together just before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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In our 80s, my wife and I have a salad for dinner 3-4 times a week. Three items are non-negotiable; lettuce, diced celery, and pecorino cheese on top. Under the cheese, like you, anything is possible. Cheers.
Fred, it’s wonderful to hear how you and your wife enjoy your salads with those essential ingredients. It sounds like a perfect combination of flavors, especially with the pecorino cheese on top! Cheers to many more delicious dinners, and thank you for sharing your staple salad ingredients with us.