Cheeseburger Bliss Salad

Recipe Introduction

Ever get that cheeseburger craving? But you’re also trying to be good? Honestly, me too! That's where this amazing cheeseburger salad comes in.

It has all the glorious flavor without the bun. Get ready for a guilt free burger experience.

What's the Deal with This Burger Salad ?

This isn’t your average salad, love. It's a deconstructed cheeseburger salad , so think all your favorite burger bits beef, cheese, pickles, the sauce but in a bowl.

I've borrowed inspiration from classic American diner fare for this cheeseburger salad recipe . It’s super easy to throw together in about 35 minutes and makes 4 good sized servings.

Perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.

Why You'll Obsess Over This Cheeseburger Bowl

The best part? It's secretly healthy! Packed with protein from the ground beef and calcium from the cheddar, it’s a surprisingly nutritious meal.

And for my pals doing keto or low carb? This low carb cheeseburger salad is a total game changer! Seriously, forget boring salads.

This is a celebration of flavor and fun. Imagine sitting in front of the telly, enjoying a healthy cheeseburger salad .

What makes this ground beef salad so special is the sauce . This cheeseburger salad with special sauce makes all the difference.

So, ready to ditch the bun and dive into a bowl of cheeseburger bliss? Let's get started with the ingredient list! Honestly, you probably have most of it already.

Right, let's dive into what you'll need for this amazing cheeseburger salad recipe . Honestly, it's less complicated than figuring out the Tube map at rush hour! We are making it in a deconstructed cheeseburger salad way!

Ingredients & Equipment

So, you want the lowdown on what makes this cheeseburger salad tick? It's all about quality, innit? The right ingredients will turn this simple burger salad into something spectacular.

It's all about getting that cheeseburger salad with special sauce that you usually crave.

Main Ingredients

For the Ground Beef:

• 1 pound ( 454g ) Ground Beef (80/20 blend is lush, trust me). Look for vibrant red color with good marbling. This is for a ground beef salad !
• 1 teaspoon ( 5ml ) Olive Oil (nothing fancy, just enough to stop it sticking).
• 1 teaspoon ( 5g ) Onion Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5g ) Garlic Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5g ) Smoked Paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon ( 1.25g ) Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ( 1.25g ) Black Pepper

For the Special Sauce:

• 1/2 cup ( 120ml ) Mayonnaise (full fat for the best flavour, obviously)
• 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ) Ketchup
• 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ) Yellow Mustard
• 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ) Sweet Pickle Relish
• 1 teaspoon ( 5ml ) White Vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon ( 1.25g ) Garlic Powder
• Pinch of Paprika

For the Salad:

• 8 cups (approx. 2 liters ) Shredded Lettuce (Iceberg or Romaine, whatever you fancy).
• 1 cup ( 113g ) Shredded Cheddar Cheese (go for a mature cheddar for that proper cheesy hit). We are going for a perfect cheeseburger bowl recipe!.
• 1/2 cup (approx. 75g ) Diced Tomato
• 1/2 cup (approx. 75g ) Diced Red Onion
• 1/2 cup (approx. 75g ) Sliced Dill Pickles (or Sweet Pickles, if preferred)
• Optional: Sesame Seeds, for garnish
• Optional: Crumbled cooked bacon.

Seasoning Notes

Forget bland! Think proper flavour explosions. Onion and garlic powder are a must. Smoked paprika? Game changer. Don't skip the white vinegar in the sauce.

It adds that much needed tang. If you haven't got sweet pickle relish, finely chopped gherkins will do in a pinch.

For a healthy cheeseburger salad you can add a pinch of hot sauce!

Equipment Needed

Right, here’s what you need. Nothing too cheffy, promise.

• Large Skillet (for browning that glorious beef).
• Whisk (for the special sauce, obvs).
• Large Bowl (to chuck everything in).
• Cutting Board
• Chef's Knife
• Measuring Cups & Spoons

Don't have a whisk? A fork works fine. No fancy measuring cups? Eyeball it! Cooking should be fun, not stressful.

Honestly, this cheeseburger salad recipe is foolproof. And if you are on the keto cheeseburger salad diet or searching for a low carb cheeseburger salad recipe, this is also for you! Let's get cooking, shall we?

Cooking Method

Prep Steps

Alright, mate. Let's get stuck into this cheeseburger salad . First, you gotta get your mise en place sorted. Honestly, this is the most important bit.

Chop all your veggies before you even think about touching the beef. It'll save you a headache later, trust me.

Time saving tip? Buy pre-shredded lettuce. I know, I know, cheating , but who's got time to shred lettuce? Also, mix your sauce ingredients in a bowl.

Ready to go! Always good to have some tunes on too.

step-by-step Process

Right, here's how to make your delicious deconstructed cheeseburger salad :

1. Brown the Beef : Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef and break it up. Season with 1 teaspoon onion powder, 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder, 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika, 0.25 teaspoon salt, and 0.25 teaspoon pepper. Cook until browned. About 5- 7 minutes . Drain any fat.
2. Sauce Time : In a small bowl, whisk together 0.5 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish, 1 teaspoon white vinegar, a pinch of garlic powder and another of paprika.
3. Salad Base : In a large bowl, chuck in 8 cups of shredded lettuce.
4. Beef It Up : Add the browned ground beef to the lettuce.
5. Cheese Please : Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Veggie Boost : Add 0.5 cup diced tomato, 0.5 cup diced red onion, and 0.5 cup sliced dill pickles.
7. Dress It : Pour that special sauce over the salad. Toss gently to combine.
8. Serve : Garnish with sesame seeds or bacon bits, if you fancy. And there's your burger salad !

The internal temperature for the beef should reach 160° F ( 71° C) . This ensures it's cooked through and safe to eat.

Pro Tips

Want to really nail this ground beef salad ? Here's what I've learned making this bad boy:

• Don't overcook the beef. No one wants dry, rubbery meat in their healthy cheeseburger salad . Cook it until just browned.
• Make the special sauce in advance. Honestly, it tastes even better the next day. Store it in the fridge.
• This is a great low carb cheeseburger salad option if you're watching the carbs. Just load up on the lettuce! Think keto cheeseburger salad .

So there you have it a delicious cheeseburger salad with special sauce . A cheeseburger bowl that’s not just another boring burger bowl recipe .

Give it a whirl and let me know what you think. Cheers!

Recipe Notes

Right then, let's dive into some extra bits for this Cheeseburger Bliss Salad . Honestly, it’s so easy even I can’t mess it up.

And that's saying something. We're gonna make sure your cheeseburger salad recipe is a winner every time.

Plating Power Ups!

Presentation matters, you know? Don't just chuck it all in a bowl!

• Plating and presentation ideas . For a fancy vibe, serve individual portions in glass bowls or mason jars. Layer the lettuce, then the beef, cheese, and toppings. Drizzle that cheeseburger salad with special sauce on top.
• Complementary sides or beverages . Think of this as a burger, but posh. Sweet potato fries are a great side. How about a nice glass of iced tea or a cheeky milkshake?

Storage Secrets

Listen up, nobody likes a soggy salad.

• Refrigeration guidelines . Store any leftover deconstructed cheeseburger salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat.
• Freezing options . Freezing isn't recommended for this salad. Lettuce gets weird.
• Reheating instructions . The beef can be reheated in the microwave. Just nuke it for about 60 seconds .

Mixing It Up

Fancy a change? No dramas!

• Dietary adaptations . For a low carb cheeseburger salad or keto cheeseburger salad , ditch the ketchup in the special sauce. Maybe add some avocado for extra healthy fats. You could also swap the beef for ground turkey for a lighter healthy cheeseburger salad .
• Seasonal ingredient swaps . Use heirloom tomatoes in summer. Or maybe some roasted butternut squash in autumn. Get creative!

Nutrition Lowdown

Okay, let's be real. This is still a salad, but it's fun .

• Simplified nutrition information . Each serving is about 550 calories, with 35g of protein. Not bad for a burger salad , eh?
• Key health benefits . You're getting protein from the beef. Plus vitamins from the salad veg. Not to mention happiness from the taste.

So there you have it! A cheeseburger bowl , if you will. You've got all the tips and tricks to make this ground beef salad a total winner.

Honestly, this burger bowl recipe is dead easy, and tastes like a treat. Go on, give it a go! You might just surprise yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cheeseburger salad ahead of time? I'm juggling work, kids, and trying not to live on takeaways!

You can definitely prep parts of the cheeseburger salad in advance! Cook the ground beef and make the special sauce up to a day or two ahead and store them separately in the fridge.

However, hold off on dressing the salad until just before serving to prevent the lettuce from getting soggy nobody wants a sad salad!

I'm watching my waistline any tips for making this cheeseburger salad healthier without sacrificing the flavour?

Absolutely! Use leaner ground beef or even ground turkey to cut down on fat. Swap out some of the mayonnaise in the special sauce with plain Greek yogurt for a protein boost and fewer calories.

Load up on the veggies more lettuce, tomatoes, and onions will make it even more filling without adding tons of calories.

What are some fun variations I can try with this cheeseburger salad? I'm always looking for a new twist!

Get creative, mate! A spicy cheeseburger salad is always a winner; add a dash of hot sauce or some jalapeños. You could also try adding crumbled bacon for extra flavour or using different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack.

For a vegetarian version, use plant based ground "beef" and vegan cheese, and you're golden!

How long does this cheeseburger salad last in the fridge? Is it safe to pack for lunch the next day?

Once assembled and dressed, cheeseburger salad is best eaten immediately. If you have leftovers (undressed), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Packing it for lunch is possible, but keep the dressing separate and add it right before eating to avoid a soggy situation.

No one wants a soggy salad in the office!

What's the secret to the special sauce in this cheeseburger salad? Can I adjust it to my taste?

The beauty of the special sauce is its simplicity and customizability! The classic combo of mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and relish is pretty spot-on, but feel free to tweak it. Add a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth, a dash of Worcestershire sauce for umami, or more relish for sweetness.

Taste as you go and adjust until it hits your sweet spot!

Can you use different types of lettuce in this cheeseburger salad? I am not a fan of Romaine!

You absolutely can! While Romaine lettuce is a popular choice, feel free to swap it with your favorite greens. Iceberg lettuce provides a nice, crisp base, while butter lettuce offers a softer texture. Even a spring mix or baby spinach would work well, adding a nutritional boost to your cheeseburger salad.