If you love all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger (juicy beef, sharp cheese, fresh veggies, and that tangy dressing!) but want a fresh, lighter spin, this Cheeseburger Salad will have you grinning from your very first bite. It’s got everything you crave about a Big Mac—without the bun—making dinner satisfyingly fun, quick, and guilt-free.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbelievably Easy: With just a handful of basic ingredients and two simple steps, you’re only 20 minutes away from a hearty family meal.
- Big Burger Flavor, Lighter Feel: All the familiar, crave-worthy cheeseburger flavors—minus the bun—keeps it low-carb and gluten-free.
- Customizable for Everyone: Each bowl can be adjusted with extra or fewer toppings and your preferred amount of dressing, so the whole family is happy.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: The ingredients store well for lunches all week, making this Cheeseburger Salad as perfect for meal-preppers as it is for busy weeknights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the things I adore about making Cheeseburger Salad is how truly straightforward the ingredients are. Each one is chosen for that classic fast-food flavor and perfect bite: the juicy beef, crispy lettuce, melty cheese, and tangy pickles all come together to make magic in every forkful.
- Very Lean Ground Beef (1½ pounds): Lean beef means all the savory, hearty flavor and protein without excess grease!
- Chopped Iceberg Lettuce (6 cups): Crisp, cool, and the ultimate crunchy base—don’t skimp on freshness here.
- Shredded Colby Jack Cheese (1½ cups): This offers melty creaminess with a mild, buttery kick; feel free to sub cheddar if you love a sharper cheese.
- Diced Roma Tomatoes (1 cup): Look for ripe, firm Romas—they won’t make your salad watery and add beautiful color.
- Sliced Red Onion (1 cup): For that juicy, zippy bite; red onions are more mellow and colorful than yellow.
- Diced Dill Pickles (½ cup): These bring the salty, vinegary crunch that’s a must in any true cheeseburger spin-off.
- Thousand Island Dressing: The classic! Go store-bought for ease, or whisk up your own for a homemade touch.
Variations
Cheeseburger Salad is a blank canvas waiting for your favorite tweaks. Whether you’re dealing with picky eaters or dietary restrictions (or just craving something new), you can riff on this recipe in so many delicious ways.
- Turkey or Veggie Burger Salad: Swap the beef for ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian twist that still packs plenty of flavor.
- Keto Style: Use a sugar-free, keto-friendly dressing and add extra cheese or bacon for extra fat and flavor!
- Dressing Makeover: Trade the Thousand Island for creamy ranch, blue cheese, or even a spicy sriracha-mayo for a whole new vibe.
- Bun Croutons: If you’re not worried about keeping it low-carb, toss a few homemade toasted bun cubes or sesame croutons over the top for extra crunch and nostalgia.
How to Make Cheeseburger Salad
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by browning your very lean ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. You want it fully cooked with those caramelized bits for max flavor! Then drain off any excess fat so your salad base stays crisp, not greasy.
Step 2: Prep and Layer the Ingredients
While the beef cools slightly, chop the iceberg lettuce, shred your cheese (if you didn’t buy it pre-shredded), dice the tomatoes, slice the red onion, and dice those all-important dill pickles. Set everything up for easy assembly—mise en place makes your salad a snap to finish!
Step 3: Assemble and Toss
In a giant serving bowl, lay down the crisp lettuce as the base. Sprinkle on the cooked ground beef, then top with the cheese, tomatoes, onions, and dill pickles in mouthwatering layers. Give everything a big, gentle toss so you get a little bit of everything in each bite.
Step 4: Dress and Serve
Drizzle your Cheeseburger Salad generously with Thousand Island dressing—go heavy or light, it’s up to you! Serve right away so the lettuce stays crisp and every delicious component shines.
Pro Tips for Making Cheeseburger Salad
- Beef Browning Brilliance: Let your ground beef develop deep golden edges in the pan for a serious boost of flavor that will make your Cheeseburger Salad truly crave-worthy.
- Lettuce Selection Matters: Use chilled, dry iceberg lettuce for maximum crunch—if you’re prepping ahead, pat it dry with a towel just before assembling!
- Pickle Power: For even more tang, try using a mix of classic dill and bread-and-butter pickles, or add extra to taste.
- Dressing Drizzle Wisdom: Always add dressing just before serving to keep everything crisp and vibrant; let everyone drizzle their own for customizable fun.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Salad
Garnishes
Give your Cheeseburger Salad a little extra love with fun garnishes: a sprinkle of sesame seeds channels the classic burger bun vibe, crisp-cooked bacon pieces make it ultra-indulgent, and a handful of sliced scallions or chives add fresh zip. Set these out in little bowls for a build-your-own bar that’s sure to impress.
Side Dishes
This hearty salad can be a meal all by itself, but it also pairs especially well with crispy baked sweet potato fries, roasted potato wedges, or even a side of buttery corn on the cob. If you’re feeling extra nostalgic, serve with classic fountain drinks or old-school milkshakes for a fun diner-inspired night at home.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or summer cookouts, serve Cheeseburger Salad layered in individual mason jars for a portable picnic treat, or set up a DIY salad bar so everyone builds their own dream bowl. You can also pile it into lettuce cups for hand-held bites that capture the best of salad and burger in one.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the cooked beef and chopped veggies separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps everything fresh and prevents your lettuce from getting soggy—simply combine and dress right before your next meal.
Freezing
You can freeze the browned ground beef for up to 2 months in a well-sealed bag or container. The veggies and cheese, however, should stay fresh in the fridge; freezing can make them wilt or lose their lovely texture, so save that method for the beef only.
Reheating
To reheat the beef for your next bowl of Cheeseburger Salad, a quick zap in the microwave or a few minutes in a skillet will do the trick. Once warmed, layer with your crisp, cold veggies and finish with that signature dressing.
FAQs
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Can I make Cheeseburger Salad ahead of time for meal prep?
Absolutely! It’s a fantastic meal-prep option. Keep all the ingredients (beef, veggies, cheese) in separate airtight containers; assemble and dress just before serving for maximum freshness and crunch.
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What’s the best dressing for Cheeseburger Salad?
Classic Thousand Island is a crowd-pleaser and really mimics that Big Mac flavor, but feel free to use your favorite creamy or tangy dressing for a unique twist!
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Can I use a different ground meat instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles all work deliciously. Just cook and season them in the same way you would the beef for a protein-packed variation.
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How do I keep the lettuce crisp in Cheeseburger Salad?
Use fresh, chilled iceberg lettuce and don’t add the dressing until you’re ready to eat. If prepping ahead, store the lettuce separately from the warmer ingredients and combine right before serving.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Cheeseburger Salad a try—it’s such a crowd-pleaser, and a playful twist on a weeknight classic that always earns rave reviews. Let it become your go-to for a meal that feels both cozy and refreshing—happy crunching!
Print
Cheeseburger Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Cheeseburger Salad recipe is a low-carb, gluten-free take on a classic Big Mac, offering all the delicious flavors of a burger without the bun. Quick, easy, and healthier, it’s a satisfying meal that captures the essence of a McDonald’s favorite.
Ingredients
Ground Beef:
- 1 1/2 pounds very lean ground beef, browned and drained
Lettuce:
- 6 cups chopped iceberg lettuce
Cheese:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Colby jack cheese
Tomatoes:
- 1 cup diced Roma tomatoes
Onion:
- 1 cup sliced red onion
Pickles:
- 1/2 cup diced dill pickles
Dressing:
- Thousand Island dressing
Instructions
- Add Lettuce: Add the chopped lettuce to an extra-large serving bowl.
- Layer Ingredients: Sprinkle the cooked ground beef over the lettuce. Add shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, sliced onion, and diced pickles. Toss to combine.
- Drizzle Dressing: Drizzle desired amount of Thousand Island dressing over the salad. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 323 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 429mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 92mg
