Burger salad is a low-carb take on a classic cheeseburger, made by tossing seasoned ground beef, chopped lettuce, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, and pickles with a tangy burger sauce. It comes together in about 20 minutes using one skillet and one bowl, and gives you all the flavor of a cheeseburger without the bun.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Category: Main dish, low-carb
Why You’ll Love This Burger Salad
- Tastes like a cheeseburger but comes together as a quick, low-carb bowl.
- Ready in about 20 minutes using just one skillet and one mixing bowl.
- Easy to customize with different proteins or toppings.
- A lighter, fresher take on burger night that the whole family can build to their own taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp burger seasoning (or salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder)
- 6 cups chopped lettuce (iceberg or romaine)
- 1/2 cup grilled or sautéed onions
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup diced pickles
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp pickle relish
- 1 tsp paprika
How to Make Burger Salad
- Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, seasoning with burger seasoning, until browned and cooked through, about 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- While the beef cooks, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, and paprika to make the burger sauce.
- In a large bowl, layer the chopped lettuce, cooked beef, grilled onions, cheddar cheese, cherry tomatoes, and pickles.
- Drizzle with the burger sauce and toss to combine, or serve the sauce on the side.
- Serve immediately while the beef is warm.
Tips for the Best Burger Salad
- Use lean ground beef so the salad doesn’t end up sitting in excess grease.
- Toast a few sesame seeds and sprinkle them on top for extra classic-burger flavor.
- Chop the lettuce finely for a texture closer to a real burger bite.
- Make the sauce ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for quick assembly later.
Variations to Try
- Add crispy bacon bits for extra crunch and flavor.
- Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Add sliced avocado for a creamier, richer bowl.
How to Store It
Best enjoyed fresh. If you need to store leftovers, keep the beef, toppings, lettuce, and sauce in separate containers in the fridge for up to 2 days, then assemble right before eating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I meal prep burger salad?
Yes — store the beef, toppings, and sauce separately, and assemble right before eating so the lettuce stays crisp.
Is this recipe low-carb?
Yes, it’s a bun-free, low-carb take on a classic cheeseburger.
Can I use a different protein?
Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken both work well in place of beef.
What’s the best lettuce to use?
Chopped iceberg or romaine gives the closest texture and crunch to a classic burger.