Cheeseburger Salad Bowl
When you think of a cheeseburger, you probably imagine a juicy beef patty nestled between two buns. But what if you took all the best parts of a cheeseburger and turned them into a fresh, vibrant salad? Introducing the Cheeseburger Salad Bowl – a dish that combines all the classic flavors of your favorite burger with a salad's light, refreshing qualities.
Of course, the foundation of this cheeseburger salad is the beef. Start with an 80/20 blend of ground beef for optimal juiciness, seasoned with finely grated onion, Worcestershire sauce, and a blend of spices. The meat is cooked until perfectly browned and then served over a bed of fresh romaine lettuce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
No cheeseburger is complete without cheese, and this salad is no exception. Generous slices of cheddar cheese are added, offering that creamy, tangy richness that we all love. As the warm beef melts the cheese slightly, it creates a delightful texture that mimics the gooeyness of a traditional cheeseburger.
The tangy dressing ties this salad together. Made with a base of creamy mayonnaise and a splash of French dressing (or ketchup), it's enhanced with minced pickles and onions for a tangy crunch. A touch of vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika rounds out the flavors, making this dressing both rich and zesty.
Add a mix of fresh, diced red onions, juicy tomatoes, and tangy pickles to balance the savory beef and cheese. These ingredients bring a burst of color to the salad and provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the meat and dressing. Each forkful offers a blend of textures and flavors, from crunchy to juicy, savory to tangy.
And what's a cheeseburger without fries? This salad comes with a side of crispy French fries, offering a fun twist and a satisfying crunch. Whether you choose to mix them into the salad or enjoy them on the side, these golden fries are the perfect companion to this cheeseburger salad bowl. It's a unique way to enjoy a cheeseburger's best parts while keeping things light and healthy.
Cheeseburger Salad Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef (80/20 blend for optimal juiciness)
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 egg (optional for extra binding)
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional for a firmer patty)
- 4 cheddar cheese slices
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup french dressing (or ketchup)
- 2 tbsp minced pickles
- 2 tbsp minced onion
- 1 tbsp distilled white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 heads of romaine lettuce, chopped
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 roma tomatoes, diced
- 4 pickles, diced
- french fries (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. If using, add the egg and breadcrumbs. Mix gently with your hands until just combined; over-mixing can make the patties tough.
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball, then flatten gently to form patties about 3/4 inch thick. With your thumb, make a small indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up during cooking.
- Place the patties on a plate and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the patties hold their shape during cooking.
- Meanwhile, prepare the dressing. In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, French dressing, minced pickles, minced onion, distilled white vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
- Once cooked, add slices of cheddar cheese, allowing the cheese to melt slightly. Let the patties rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Assemble the salad on four plates, starting with the chopped romaine lettuce as the base. Top with diced red onions, tomatoes, and pickles. Add the cooked cheeseburger patties to the salad. Drizzle the tangy dressing generously over top, and serve with a side of crispy French fries. Enjoy!
