Cheeseburger Salad

Quick Benefits

Cheeseburger Salad gives you all the bold, savory flavors of a classic cheeseburger without the bun! It’s a low-carb, protein-packed meal that’s fresh, hearty, and comes together in under 30 minutes. Great for meal prep, quick weeknight dinners, or BBQ side dishes.

Essential Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds very lean ground beef, browned and drained
  • 6 cups chopped iceberg lettuce
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
  • 1 cup diced Roma tomatoes
  • 1 cup sliced red onion
  • 1/2 cup diced dill pickles
  • Thousand Island dressing (or dressing of choice)

Preparation Steps

  1. Cook the Beef
    Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the Base
    In an extra-large serving bowl, add chopped iceberg lettuce as the fresh, crunchy base.
  3. Layer the Goodness
    Top the lettuce with the cooked beef, followed by shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, red onion slices, and chopped dill pickles.
  4. Toss and Dress
    Gently toss the ingredients together to ensure every bite is well-balanced. Drizzle with Thousand Island dressing just before serving.

Health Benefits

  • Low-carb alternative to a traditional cheeseburger
  • High in protein from lean beef and cheese
  • Rich in fiber and vitamins from lettuce, tomatoes, and onions
  • Customizable for keto, paleo, or dairy-free diets

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve chilled or at room temperature.
  • Pair with warm crusty bread, garlic toast, or low-carb wraps.
  • For a party platter: Offer in a large bowl with dressing on the side for guests to drizzle themselves.
  • Add sliced avocado for a creamy twist.

Creative Variations

  • Bacon Cheeseburger Salad: Add crispy beed bits.
  • Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or use a spicy ranch dressing.
  • Healthy Swap: Replace Thousand Island with Greek yogurt-based dressing or light vinaigrette.
  • Vegetarian Version: Swap ground beef for lentils or a plant-based meat substitute.

Storage Tips

  • Store undressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Keep dressing separate until ready to eat.
  • Leftover beef can be frozen and reused for another batch.

Pro Tips

  • Use freshly shredded cheese for best texture and flavor.
  • Let the beef cool slightly before adding to prevent wilting the lettuce.
  • Want more crunch? Add crispy onions or burger croutons just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great lean options that still deliver big flavor.

Q: Is Thousand Island dressing keto-friendly?
A: Some store-bought versions may be high in sugar. Look for a low-carb version or make your own using mayo, ketchup, pickles, and vinegar.

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prep all components in advance and store them separately. Assemble and add dressing just before serving.

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