I love a classic cheeseburger, but sometimes I want something a little lighter. This Classic Cheeseburger Salad has all the flavors I love, from seasoned beef and cheddar cheese to crunchy pickles and a tangy special sauce. It is fresh, filling, and so easy to put together!
And for another fun way to turn a cheeseburger into a salad, check out my Crispy Rice Cheeseburger Salad. It adds crispy rice for a little extra crunch!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Ground beef: Use your favorite ground beef. Ground turkey can also be used, but the flavor will be a little different.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper keep the beef simple and flavorful.
- Special sauce: Mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, vinegar or pickle juice, sugar, and paprika come together for a classic burger-style sauce. Adjust the relish or mustard to taste.
- Lettuce: Iceberg adds a crisp crunch to the salad, but romaine works well, too.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp or mild cheddar both work. You can also use Colby Jack or another favorite cheese.
- Tomatoes: Grape tomatoes are easy to halve, but diced tomatoes work just as well.
- Pickles: Use sliced or chopped dill pickles, depending on how you like them in your salad.
- Red onion: Adds a little bite. You can use less or leave it out if preferred.
- Sesame seeds: Add a little sesame-bun flavor, and they are optional.
Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Salad
- Let the beef cool slightly. Warm beef is great on this salad, but let it cool for a few minutes so it doesn’t wilt the lettuce.
- Shred the lettuce finely. This gives the salad that chopped cheeseburger feel and makes it easier to get a little of everything in each bite.
- Make the special sauce ahead. It can be prepared in advance and kept in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the salad.
- Wait to add the sauce. If you aren’t serving the salad right away, keep the sauce separate so the lettuce stays crisp.
- Customize it. Add your favorite cheeseburger toppings, such as bacon, avocado, or jalapeños.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes. Ground turkey works well in this salad, although the flavor will be a little lighter than ground beef.
Can I use a different type of lettuce?
Absolutely. Iceberg gives the salad a classic crisp texture, but romaine, butter lettuce, or a mix of greens can also be used.
Can I make the special sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The special sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Give it a good stir before using.
Can I add other cheeseburger toppings?
Of course! This salad is easy to customize. Try adding bacon, avocado, jalapeños, extra pickles, or even diced red bell pepper.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients ahead, but I recommend waiting to assemble the salad until you are ready to serve. Keep the lettuce, beef, toppings, and sauce separate so the lettuce stays crisp.
Can I serve the beef cold?
Yes. The beef can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled. I like it slightly warm because it adds a nice contrast to the cool, crisp lettuce.
Serving Ideas
- Add fries: Serve with air fryer French fries or crispy potato wedges for the full cheeseburger experience.
- Make it a bigger meal: Add crispy bacon (check out how to bake bacon), avocado, or extra cheese for a more filling salad.
- Keep it simple: Serve with fresh fruit or another light side like a cucumber salad for an easy lunch or dinner.
How to Store Cheeseburger Salad
Refrigerator: Store the cooked beef, lettuce, toppings, and special sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The beef can be stored for up to 3 to 4 days, while the prepared sauce can be kept for up to 3 days.
Leftover Salad: If the salad has already been tossed with the sauce, it is best eaten right away. The lettuce will become soft as it sits.
Reheating the Beef: Warm the beef gently in a skillet or microwave before adding it to a fresh salad. You can also enjoy the beef cold if you prefer.
Classic Cheeseburger Salad with Special Sauce
Ingredients
Beef
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Special Sauce
- ½ cup (104 g) mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar, or pickle juice
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Pinch of salt
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk, optional
Salad
- 1 large head iceberg or romaine lettuce, finely shredded (about 8 cups)
- 1 cup (113 g) cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup (149 g) grape tomatoes, halved, or diced tomatoes
- ½ cup dill pickle slices, or chopped dill pickles
- ¼ medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 to 2 teaspoons sesame seeds, optional, for garnish
Instructions
Beef
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the garlic powder, salt, and pepper for 8 to 10 minutes, or until no pink remains. Drain any excess grease.
- Set aside to cool slightly. The beef should be warm, not hot, when added to the salad.
Special Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, vinegar or pickle juice, sugar, paprika, and salt until smooth. Add milk, a teaspoon at a time, if needed, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Assemble the Salad
- Add the shredded lettuce to a large bowl. Top with the warm ground beef, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, pickles, and red onion.
- Drizzle the special sauce over the salad and gently toss to coat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve immediately.
Did you make this recipe?
You can tag me at @iamhomesteader.
I was buying a bagged cheese burger salad mix until I found this recipe. I thought “it’s going to have the typical 1000 island type dressing.” Boy was I wrong! The dressing made with mustard and dill relish puts this cheeseburger salad over the top! My husband has me make extra dressing so he can use it elsewhere. It’s his favorite condiment now,