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?
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