Description
This Burger Salad Bowl with Special Sauce Dressing is a perfectly balanced, low-carb dish that combines all the classic flavors of a cheeseburger in a fresh and healthy salad form. Ground beef sautéed with onions and garlic is layered over crisp romaine lettuce, fresh tomatoes, diced red onions, shredded cheddar, and tangy pickles, then topped with a creamy, tangy special sauce for a deliciously satisfying meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Burger Meat:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
For the Salad:
- 12 oz romaine lettuce
- 1 cup chopped grape tomatoes
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 – 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, depending on preference
- 3/4 cup diced dill pickles
For the Special Sauce Dressing:
- 2 tbsp light mayo
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp pickle juice
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and minced garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked through with no pink remaining.
- Prepare the Special Sauce Dressing: In a small bowl, combine light mayo, ketchup, pickle juice, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, arrange the romaine lettuce as the base. Top evenly with the cooked ground beef mixture, chopped grape tomatoes, diced red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced dill pickles. Drizzle the prepared special sauce dressing over the top to taste.
- Serve and Enjoy: Toss gently if desired or serve as is. Optionally, divide into separate containers for meal prep or create a salad bar allowing everyone to customize their own bowls.
Notes
- The amount of shredded cheddar cheese can be adjusted to your taste preference or dietary needs.
- Pickle juice in the dressing adds a nice tang and depth of flavor – do not omit for best results.
- This recipe is naturally low-carb and gluten-free when using appropriate mayonnaise and ketchup brands.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce to the special sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
