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Cheeseburger Salad with Special Sauce

Cheeseburger Salad with Special Sauce
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The Cheeseburger Salad with Special Sauce is a fresh and lighter take on the classic cheeseburger, combining lean ground beef, crisp fresh greens, tangy pickles, ripe tomatoes, shredded cheddar, and a creamy homemade special sauce. This vibrant salad delivers all the comforting flavors of a cheeseburger in a quick, easy-to-make, and customizable meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 cups fresh lettuce mix (romaine or spring mix)
  • 1 cup chopped ripe tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup sliced dill pickles
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Special Sauce

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon pickle juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns evenly. Season with salt and pepper, then drain any excess fat once it’s fully cooked and browned.
  2. Prepare the Salad Base: While the beef cooks, wash and dry your lettuce mix. Chop the tomatoes, slice the pickles and red onions thinly, and shred the cheddar cheese if not pre-shredded. Combine all these ingredients in a large salad bowl.
  3. Make the Special Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Adjust each component to taste for your perfect balance.
  4. Assemble the Salad: Once the beef is slightly cooled but still warm, add it to the salad bowl along with the shredded cheddar. Pour the special sauce over the top and gently toss everything together until well combined.
  5. Serve Immediately: For the best flavor and texture, serve your Cheeseburger Salad with Special Sauce right away while the beef is warm and the greens remain crisp.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the beef: Keep it moist and tender by cooking just until browned and no longer pink.
  • Use fresh, crispy greens to create the perfect contrast to the warm beef and creamy sauce.
  • Customize the special sauce by tasting as you go and tweaking the tanginess or creaminess to your liking.
  • Chill ingredients beforehand to maintain crispness when mixing.
  • Add textural variety by considering toasted sesame seeds or crunchy croutons.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheeseburger salad, special sauce, ground beef salad, healthy cheeseburger, quick salad recipe, keto-friendly salad, low carb salad

Find it online: https://homemademealz.com/cheeseburger-salad-with-special-sauce/