Description
This High-Protein Cheeseburger Salad Bowl captures the essence of a classic cheeseburger without the bun. It combines lean ground beef, melted cheddar, pickles, and a creamy Thousand Island dressing over crisp lettuce for a low-carb, gluten-free, and protein-packed meal ready in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Dairy
- 5 oz lean ground beef (93% lean)
- 2 tbsp shredded cheddar cheese (melted on beef)
Vegetables & Pickles
- 2 cups chopped iceberg or romaine lettuce
- 2 tbsp chopped pickles (preferably dill)
Condiments & Seasonings
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp light Thousand Island dressing
- Pinch of salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat a small non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble in the 5 oz of lean ground beef and cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally but allowing it to sit undisturbed for 60 seconds intervals to develop caramelized flavors. Season halfway with salt and pepper. Ensure beef is fully browned with no pink remaining.
- Cheese Melting Mastery: Reduce heat to low and evenly sprinkle 2 tbsp shredded cheddar cheese over the cooked beef. Cover the skillet with a lid or baking sheet for exactly 1 minute to melt the cheese perfectly without greasiness.
- Build Your Base: While the beef rests, place 2 cups of chopped iceberg or romaine lettuce into a large bowl. Scatter 2 tbsp chopped pickles evenly over the lettuce for tangy crunch.
- The Hot & Cold Harmony: Spoon the hot, cheesy beef mixture directly over the cold lettuce and pickles, allowing the heat to slightly wilt the lettuce beneath, mimicking a burger’s bottom bun texture.
- Sauce with Swagger: Drizzle 1 tsp yellow mustard in zig-zag patterns over the beef, followed by 1 tbsp light Thousand Island dressing, ensuring coverage without over-saturating the salad.
- The Grand Toss (Optional): Toss the salad lightly 2-3 times with tongs to combine flavors, or serve layered to enjoy distinct bites of each component.
Notes
- Low-carb • High-protein • Gluten-free
- For juicier meat when using turkey, add 1 tsp olive oil to the skillet.
- For meltier cheese, shred your own cheese fresh to avoid anti-caking agents.
- Store components separately if meal prepping and assemble just before eating.
- Adjust seasoning of beef as needed to avoid blandness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cheeseburger salad, high protein salad, low carb burger bowl, gluten free burger, quick healthy dinner
