
Craving the flavors of a classic burger but looking to skip the bun? This burger salad bowl recipe has you covered! Bursting with fresh ingredients, savory ground beef and a tangy homemade burger sauce, this flavorful recipe takes your favorite comfort food and gives it a light, refreshing twist.
Perfect as a quick meal or a foolproof dinner option, this burger in a bowl salad is also packed with protein, veggies and bold flavors that are sure to satisfy.
The best part? It’s a low-carb recipe that fits seamlessly into health-conscious diets or programs like Nutrisystem. With just 282 calories per serving, you can enjoy all the deliciousness of a burger without the guilt.
Let’s take a closer look at how to put this hearty salad together and how to make it your own!
How to Make a Burger Salad Bowl
This burger bowl salad is as simple as it is satisfying. Everything starts with lean ground beef cooked to perfection, seasoned with a blend of spices like paprika, onion powder, oregano and garlic powder for that classic burger flavor.
Toss some crisp romaine lettuce in a bowl with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado chunks and the signature crunch of dill pickles to create a medley of textures. A sprinkle of reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese delivers that cheeseburger taste we all love.
And don’t forget the sauce! This lightened-up burger dressing combines Greek yogurt, light mayo, ketchup, mustard and a touch of pickle juice to bring every bite together.
Simply brown the seasoned beef in a skillet, whisk up the sauce in a small bowl and pile everything together in vibrant layers. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving a table of six, this easy-to-follow recipe can be prepped, assembled and devoured in no time.
What to Serve with Your Burger Salad Bowl
The versatility of this meal is unmatched, so you can go simple or fancy with your sides. Here are some tasty accompaniments to try:
- Sweet Potato Fries: Air fry some sweet potato fries with a touch of olive oil and dash of paprika for a sweet and salty pairing.
- Onion Rings: Another burger side classic, try whipping up some Air Fryer Onion Rings and dunk them in the burger sauce!
- Grilled Vegetables: A mix of grilled veggies, such as charred zucchini, bell peppers and asparagus, complement the smoky burger flavors in the salad.
- Bean Salad: A chilled bean salad is the perfect burger pairing! Try our recipes for Easy Chickpea Salad or Mediterranean White Bean Salad.
- Creamy Coleslaw: Whip up a cold and crunchy coleslaw recipe.
- Potato Salad: Keep the cookout theme going with a healthy potato salad! You’ll love our recipes for Red Potato Salad or Grilled Sweet Potato Salad.
These options not only amp up your meal but can also help cater to specific preferences or nutritional goals.
Customization Ideas to Make it Your Own
The beauty of this burger salad bowl recipe is that it’s customizable to suit any taste or dietary need. Here are a few ideas to make it uniquely yours:
- Switch Up the Protein: If you’re not craving beef, ground turkey makes an excellent lean option for a turkey burger salad bowl. Prefer poultry? Swap in ground chicken for a delicious chicken burger salad bowl variation.
- Add a Smoky Touch: Use smoked paprika or add a touch of barbecue sauce to the meat for a BBQ-inspired twist.
- Pump Up the Veggies: Toss in roasted brussels sprouts, mushrooms or bell peppers to make this salad even more veggie-packed.
- Go Dairy-Free: Skip the cheese and substitute the burger sauce with a creamy avocado dressing for a dairy-free take.
- Spice It Up: Feeling bold? Add pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy kick!
- Make It Mediterranean: Mix in Kalamata olives, feta cheese and tzatziki for a Mediterranean-style salad bowl.
Not only do these ideas make the salad adaptable, but they also allow you to get creative with different cuisines and flavor profiles.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
At its core, this burger in a bowl salad combines the flavors of a classic burger with the lightness and freshness of a salad, making it a crowd-pleaser for any table. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, satisfying a quick lunch craving or hosting a casual dinner with friends, this dish is simple, customizable and perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s low-carb and balances protein, healthy fats and fiber-rich veggies into one delightful meal.
With its endless topping possibilities, you can enjoy this burger salad bowl recipe year-round, tweaking it depending on what’s in season or your mood. Give it a try today and enjoy a healthier take on burger night!
Servings: 6
Calories per Serving: 282
On Nutrisystem, Count As: 2 PowerFuels, 1 Extra and 1 Vegetable
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- ½ tsp. onion powder
- ½ tsp. garlic powder
- ½ tsp. oregano
- ½ tsp. paprika
- ¼ tsp. black pepper
- 2 Tbsp. light mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp. nonfat plain Greek yogurt
- 1 Tbsp. ketchup
- 1 tsp. yellow mustard
- 1 Tbsp. finely chopped pickles
- 1 Tbsp. pickle juice
- ¼ tsp. garlic powder
- ¼ tsp. onion powder
- ½ tsp. paprika
- 2 heads romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup dill pickle slices
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, reduced fat
- 1 avocado, chopped
Directions:
- Prepare the Ground Beef:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up into crumbles as it browns.
- Sprinkle in the onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, paprika and black pepper. Mix well and cook until the beef is fully browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Burger Sauce:
- Combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, ketchup, mustard, chopped pickles, pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika in a small bowl.
- Stir until the sauce is smooth and well-mixed.
- Assemble the Salad:
- Divide the chopped romaine lettuce among six bowls or plates.
- Top each portion with cherry tomatoes, sliced red onions, dill pickle slices, chopped avocado, shredded cheddar cheese and the prepared ground beef.
- Drizzle the burger sauce on top of each salad or serve on the side for dipping. Serve immediately.