What is a burger salad?

A burger salad is a low-carb version of a traditional burger , where all the delicious ingredients—like seasoned beef, cheese, and toppings—are served over a bed of fresh lettuce instead of in a bun. It delivers the same bold flavors while being healthier and more customizable .

Is a burger as healthy as a salad?

A traditional burger isn’t necessarily unhealthy, but it often contains refined carbs, high-calorie sauces, and processed ingredients . A burger salad , on the other hand, provides more fiber, fewer processed carbs, and a better balance of nutrients —making it a healthier choice overall .

Can I make a burger salad without dairy?

Absolutely! You can enjoy a dairy-free burger salad by skipping the cheese and using a dairy-free dressing , like a simple vinaigrette or avocado-based sauce. Many plant-based cheese alternatives also work great!

How can I store burger salad for meal prep?

For meal prepping, store the lettuce, cooked beef, and toppings separately in airtight containers. Keep the dressing in a small jar and add it just before serving to prevent sogginess . Properly stored, your meal will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the fridge.

Burger Salad: Delicious & Healthy Low-Carb Meal

Description

This low-carb burger salad is a delicious, protein-packed meal loaded with seasoned beef, fresh veggies, and a creamy dressing—all without the bun!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad:

4 cups romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped
1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup red onions, thinly sliced
¼ cup pickles, diced
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 slices crispy bacon, crumbled (optional)
Dressing of choice (see options below)

For the Seasoned Beef:

½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

For the Classic Burger Dressing:

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp mustard
1 tbsp pickle relish
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Beef

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula.
Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce.
Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad

While the beef is cooking, chop the lettuce and arrange it in a large salad bowl.
Layer the cherry tomatoes, red onions, pickles, shredded cheese, and crispy bacon on top.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth.
Let it sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to blend.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
Add the warm ground beef on top.
Toss everything together and enjoy immediately!

Notes

For a keto-friendly version, use sugar-free ketchup in the dressing.
To make it dairy-free, skip the cheese and use a dairy-free dressing.
Meal Prep Tip: Store ingredients separately and add the dressing just before serving to keep the salad fresh.

Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 7 min
Category: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Low-Carb, Keto

Nutrition

Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Fat: 30g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 35g

Keywords: low-carb burger salad, keto burger salad, Big Mac salad, cheeseburger salad, burger bowl, gluten-free burger salad, lettuce-wrapped burger