If you’re craving all the juicy, tangy, savory flavors of a cheeseburger but want something lighter and fresher, this Cheeseburger Salad with Skinny Special Sauce is going to be your new obsession. It’s a hearty, pile-high salad bursting with all your favorite burger fixings—plus a creamy, zippy sauce that tastes just like the real deal. Trust me, once you’ve tried this, you’ll be making “burger night” synonymous with “salad night” and loving every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All the Cheeseburger Flavors, Zero Buns: Enjoy every iconic cheeseburger taste, from juicy beef to melty cheese and tangy pickles—without any heavy bread weighing you down.
- Light and Satisfying: Packed with plenty of fresh veggies and protein, this salad will fill you up while keeping things bright and guilt-free.
- Customizable for All Cravings: Mix and match toppings and sauces to suit your tastes, whether you want it classic, spicy, or somewhere in between.
- Meal Prep Magic: The cooked ground beef stores beautifully, making it a breeze to whip up Cheeseburger Salad with Skinny Special Sauce again and again throughout the week!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheeseburger Salad with Skinny Special Sauce is in its simplicity—each ingredient plays an important role in building that crave-worthy, classic burger taste and texture, but each is easy to find and prep. Here’s what you’ll want to have ready:
- 93/7 ground beef: Lean yet flavorful, providing all the juicy burger vibes without excess grease.
- Steak seasoning: A quick sprinkle of this blend brings that classic burger-house punch of flavor.
- Romaine lettuce: Crisp, sturdy, and perfect for holding up hearty toppings—choose the freshest leaves for best crunch.
- Reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese: You get melty, tangy richness with fewer calories—feel free to use your favorite shredded cheese.
- Medley or cherry tomatoes: These little bursts of sweetness make every forkful pop; halve them for easy scooping.
- Red onions: Thin slices add a subtle sharpness and beautiful vibrant color—soak in cold water if you want to mellow their bite.
- No-sugar-added bread and butter pickles: These pickles give the salad its signature tangy-sweet crunch—don’t skip!
- Skinny Special Sauce: This optional but highly recommended creamy sauce ties everything together with burger-joint nostalgia.
- Fresh ground pepper (optional): For a finishing touch of aroma and just the right kick.
Variations
The best part about Cheeseburger Salad with Skinny Special Sauce is just how versatile it is! You can easily tailor the toppings, protein, and even the sauce to fit your cravings, dietary preferences, or simply use up what’s already in your fridge.
- Make It Vegetarian: Swap the ground beef for seasoned plant-based crumbles or even crumbled veggie burgers for a meat-free variation.
- Try Different Cheeses: Pepper Jack, Swiss, or provolone are all fantastic alternatives—experiment for a fresh twist on the classic flavor.
- Go Low-Carb or Keto: Skip sweet pickles and opt for dill, plus double up on the greens and protein for an ultra-filling, low-carb meal.
- Add More Veggies: Try thin-sliced radishes, diced cucumbers, or even grilled peppers for extra color, crunch, and nutrition.
- Switch Up the Sauce: If you want to keep things classic, use your favorite light ranch, blue cheese, or a simple mustard vinaigrette instead of the Skinny Special Sauce.
How to Make Cheeseburger Salad with Skinny Special Sauce
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and a generous tablespoon of steak seasoning, then use a spatula to break the meat into crumbles as it cooks. Let it brown for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s fully cooked and wonderfully fragrant. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside—you’ll have enough beef for 4–5 salads, so you can store the extra for later.
Step 2: Build Your Salad Base
Grab a big salad bowl and pile in those refreshing, crisp chopped romaine leaves. This is the canvas for your Cheeseburger Salad with Skinny Special Sauce, so don’t be shy—fluff those greens and make it vibrant.
Step 3: Add the Burger Toppings
Now, the fun part! Top the lettuce base with a warm scoop of your seasoned ground beef, then sprinkle on that shredded cheddar for melty richness. Scatter over the juicy halved tomatoes, crisp red onion rings, and plenty of your no-sugar-added pickles. Every layer adds a classic burger taste, but with a salad-lover’s crunch.
Step 4: Drizzle with Skinny Special Sauce
This is where the magic happens! Spoon on a couple of tablespoons of Skinny Special Sauce—recipe linked in the notes, or use your favorite burger sauce. It pulls all the flavors together and tastes so nostalgic. Finish your Cheeseburger Salad with a twist of fresh ground pepper if you’d like, then dig in while the beef is still warm for maximum enjoyment.
Pro Tips for Making Cheeseburger Salad with Skinny Special Sauce
- Juicy & Flavorful Beef: Don’t overcrowd the skillet when browning the ground beef; give it space so you get those tasty browned bits that mimic a grilled burger!
- Crisp, Not Soggy Lettuce: Pat your romaine dry after washing so the leaves stay crisp under the warm toppings—no wilted salad bowls here.
- Make-Ahead Beef: Cook your seasoned beef in advance and reheat portions as needed, making it effortless to assemble fresh Cheeseburger Salads in minutes all week long.
- Sauce it Up—Your Way: Set out a little dish of Skinny Special Sauce at the table so everyone can add their ideal drizzle (or dunk bites!) to their individual salads.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Salad with Skinny Special Sauce
Garnishes
Garnishing your Cheeseburger Salad with Skinny Special Sauce is where you can really have fun—try a sprinkle of extra fresh cracked black pepper, a handful of finely chopped chives, or a dusting of smoked paprika for color. You can even add toasted sesame seeds for a nod to the classic burger bun flavor. A few extra pickle rounds or a twist of lemon add brightness, making your bowl look restaurant-worthy in seconds!
Side Dishes
This salad is so hearty on its own, but it plays especially well with crisp oven fries (sweet potato or classic), a simple corn on the cob, or even grilled vegetables. If you’re hosting, pair it with a light summer soup or crunchy baked chips for a picnic-inspired meal everyone will rave about.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or family dinners, assemble the Cheeseburger Salad with Skinny Special Sauce in a big platter-style bowl and let everyone build their own. Or, serve in individual glass jars or mini cups for a playful, portable take—perfect for picnics or game days. Layer each ingredient for a rainbow effect, and offer sauce and extra toppings on the side for that ultimate personalized build-your-own experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with extras, store the salad components separately for best results. Keep the ground beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Chill prepped veggies and greens in a separate container, and always keep the Skinny Special Sauce in a container with a tight-fitting lid—this helps everything stay super fresh.
Freezing
While fresh veggies and sauce won’t freeze well, your seasoned ground beef definitely can! Portion it into small airtight containers or zip-top bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for your next salad craving.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop the ground beef in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or warm it gently in a skillet until it’s hot through. Assemble your Cheeseburger Salad with Skinny Special Sauce just before serving to keep the greens and toppings at their best.
FAQs
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Can I make Cheeseburger Salad with Skinny Special Sauce dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply leave out the cheese or substitute with a dairy-free shredded cheese. Check your Skinny Special Sauce or use a vegan burger sauce—there are lots of plant-based options.
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What can I use instead of ground beef?
Seasoned ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu work wonderfully! You can also use a plant-based ground “meat” or leftover grilled burger patties, chopped up for convenience.
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Is this salad good for meal prep?
Yes! Prep the beef, chop your veggies, and store them separately. Assemble just before eating for a quick, fresh lunch all week long. The ground beef holds up beautifully in the fridge.
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Can I double the Cheeseburger Salad with Skinny Special Sauce recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Just scale up your ingredients and lay everything out buffet-style so guests can build their own perfect salad. Keep plenty of Skinny Special Sauce on hand—it goes fast!
Final Thoughts
Give this Cheeseburger Salad with Skinny Special Sauce a whirl—it’s comfort food in salad form, with all the nostalgia of a burger but none of the heaviness. It’s colorful, crowd-pleasing, and begging for your personal spin. I can’t wait to hear what you think or how you make it your own. Happy salad-making!
Print
Cheeseburger Salad with Skinny Special Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This Cheeseburger Salad with Skinny Special Sauce is a delicious and satisfying twist on a classic cheeseburger, served in salad form. With all the flavors you love in a cheeseburger, this lighter version is perfect for a quick and wholesome meal.
Ingredients
To Make the Ground Beef:
- 1 lb. 93/7 ground beef
- 1 Tbsp steak seasoning
To Assemble the Salad:
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce (170g)
- 1/3 cup cooked ground beef (75g)
- 2 Tbsp reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese (14g)
- 1/2 cup medley tomatoes (90g) halved – or cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup red onions (30g) thinly sliced
- 1 oz. no-sugar-added bread and butter pickles (28g)
- 2 Tbsp Skinny Special Sauce* (30g) optional
- Fresh ground pepper optional
Instructions
- Make the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, add beef and steak seasoning. Cook on medium heat for about 5-7 minutes or until browned, breaking into pieces as you go. Remove from heat and set aside. You will have 4-5 servings of beef here.
- Assemble the Salad: Add romaine to a bowl. Top with beef, cheese, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and Skinny Special Sauce, if desired.
Notes
- Skinny Special Sauce recipe can be found here
- *Skinny Special Sauce not included in macros in case you want to add your own dressing/sauce and so you can add as much or as little as you would like.
- *Ground beef makes 4-5 servings total. We are just using one serving here. Use the rest of the beef for cheeseburger salads throughout the week or pair with whatever else you want to eat with!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad (not including special sauce)
- Calories: 254 kcal
- Sugar: 6.3g
- Fat: 9.2g
- Saturated Fat: 4.4g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 5.4g
- Protein: 26.2g
