Missing your favorite cheeseburger but trying to eat healthier? This High-Protein Cheeseburger Salad is about to become your new obsession. It’s got all the flavors you crave from a classic burger – juicy beef patty, melted cheese, tangy pickles, and that perfect sauce – but served over fresh crisp lettuce instead of a bun.
This amazing Cheeseburger Salad Recipe transforms your burger craving into something that actually makes you feel good after eating it. The best part? You still get those roasted baby potatoes that taste like the perfect French fries. It’s a Healthy Cheeseburger Salad that doesn’t feel like you’re missing out on anything.
With 36 grams of protein per serving, this incredible Protein-Packed Salad will keep you full and satisfied. Learn more about daily protein needs to maximize your health goals. Plus, it’s basically a Low-Carb Burger Bowl that fits perfectly into your healthy eating goals without boring your taste buds. This High-Protein Cheeseburger Salad recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces baby gold potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided (health benefits of olive oil)
- ¾ teaspoon ground pepper, divided
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt, divided
- 4 tablespoons whole-milk plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt (protein benefits of Greek yogurt)
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons dill pickle slices, divided, plus 1½ teaspoons brine from jar
- 1 medium clove garlic, grated (½ teaspoon)
- 8 ounces lean ground beef (choosing lean cuts)
- 2 slices sharp Cheddar cheese
- 4 cups chopped iceberg lettuce
- ⅔ cup halved cherry tomatoes
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- Toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 450°F. Place halved (or quartered) potatoes in a large bowl. Add 1 tablespoon oil, ½ teaspoon pepper and ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika; toss to coat. Spread onto a large rimmed baking sheet, cut-sides down. (Reserve the bowl). Roast until golden brown and tender, tossing once halfway through, about 20 minutes. Return to the bowl; sprinkle with ⅛ teaspoon salt and toss to coat. This step creates the perfect base for your High-Protein Cheeseburger Salad.
Step 2
Meanwhile, whisk 4 tablespoons yogurt, 1 tablespoon ketchup, 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, 1½ teaspoons pickle brine and the grated garlic together in a small bowl. Finely chop 1 tablespoon pickles; stir into the yogurt mixture. This special sauce is what makes this Cheeseburger Salad Recipe so delicious.
Step 3
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Form 8 ounces ground beef into 2 (½-inch-thick) patties; season with the remaining ¼ teaspoon pepper and ⅛ teaspoon salt. Cook until golden brown on the bottom, about 3 minutes. Flip and continue cooking until no longer pink in the center, about 2 more minutes. Top each patty with 1 cheese slice; cover pan. Remove from heat and let stand until the cheese has melted, about 1 minute. These juicy patties make your Healthy Cheeseburger Salad extra satisfying.
Step 4
Divide 4 cups lettuce, ⅔ cup tomatoes, ¼ cup onion, the roasted potatoes and the remaining 2 tablespoons pickle slices between 2 bowls. Top each bowl with a cheeseburger patty and drizzle with the reserved yogurt mixture. Garnish with sesame seeds, if desired. Your amazing Protein-Packed Salad is ready to enjoy! This Low-Carb Burger Bowl assembly is super easy and makes for a beautiful presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving: about 2½ cups salad, 1 burger patty, about ⅔ cup roasted potatoes & 3 Tbsp. dressing
- Calories: 552
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Total Sugars: 10g
- Added Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sodium: 774mg
- Potassium: 866mg
Nutrition disclaimer: Values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prep the vegetables and sauce ahead, but cook the burger patties fresh. The crispy lettuce and warm patty combo is what makes this High-Protein Cheeseburger Salad dish special.
What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?
Regular plain yogurt works too for this Cheeseburger Salad Recipe, but Greek yogurt gives you that extra protein boost and thicker consistency for the sauce.
Can I use ground turkey instead?
Absolutely! Ground turkey will work perfectly for this Healthy Cheeseburger Salad and might even be a bit leaner. Just don’t overcook it since it can dry out faster.
Are the potatoes necessary?
The roasted potatoes give you that “fries with your burger” feeling in this Protein-Packed Salad, but you can skip them if you want to go even lower carb for your Low-Carb Burger Bowl.
The Bottom Line
This High-Protein Cheeseburger Salad proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or unsatisfying. You get all the flavors of your favorite cheeseburger in a fresh, nutritious package that actually fuels your body instead of weighing you down.
The combination of lean protein, fresh vegetables, and that tangy pickle sauce creates something that’s way more exciting than your typical salad. Plus, those roasted potatoes? They’re basically guilt-free fries that happen to come with vitamins.
Give this recipe a try when you’re craving comfort food but want to stick to your healthy goals. It might just become your new go-to meal prep option too! For more healthy meal prep ideas, check out these expert tips. Want to learn more about balanced nutrition? Visit the USDA’s MyPlate guidelines for comprehensive dietary recommendations.