When a burger is not a burger

Maybe not the most artful but definitely delicious Burger Salad

When is a burger not a burger? When it’s a burger salad! You’ll really have to try this to appreciate how all the components of your average burger transform into this tasty meal-in-a-salad.

The first time I had this delicious salad was a few years ago when I hosted a Pampered Chef party. I really do like the Pampered Chef product line and have been really pleased with all the things I have bought from them. Okay, there are a few items which don’t get used a lot, but that has more to do with me than the item. Anyway, I do digress. If you want to see the original version of this recipe or get more Pampered Chef recipes, just visit the Pampered Chef website. And if you want to host a party, I can recommend two excellent Pampered Chef reps in my part of the world. (And yes, the salad in the photo is served on a beautiful bamboo tray from Pampered Chef.)

As I am apt to do, I have rewritten the recipe to include my modifications. I used whole wheat sesame seed topped hamburger buns and ground chicken, but you can use whatever buns you like and choose beef, turkey or vegetarian meat alternative for the ground meat. While you can prep the ingredients in advance, it’s best to combine them immediately before serving. Enjoy your burger salad.

MA’s Burger Salad

Preheat oven to 425º F.

For the burger salad

4 hamburger buns, sliced into croutons

1 lb ground meat: lean beef, chicken, turkey or vegetarian alternative

Red onion, divided into ¼ cup finely diced and ¼ cup sliced

½ cup finely diced dill pickles

¾ cup ketchup

1 tbsp yellow mustard

8 cups romaine, cut or torn into bite-sized pieces

2 tomatoes, diced

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

On a large baking sheet, place the sliced hamburger buns in a single layer. Bake about 10 minutes or until the croutons are slightly toasted. Cool completely.

Helping hands prep the lettuce

In a frying pan, cook ground meat over medium heat until cooked through. Break the meat into crumbles as it cooks.

In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground meat, diced onion, diced pickles, ketchup and mustard. Mix well.

Place the lettuce on a large serving platter or in large bowl. 

Dig in!

Spoon meat mixture over the lettuce. Sprinkle tomatoes, cheese and sliced onion on top. Arrange croutons around the platter/bowl. Serve immediately.

Serves 2-3 as a main course, 4-6 as a side salad.

Printable Recipe for MA's Burger Salad