Why We Like It

What do you do when you are craving the flavor of a classic hamburger and want to keep it healthy at the same time?! You put the burger on a salad! It is super easy and ideal for busy weeknights. If you need it to come together even faster, see the quick tip. Get ready -- you may be shocked, this flavor loaded salad really tastes like the classic hamburger! Absolutely fantastic and good for you too!

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees

Roasting the chickpeas and red onion is optional but recommended!

Make the Burger Seasoning:

1 Tbsp garlic powder (or granulated garlic)
1 Tbsp onion powder (or granulated onion)
1 tsp dried mustard
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp cayenne red pepper

Mix together in a mason jar or small bowl and set aside.

NOTE: you may not use all of this seasoning mix for this recipe. Store any leftover seasoning in a covered container, it is also great on roasted veggies!

Brown the Meat:

1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
2 Tbsp ketchup

Add to a large skillet and cook over medium high heat until browned and cooked through.

Add 2 Tbsp of ketchup and 2 Tbsp of the burger seasoning and stir to combine.

Cover and keep warm.

Roast the Onions and Chickpeas:

1 red onion (cut in half and thinly sliced)
1 (15 oz) can chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
1 tsp olive oil

While the meat is browning, add the onion, chickpeas and oil to a medium size bowl with 2 tsp of the burger seasoning mix (or simply add 1/8 tsp of salt and pepper) and stir to combine.

Spread onto a large greased baking sheet in a single layer and roast in the oven for 15 minutes.

After 15 minutes, remove from the oven, stir so everything browns evenly, and roast another 5 minutes.

Make the Dressing:

2 Tbsp yellow mustard (or dijon mustard)
2 Tbsp light mayonnaise
1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp paprika

Add to a small bowl or mason jar and stir or shake to combine. (Add 1 Tbsp of water to thin the dressing if desired.) Set aside.

Assemble:

6 cups romaine lettuce (chopped, or your favorite dark leafy greens)
3 green onions (sliced)
1 avocado (halved, pitted, flesh removed)
1 cup cherry tomatoes (cut in half or 2 tomatoes, chopped)
1/2 cup dill pickles (chopped)
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (OPTIONAL)

Place greens in each person’s bowl.

Add some browned ground beef, and then top with any or all of these toppings, including the roasted sliced red onion and chickpeas.

Drizzle each salad with some of the dressing.

Serve and Enjoy!

Quick Tips

This Burger Salad recipe will get you started, and now the fun part is to customize based on what you love — get creative! Rosemary mushroom and caramelized onions? Pineapple and jalapeno? The possibilities are endless!

And feel free to also add a whole grain to your burger salad by adding 1/4 cup per serving of cooked quinoa or cooked farro.

Need it to come together even faster? This recipe is versatile based on what you have on hand, although you can make some adjustments:

Skip the burger seasoning and just add the ketchup to the ground beef;
Skip the roasting of onion and beans and just add them to the salad;
Replace the homemade dressing with a dollop of mustard and mayo to each salad and mix it all together.
Of course, add whatever veggies you have on hand — and try not to forget the pickles!