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High-Protein Cheeseburger Salad
Ingredients
- 8 ozbaby gold potatoes
halved or quartered if large
- 2 tbspextra-virgin olive oil
divided
- ¾ tspground pepper
divided
- ¼ tspsmoked paprika
- ¼ tspsalt
divided
- 4 tbspwhole-milk plain strained yogurt
greek-style
- 1 tbspketchup
- 1 tbspmayonnaise
- 3 tbspdill pickle slices
divided, plus 1½ teaspoons brine from jar
- 1 mediumclove garlic
grated, ½ teaspoon
- 8 ozlean ground beef
- 2slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 cchopped iceberg lettuce
- ⅝ chalved cherry tomatoes
- ¼ cthinly sliced red onion
- toasted sesame seeds for garnish
optional
Directions
- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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. Recipe developed by Marianne Williams
High-Protein Cheeseburger Salad
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 7 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a classic cheeseburger but looking for a lighter, protein-packed option that won't weigh you down? This High-Protein Cheeseburger Salad delivers all the beloved flavors of your favorite burger in a fresh, satisfying bowl, ready in just about 30 minutes.
This recipe ingeniously deconstructs a classic burger into a vibrant, hearty salad. It combines tender lean ground beef and creamy sharp cheddar with crisp iceberg lettuce, all brought together by a tangy special sauce. This sauce, a delicious blend of whole-milk plain strained yogurt, ketchup, mayonnaise, and dill pickle brine, truly captures that quintessential burger joint flavor. The addition of roasted baby gold potatoes adds a comforting, substantial element without the bun.
Prepare for a delightful medley of textures and tastes. You'll enjoy the refreshing crunch of iceberg lettuce, the juicy burst of cherry tomatoes, and the tender, savory lean ground beef. The sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully, adding a rich, creamy counterpoint, while the thinly sliced red onion and dill pickles provide that essential tangy bite. The roasted baby gold potatoes are seasoned with extra-virgin olive oil, ground pepper, smoked paprika, and salt, adding a savory depth and heartiness to each forkful. It's a surprisingly filling and flavorful meal that truly feels like a treat.
This High-Protein Cheeseburger Salad is wonderfully adaptable to your pantry or preferences. While lean ground beef is featured, you could easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for a similar high-protein profile. If you're looking for different vegetable additions, consider finely diced bell peppers or shredded carrots. Don't have sharp cheddar? Another firm, meltable cheese like Colby or Monterey Jack would also work well. You can also adjust the amount of dill pickles or red onion to your liking, making it more or less tangy.
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying, wholesome lunch, this salad is designed to be enjoyed fresh. For an extra layer of texture and visual appeal, consider garnishing your finished salad with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.