Healthy Burger Salad Bowl with Special Sauce

First things first, if you bring this Healthy Burger Salad Bowl with special sauce to the cookout, you will get invited back. Okay, now that we have that settled, let’s dig into this easy dinner salad, that’s also a burger. It packs all the same flavors of a burger but keeps things super low carb if you’re watching your carb intake. This is one of the best healthy burger bowls you will come by and will be sure to please the whole family. If you love a good burger you might also want to try this Healthy Turkey Burger recipe, BBQ Turkey Burger or this Asian Chicken Burger. 

This post may contain affiliate links in which I receive a small commission.

Sometimes, we crave a burger, but we still want to keep it cute and cut down on calories and carbs. That’s how this burger salad bowl was born. I was craving that decadent burger taste but knew I wanted to enjoy it in a healthier way. This healthy burger salad bowl with special sauce is such an easy meal to make and can stand up to any burger night you have. Now, let’s dig into the specifics that makes this cheeseburger bowl so amazing. 

WHAT DOES THE BURGER SALAD BOWL TASTE LIKE?

It tastes just like your favorite juicy burger just without the bun, complete with a super special sauce dressing just like a big mac. Combining all the flavors of a burger complete with your favorite burger toppings like cheddar cheese, crispy romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and pickles this salad can’t be beat. Amping up the flavor a few notches are the quick pickled red onion used to top the burger.

Also, let’s not forget about the secret sauce. It. Is. Delicious. It packs just the right amount of creamy, tangy goodness that perfectly compliments the ground beef.

IS THE BURGER SALAD LOW IN CALORIES?

Absolutely. An average burger comes in anywhere between 400 – 700 calories and that doesn’t include the side of fries typically eaten. The amount of fat can also range between 10g – 17g. By making your burger at home, you get to control the amount of calories and fat content.

Making some simple swaps brings this burger in just under 200 calories and 7g of fat. First, we use lean ground beef to make the patties. I personally prefer ground beef that is 96% lean with 4% fat. You can use beef that isn’t as lean but know this will impact the fat content. Also by using a low calorie mayo as the base of the homemade burger sauce, that also helps cuts the fat content as well.

I DON’T EAT RED MEAT, CAN I SUBSTITUTE?

Yes! The burger salad bowl recipe is very friendly for swaps if you don’t eat red meat. Some options to consider are:

• Ground Turkey
• Ground Chicken
• Portobello Mushrooms
• Black Beans

There are also some really good vegan plant based ground beef substitutes on the market. Impossible foods “beef” burger patty and Beyond Burger plant based patties are two of my favorites when I’m cutting back on meat during the week.

WHAT TOPPINGS TO USE?

I use traditional toppings for a burger but if you want to switch things up, here are a few ideas for other toppings that can pack a flavorful punch:

• Blue cheese crumbles
• Feta cheese crumbles
• Pepper jack cheese
• Caramelized onions
• Sautéed mushrooms
• Arugula
• Crispy Bacon

INGREDIENTS NEEDED FOR HEALTHY BURGER BOWL RECIPE

While the ingredients list for this burger salad bowl may look a little intimidating, know that most of these items are pantry staples and you will already have them on hand. I’m listing the main items you will need for these loaded burger bowls:

• Lean ground beef
• Worcestershire sauce
• Low fat mayo (or can substitute with plain greek yogurt)
• Dijon mustard 
• Lettuce 
• Tomato
• Red onion
• Dill pickles (or dill relish) 

HOW TO PREPARE BURGER SALAD

Full instructions and amounts are listed in the recipe card below.

In a measuring cup or bowl, combine all ingredients for pickled red onions, except the onions. Mix together and transfer to a saucepan and bring to boil. Once at a boil, remove from heat. Place onions in an air tight container and pour the hot mixture on top. Place lid on top and set aside.

Next season your ground beef with all the spices including black pepper, chili powder, onion powder, garlic paste and Worcestershire sauce. Score meat into 4 even sections and createthe ground beef patties. 1.5lbs of ground beef will give you approximately 4 – 5 large patties. Cook the patties either on the stove in a cast iron skillet over medium high heat or grill them up on a grill. Once burgers are cooked to your desired doneness, set aside.

While the burger are cooking, in a small bowl, combine all ingredients for the special sauce including the mayo, dijon mustard, ketchup and dill pickle juice. Season with the spices ensuring to mix throughly and set aside. 

Now you are ready to build your burger salad with your desired toppings. I placed lettuce on the bottom, added sliced grape tomatoes, burger patty, 1tbsp of cheese, dill pickles, pickled red onions, special sauce and topped with dried parsley.

LET’S CONNECT SOCIALLY!

Be sure to follow me on all social platforms! I love connecting with you all and sharing ideas. You can find me on Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube and Tik Tok!