This deconstructed burger salad bowl combines seasoned ground beef, crisp iceberg lettuce, cheddar cheese, and a tangy homemade special sauce made with pickles and apple cider vinegar. It delivers classic cheeseburger flavor without the bun.
Check what you already have. We'll leave it off your shopping list.
CookOS may earn a commission from Instacart orders.
Prices vary by store
*Service fees apply. Instacart® and the Instacart logo are registered trademarks of Maplebear Inc. d/b/a Instacart.
First, prepare the sauce. Grate 1/4 of the yellow onion and 1 clove of garlic into a medium bowl.
Add the apple cider vinegar to the bowl with the grated onion and garlic. Stir and let it sit for one minute to mellow the flavors.
Grate 1 dill pickle into the bowl. Then add the mayonnaise, ketchup, and yellow mustard.
Whisk the sauce ingredients together until well combined and smooth. Set aside.
Prepare the remaining ingredients for the beef. Dice the remaining 3/4 of the onion and mince the remaining 2 cloves of garlic. Set them aside separately.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef to the hot skillet and begin to break it up. Add the diced onion and season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through.
Create a small well in the center of the beef mixture. Add the minced garlic to the rendered fat in the well and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Then, mix the garlic into the beef and turn off the heat.
Prepare the salad base. Shred the iceberg lettuce, then wash and dry it thoroughly.
To assemble, place the shredded lettuce in a large bowl. Top with the warm beef and onion mixture, shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomato, and sliced dill pickles.
Drizzle the burger bowl with the prepared sauce and garnish with toasted sesame seeds, if using.
Store cooked beef and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Assemble the salad fresh to prevent wilting; rewarm beef gently in a skillet over low heat before serving.
Yes, prepare the special sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stir before using.
Use 80-85% lean ground beef as specified in the recipe for the best balance of flavor and texture. Leaner beef may be drier.
Iceberg lettuce provides the crisp texture that mimics a burger bun. Romaine or mixed greens can substitute but will have a softer texture.
Yes, the recipe calls for adding the warm beef and onion mixture directly to the salad base for optimal flavor and contrast.
Yes, this salad bowl is naturally low-carb and fits keto diets when made without the sesame seed garnish or with minimal sauce.
