Go Back
low-carb burger-bowl salad

low-carb burger-bowl salad

low-carb burger-bowl salad
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 430
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Burger Salad:
  • 1 lb 450 g lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 5 cups chopped romaine lettuce or iceberg lettuce
  • 1 cup chopped Roma tomatoes optional but adds freshness
  • ¾ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup dill pickles diced (or sliced then chopped)
  • ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion optional, for extra bite
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds optional, for a subtle nutty crunch
For the Tangy Special Sauce:
  • ½ cup mayonnaise or avocado-oil mayo for lighter version
  • 2 tbsp chopped dill pickles or sugar-free pickle relish
  • 1½ tsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp white vinegar or apple-cider vinegar
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp low-carb sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol — optional, balances tang and savory
  • Pinch of salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Cook the beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high. Add the ground beef, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks (~8–10 minutes). Once done, drain excess fat and set beef aside to cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, chopped pickles (or relish), mustard, vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, sweetener (if using), salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed — the sauce should be creamy, tangy, and a little sweet.
  3. Assemble the salad: Divide chopped lettuce among four bowls. Over each, sprinkle a little shredded cheddar and a few diced pickles and red onion. Add a generous portion of the warm ground beef. Top with tomatoes if using.
  4. Dress & garnish: Drizzle the special sauce generously over each bowl. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for a hint of crunch. Toss gently if you like, or serve layered so textures stay distinct.
  5. Serve immediately: The contrast between warm beef and cool, crisp lettuce is part of the magic — enjoy right away while beef is warm and cheese is melty.

Notes

  • Protein: ~ 27 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~ 8 g
  • Fat: ~ 30 g
  • Fiber: ~ 2 g
  • Sugar: ~ 2 g
  • Sodium: ~ 950 mg
(Carbs and sodium will vary depending on pickles and cheese used.)