17 Easy Hamburger Salad Recipes

I got the idea for hamburger salads on a busy weeknight when I wanted that familiar, savory flavor but without the bun. It turns out, all the best parts of a burger—the seasoned meat, cheese, pickles, and special sauce—taste just as good tossed with crisp lettuce.

It’s become my easy fix for a lighter dinner that still feels hearty and satisfying.

These salads are my quick ways to get that cookout taste in a bowl, using simple ingredients and minimal prep.

1. The Classic All-American Salad

Seasoned ground beef cooked and cooled over iceberg lettuce with tomatoes, red onion, pickles, and shredded cheddar. I top it with a special burger sauce dressing.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 380
2. Protein: 26g
3. Carbs: 12g
4. Fat: 25g
5. Fiber: 3g

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2. Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

Ground beef with crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, and diced tomatoes. A creamy thousand island dressing makes it taste just like the real thing.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 420
2. Protein: 30g
3. Carbs: 10g
4. Fat: 29g
5. Fiber: 2g

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3. BBQ Ranch Burger Salad

BBQ-seasoned ground beef served on a bed of romaine with corn, black beans, and crispy onions. A cool ranch dressing balances the smoky flavor.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 390
2. Protein: 28g
3. Carbs: 25g
4. Fat: 20g
5. Fiber: 6g

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4. Greek Lamb Burger Salad

Seasoned ground lamb with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and feta cheese. A simple tzatziki sauce works as both dressing and topping.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 370
2. Protein: 29g
3. Carbs: 11g
4. Fat: 24g
5. Fiber: 3g

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5. Mushroom Swiss Burger Salad

Sautéed mushrooms and onions with ground beef over spinach, topped with shredded Swiss cheese. A mustard vinaigrette is the perfect finishing touch.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 350
2. Protein: 27g
3. Carbs: 13g
4. Fat: 22g
5. Fiber: 4g

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6. Italian Burger Salad

Ground beef mixed with Italian herbs, served with roasted red peppers, mozzarella, and pepperoncini. An Italian vinaigrette brings it all together.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 360
2. Protein: 26g
3. Carbs: 10g
4. Fat: 24g
5. Fiber: 3g

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7. Big Mac Style Salad

All the signature flavors: ground beef, shredded lettuce, pickles, a sprinkle of onions and cheddar, with a creamy sesame seed dressing.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 400
2. Protein: 25g
3. Carbs: 15g
4. Fat: 27g
5. Fiber: 3g

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8. Tex-Mex Burger Salad

Taco-seasoned ground beef with mixed greens, avocado, jalapeños, and crushed tortilla chips. A lime cilantro dressing adds freshness.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 410
2. Protein: 28g
3. Carbs: 22g
4. Fat: 24g
5. Fiber: 8g

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9. Blue Cheese and Buffalo Burger Salad

Ground beef tossed in buffalo sauce over romaine with celery, carrots, and crumbled blue cheese. Extra buffalo ranch dressing on the side.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 380
2. Protein: 30g
3. Carbs: 10g
4. Fat: 25g
5. Fiber: 4g

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10. California Avocado Burger Salad

Ground beef with lots of avocado, sprouts, tomato, and red onion. A simple lemon garlic dressing keeps it light and fresh.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 420
2. Protein: 24g
3. Carbs: 15g
4. Fat: 30g
5. Fiber: 9g

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11. Patty Melt Salad

Ground beef with caramelized onions and Swiss cheese on a bed of rye bread croutons. A Russian dressing drizzle completes the theme.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 440
2. Protein: 29g
3. Carbs: 25g
4. Fat: 26g
5. Fiber: 4g

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12. Greek Yogurt “Special Sauce” Burger Salad

A lighter take using seasoned ground turkey, all the classic toppings, and a protein-rich dressing made from Greek yogurt, ketchup, and pickles.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 320
2. Protein: 34g
3. Carbs: 12g
4. Fat: 15g
5. Fiber: 3g

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13. Hawaiian Burger Salad

Ground beef with grilled pineapple chunks, diced ham, and red onion. A sweet and tangy teriyaki dressing is the key here.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 370
2. Protein: 27g
3. Carbs: 28g
4. Fat: 17g
5. Fiber: 3g

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14. Bacon Jam Burger Salad

Ground beef topped with a spoonful of easy onion bacon jam over arugula. A balsamic glaze adds the final sweet and savory note.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 410
2. Protein: 26g
3. Carbs: 18g
4. Fat: 26g
5. Fiber: 2g

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15. Italian Meatball Salad

Turkey or beef meatballs served warm over chopped romaine with marinara sauce, parmesan, and fresh basil.

Nutrition per serving:

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 30g
• Carbs: 20g
• Fat: 17g
• Fiber: 5g

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16. French Onion Burger Salad

Seasoned ground beef with deeply caramelized onions and Gruyere cheese on a bed of frisée. A warm beef broth vinaigrette mimics the soup flavor.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 390
2. Protein: 28g
3. Carbs: 15g
4. Fat: 24g
5. Fiber: 4g

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17. Breakfast Burger Salad

Ground breakfast sausage with chopped hard-boiled egg, tomatoes, and cheddar over spinach. A maple-Dijon dressing ties it all together.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 430
2. Protein: 24g
3. Carbs: 10g
4. Fat: 32g
5. Fiber: 3g

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