There is a local burger joint called Spangles that has a “protein style” option for their burgers, which means they’ll give you the guts of the burger in a styrofoam container, sans bun, with extra veggies. I came to love this when I was on the Atkins diet (which I have long since ditched), and still order their Gourmet Supreme burger “protein style.”
I think this was the original inspiration for the Hamburger Salads I started making at home this summer and eat quite frequently because they’re fast, easy and delicious. Essentially it’s a bed of lettuce topped with all the inner components of a hamburger: burger patty, onion, pickles, tomato, onion, and a drizzle of ketchup and mustard. It doesn’t lay as heavy on my stomach as a big burger and is really nice and refreshing in these hot summer months.
Hamburger Salad
Printable recipe
Printable recipe with picture
grilled hamburger patty, chopped
chopped red onion
dill pickle slices
chopped tomato
your choice of salad greens
ketchup & mustard
Place salad greens on a plate and top with the burger, onion, tomato and pickle. Drizzle salad with ketchup and mustard. To kick it up a notch, add some shredded cheddar cheese for a cheeseburger salad!
Serves 1
Recipe by Veronica Miller
Veronica's Cornucopia 
I have to tell you, when I first saw this, I thought it really looked gross. But after thinking about it, I’ll bet it’s good (if you like pickles and mustard which I don’t). I eat my burger sans bun all the time so this is really the same thing. For some reason, in a salad form, it just doesn’t look as appealing to drizzle ketchup on it. Though I would totally dip my burger in huge amounts of ketchup.
My favorite salad lately is the chipotle bean burger from Morningstar, crumbled over lettuce with tomato and sour cream and salsa as the dressing. Not too much different than this.
You asked earlier about whether the peppermint in my Cherry Tassies was strange? I was concerned that with the candies AND the peppermint extract that it would be overpowering and strange but it wasn’t AT ALL. People were pleasantly surprised by the mint, you don’t expect it. If you make these, don’t skimp on the mint, they were truly perfect the way they were!! I’m not a huge cookie fan but I would make these again in a heartbeat.
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LOL–thanks for your honesty Debbi! I think I understand where you’re coming from–I might think it was strange to put the ketchup and mustard on top but since I had it that way at Spangles, to me it’s just like eating a bunless burger with lots of lettuce.
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You know this actually looks prettty good. Never would of thought of doing it this way. Awesome.
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Thanks Cheryl! I’m glad I didn’t gross out everyone–lol!
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Well Gee, It’s just like a hamburger without the bread….
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That’s quite the salad! Thanks for sharing!
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I used to make Taco salad and was hooked on it..This one sounds delicious too..I’m not sure about the catsup and mustard…but I might go ahead and give it a try nonetheless…
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Taco Salad is the bomb-diggity! Love that so much. Seems you’re not the only one with reservations on the “dressing.” Just imagine you’re eating a bunless burger with the lettuce wrapped around it and it’s delicious! You could always mix the ketchup and mustard with some mayonnaise for an alternate dressing–I think that would be good too.
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this is a great option for burger lovers…the bun is really not as necessary…..although I might have had cheese on mine!
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Hey, Chef Dennis, thanks for taking a break from your squash blossoms to stop by–LOL!
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Your Salad looks great!I use to order a small side salad from Wendy’s and a small chili. I would pour the chili on the salad for a taco salad with the chips!
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This looks really yummy! “Protein-style” sounds great, especially since so many people are watching their carbs. My favorite part of this salad is the pickles — what a delicious addition!
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What a fun way to eat a burger! I often eat mine bunless, but this is a great way to make it more filling. thanks!
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Bunless is the best way. I use thousand Island dressing on mine..soooo good. Great photo Veronica!
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I will make an extra burger or two this weekend and try your salad recipe next week. Looks delicious.
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Can I say I love your version of this? Growing up, we would often fry hamburger, loose, then add it to lettuces, onions, tomatoes, pickles, and use balsamic vingarette dressing over it all. I just love the way yours looks!
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Thank you, I’m so glad for the positive feedback!
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