Summer Burger Salad

Burger Salad: All the Summer Flavor, None of the Bun

There’s something about summer that demands a little less fuss and a lot more flavor. Maybe it’s the heat, maybe it’s the longer days - either way, I find myself craving meals that are hearty but not heavy, simple but not boring. Enter: the Burger Salad.

This is everything you love about a classic cheeseburger - the juicy beef, the tangy pickles, the crisp lettuce, caramelized onions and sweet summer corn - all tossed together in a bowl. We’re layering in a spicy mayo for kick and finishing it with a generous drizzle of homemade ranch dressing that cools everything down just right. My favorite pickles by a mile are the bread and butter pickles from Trader Joes. They are downright delicious, and the slight sweetness is sooooo so good in this salad. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef – seasoned with salt and pepper, seared until browned and crisp around the edges

2-3 romaine lettuce hearts, chopped

Cherry tomatoes, halved

1½ red onion, thinly sliced

10 B+ B pickles, diced

Caramelized onions with corn – slow-cooked onions and fresh corn off the cob for sweetness and depth

Use one full onion here, saving the remaining half for a raw bite on the salad.

Sharp cheddar cheese or blue cheese

Spicy mayo (see below)

Homemade ranch dressing – get the recipe here

Spicy Mayo

½ cup mayonnaise

1–2 T hot sauce (your favorite brand)

2 T pickle juice

Whisk it all together until smooth and creamy. You want a drizzle-friendly consistency with tang and heat.

1.) Cook the beef: Heat a skillet, season your ground beef with salt and pepper, and sear until browned and cooked through. Break it up into bite-sized pieces.

2.) Caramelize the onions and corn: In the pan, cook thin-sliced onions in a bit of olive oil or butter over medium-low heat until soft and golden. Add corn kernels and cook until they’re just tender and slightly charred. Salt and pepper to taste.

3.) Prep the salad base: Combine chopped romaine, tomatoes, red onion, pickles, cheese, and the caramelized onion + corn mixture in a large bowl.

4.) Assemble: Top with the hamburger, drizzle with spicy mayo and a generous spoonful of that homemade ranch. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if you’re feeling it.

Extras:

• Add avocado or crispy bacon for extra richness

• Use arugula or mixed greens for a different base

This burger salad hits all the right notes: savory, creamy, spicy, and fresh. It’s a full-on flavor party in a bowl, no bun necessary.

Pro tip: Make extra ranch and keep it in the fridge — you’ll want it on everything this week.