This cheeseburger salad has all the fixin’s of a cheeseburger, but this time served on a bed of lettuce and drizzled with a creamy pickle dressing.
Sometimes when you stumble on an idea you just know it’s going to be a good one.
Take, for instance, a kid who loves pickles. I mean – loves them…and wants pickle flavored everything. Then actually suggests that you make a pickle flavored salad for dinner. 
You can’t make this stuff up guys. You just can’t.
This pickle loving kid is actually a friend of ours that was hanging out with our salad loving kid (who loves pickles too) and the idea seemed like match made in heaven.
But a pickle salad? Well we turned that idea into this Cheeseburger Chopped Salad with Creamy Pickle Dressing. Talk about your mind being blown – it was one of the best salads I have ever tasted – and for me that’s saying something.
I’m not saying that salad isn’t a good dinner idea…just that if I’m eating salad as a whole meal it has to be one that’s going to fill me up like a Chopped Chicken Taco Salad, and like that recipe too, it’s the dressing that makes it.
A short cut to making this salad is using frozen meatballs, right from the store. Find yourself a brand you like and grab a bag or two for this salad.
And for snacking, too. We found that we made a few too many meatballs for this salad so we had a bunch leftover in the fridge. Every single time we heard that fridge open it was someone grabbing cold meatballs from the bowl. Who knew that would become the snack of choice.
You can grab some shredded cheese, or grate your own…pepper jack would be great in this salad too but we stuck with cheddar this time. Then it’s all the cheeseburger toppings you love – red onions, tomatoes and of course, sesame seed croutons.
The croutons are a big part of what makes this Cheeseburger Chopped Salad with Creamy Pickle Dressing so good. So don’t skip this part. Just get some sesame seed hamburger buns, cut the tops into cubes and toast them in the oven for 15 minutes.
Then the dressing. This dressing is so creamy and bursting with pickle flavor you’re going to be using it for more than just this salad. Dip your carrots and celery in it, use it as a spread on a sandwich or layer it on a taco instead of sour cream.
We did that, actually. And I can tell you right now that we’ll be doing it again.
Click here for the pickle dressing recipe.
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Cheeseburger Salad and Creamy Pickle Dressing
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A fun twist on a classic! All the cheeseburger fixings tossed in a fresh salad with a creamy pickle dressing.
Ingredients
- 4 romaine hearts (907 g) romaine hearts
- 2 cups (473 ml) grape tomatoes
- 1 red onion red onion
- 4 seeded buns seeded buns
- 1 package (28 count) frozen meatballs
- 1 1/2 cups (355 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook the meatballs according to package directions and keep warm.
- For the croutons: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Cut the bun tops into strips, then into cubes, and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until browned. Remove from oven and cool.
- Combine dressing ingredients in a bowl and whisk to combine.
- Assemble the salad: Place chopped romaine in a large bowl. Top with cheese, tomatoes, onions, and croutons.
- Add meatballs. Toss with desired amount of dressing.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use high-quality, freshly ground beef to make your own meatballs instead of frozen.
- To make this a complete meal, add grilled chicken or steak for extra protein.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; the croutons may soften.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 large salad
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 80
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of meat can I use for the cheeseburger salad?
You can use ground beef or frozen meatballs for this salad, depending on your preference and convenience.
How do I make the creamy pickle dressing for the salad?
To make the creamy pickle dressing, combine mayonnaise, pickle juice, and any additional seasonings you prefer, then whisk until smooth.
Can I substitute pickles in the salad if someone doesn’t like them?
If someone doesn’t like pickles, you can try using diced cucumbers or omit them entirely, but it will change the flavor profile of the salad.
What a fun idea – and a great way to get a few greens in!