By Margot Rutigliano CPT, Pn2, CHC | Founder Vita Vie Retreat

THE Low Carb CHEESEBURGER SALAD

This is one of my favorite salads to make! I love cheeseburgers. I know I’m not the only one — there are others out there who love a good burger too. Give me a medium rare, high quality beef (or grass-fed beef) burger and I’m so happy. I love a delicious, juicy burger and fries. I’m just like everyone else and I have my “comfort food” loves. I crave certain things at certain times or just want some type of “comfort food”. As much as I love a burger and fries, I also know that a burger and fries combo isn’t the healthiest out there for me.

Over the years, I’ve become pretty creative with making healthy versions of some of the comfort foods I love. Spaghetti with zoodles, cilantro lime cauli-rice, lettuce wrap tacos and more. If I can eat healthy food that tastes good, I’m more apt to want healthy food. Otherwise, I feel like I’m in food jail. I talk with the guests at our fitness retreat and in health coaching who also share the same view — it’s important to be able to incorporate tastes that they love into clean eating.

Food is something I look forward to. It’s also something I socialize with and I actually really enjoy cooking. So, like I said above, I’ve started creating dishes that I love and converting them into healthier versions. It’s kind of a “win win” because I still get the flavors I love without all of the junk in the meal. And I don’t feel like I need to go get in a full on workout afterwards.

HOW TO MAKE A CHEESEBURGER SALAD

I will say that I do love good quality ingredients. I go for low or lower sugar options, organic when possible, lots of color and foods that will benefit my and my health. I opt for grass-fed beef, free range poultry and sustainably caught seafood. That being said, those are my preferences. Please choose the options that best suit you and your needs.

Cheeseburger Salad Ingredients

Serves 4

1 lb grass-fed ground beef
2 stalks romaine lettuce – finely chopped
1 large tomato – cubed
1/2 yellow onion – finely chopped
4 dill pickles – cut into thin slices (I prefer Bubbie’s dill pickles)
4 ounces cheddar – shredded (I use Organic Valley Raw Milk Cheddar)
Yellow Mustard (or spicy brown if you prefer)
Low Sugar Ketchup
Salt (to taste)
Black Pepper (to taste)
Garlic Powder (to taste)

HOW TO MAKE A CHEESEBURGER SALAD

Wash and dry all of the fresh produce.
Chop romaine, tomato and yellow onion. Slick pickles. Set all aside.
Shred cheddar cheese and place in bowl in refrigerator until time to use.
Place a frying pan on the stove at medium to medium high heat.
Brown beef until almost cooked through (still pink in center).
Add onion and continue to beef and continue to cook.
Season with salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste.
Cook beef and onion mixture until beef is cooked through and onions are soft.
Remove pan from heat and turn off stove.

Assemble Your Cheeseburger Salads

Grab 4 large bowls and add romaine to bowls equally splitting romaine 4 ways.
Add chopped tomato and pickles on top of romaine.
Scoop beef mixture on top of salads.
Garnish with cheddar and season with salt and pepper if needed (to taste).
Sprinkle mustard and ketchup on top of each salad. This becomes your salad dressing.
Enjoy!

Additional Toppings

You might want to get creative with your cheeseburger salad. Here are some other ideas to spice up your traditional cheeseburger salad.

Spicy: Add Jalapeños for an extra kick!
Barbecue: Add 1 slice chopped bacon onto each salad and a sprinkle of low sugar barbecue sauce.
American: Scoop 1/2 cup of dill kraut into salad instead (or in addition to) dill pickles.
Mushroom + Swiss: Add sautéed mushrooms and swap cheddar for Swiss cheese.
Eggcellent: Add one egg sunny side up on top with a soft yolk.
Goat Cheese + Herb: Add a few small dollops of goat cheese (instead of cheddar) and a little chopped chives to each salad.
Get Creative! Create your favorite cheeseburger into the salad of your choice.

The benefits of this lower carb salad are you don’t have a carb heavy bun + fries. In addition, you’re eliminating unhealthy oils and an overload of calories. Have fun with your food and keep it as healthy as you can!

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