25-Minute Bacon Cheeseburger Salad with Avocado Ranch

Amy Hand

Amy Hand

Amy worked as the head pastry chef at multiple restaurants in South Africa. She now shares her professional insights about cooking and kitchen tools here at The Skillful Cook.

Updated

A cheeseburger salad with all the flavors of a bacon cheeseburger, topped with creamy avocado ranch – a healthy, delicious alternative to a carby burger!
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Have you ever had a craving for a cheeseburger but you want to eat healthy? Well, this salad is the perfect solution!

This salad combines all the best flavors of a cheeseburger into a healthier form so you don’t have to miss out.

This salad combines all the best flavors of a cheeseburger

Smoky bacon, juicy grilled beef patties, and creamy avocado chunks come together on a bed of peppery arugula, all tied together with a zesty homemade avocado ranch dressing.

All you’re missing is the carb-loaded bun!

This dish is a creative way to indulge in your favorite flavors in a creative way that incorporates more veggies.

This dish is a creative way to indulge in your favorite flavors

Why you will love this Cheeseburger salad recipe…

  • Healthier option- Enjoying a cheeseburger in salad form lets you include more veggies.
  • Classic American flavors- What’s more American than a good ol’ cheeseburger?
  • Delectable homemade ranch- It’s better than the store-bought version and includes a healthy dose of avocado.
  • Salty hit of bacon- Adds dimension and smokiness to the salad.
  • Versatile- Can be served as an appetizer or main.
Why you will love this Cheeseburger salad recipe

Bacon Cheeseburger Salad with Avocado Ranch

A cheeseburger salad with all the flavors of a bacon cheeseburger, topped with creamy avocado ranch – a healthy, delicious alternative to a carby burger!
Rate this recipe!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 705 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

For the Salad:

  • 6 cups arugula or mixed greens
  • 1 lb ground beef (or premade beef patties)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • q tsp smoked paprika
  • 6 slices crispy bacon, crumbled
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

For the Avocado Ranch Dressing:

  • 1 ripe avocado
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup buttermilk (or adjust for desired consistency)
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Juice of 1/2 a lemon
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

Step 1- Prepare the Beef Patties

  • Season the ground beef with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Shape into small patties or break them into crumbles for easier mixing.
  • Cook in a skillet over medium heat, or grill until cooked through (about 4 minutes per side for patties). Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2- Make the Dressing

  • In a blender or food processor, combine the avocado, mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, dill, chives, garlic, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more buttermilk if needed, and season with salt and pepper.

Step 3- Assemble the Salad

  • In a large bowl, toss the arugula with cherry tomatoes and half of the bacon bits.
  • Add the cooked beef patties or crumbles, cheddar cheese, and diced avocado on top. Sprinkle the remaining bacon over the salad.

Step 4- Drizzle and Serve

  • Generously drizzle the avocado ranch dressing over the salad. Serve immediately and enjoy the hearty flavors with a creamy, herby twist!

Nutrition

Calories 705kcal (35%)Carbohydrates 6g (2%)Protein 32g (64%)Fat 61g (94%)Saturated Fat 21g (131%)Polyunsaturated Fat 14gMonounsaturated Fat 19gTrans Fat 1gCholesterol 143mg (48%)Sodium 1254mg (55%)Potassium 639mg (18%)Fiber 1g (4%)Sugar 3g (3%)Vitamin A 1366IU (27%)Vitamin C 14mg (17%)Calcium 313mg (31%)Iron 3mg (17%)
Keyword Cheeseburger Salad
Tried this recipe?Let us know if you liked it in the comments below!

Serving Suggestions

Perfect for any occasion! For a refreshing pairing, enjoy it with a Pomegranate & Rosewater Champagne Cocktail or a chilled Iced Limoncello.

If you’re looking for something lighter, a Sparkling Apple Cider would be a great match. For a creamy option, try a Mango Lassi to complement the salad’s flavors!

🧑‍🍳 Expert Tips

  • Extra crunch. For more texture add crispy fried onions or roasted sunflower seeds.
  • Use as a meal prep dish. Keep the meat and the dressing separate and combine just before serving.
  • Change up the greens. Swap arugula for spinach or romaine if you prefer milder greens.
  • Make it a chicken burger. Use ground chicken instead of beef to switch up the flavors.
This cheeseburger salad is a delicious appetizer

Storage Suggestions

  • To store- Place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. Preferably store the salad undressed to prevent the greens from wilting.

Cheeseburger Salad FAQs

What vegetables go with cheeseburgers?

The great thing about cheeseburgers (and cheeseburger salads) is that they can be combined with so many great vegetables. Try serving either of these dishes with caramelized onions, roasted broccoli, roasted cauliflower, tomatoes, avocado, fried zucchini, or sweet potato fries.

Amy Hand
About the author
After finding the chef life a little too high-paced, Amy decided to take her cooking skills and use them to teach others through food writing. She uses her knowledge as a pastry chef and experience as a head chef to write articles that are engaging and helpful while being as entertaining as possible.

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