Ultimate Fast Food Cheeseburger Salad: You’ll Be Lovin’ It!

The mouthwatering perfection starts with mini all-health patties, special Thousand Island dressing, crisp lettuce, whole-plant-based cheese, onions, with sesame seed bun croutons 🍔 … Fast Food Cheeseburger Salad

Okay, I know this is all a bit too tongue-in-cheek, but honestly, this fast-food burger in question doesn’t do this salad justice, and after trying it you’ll want the salad more than the classic fast-food burger!

Let’s get cooking! Or check out the science to see why I picked the ingredients I did for this recipe and the NCDs they fight.

Recipe Overview

🔪 The Recipe:	Fast Food Cheeseburger Salad
⏲️ Estimated Time:	about 30-35 minutes from scratch.
🍽️ Servings:	Around 2-3 servings
💵 Cost to make:	$2.41 USD / $3.35 CAD
🕹️ Difficulty:	Easy

As usual, all the recipes are allergy-friendly and Top 8 Allergy-Free, but this one is also Top 9 Allergy-Free if you omit the tahini and sesame seeds, but it does make it better and more “classic” and tastier with them both—feel free to use other seed or nut butter or seeds as substitutions.
no dairy, no eggs, no wheat, no nuts, no tree nuts, no shellfish, no seafood, no soy, no corn, no salt added, no oil added, no sugar added, no coconut, no sesame.
Using only minimally processed or proven safe foods from scratch.

Have questions or a request to update a recipe for a specific allergy or food restriction? Contact me and I’d love to help!

Why I Had To Make This Fast Food Cheeseburger Salad

I still am not a fan of salads. I find salads boring, not much of a meal, and really anything but satisfying.

But, that’s why I’ve started this mini (micro?) series featuring Substantial Salads. These salads can’t be boring, and must be filling and actually satisfying as a meal. This Fast Food Cheeseburger salad is a perfect example of how amazing a salad can really be as it brings you back to memories of children’s ball-pits and burgers with fries.

This salad was a must for me and is guaranteed to be a hit for even the pickiest eaters and ultimate salad haters.

NOTE: Check out the new ingredients sections—this is where you can see the science-backed research for each ingredient. This section is still growing and is a living document so check back often for some of the healthiest and disease-fighting ingredients, all backed with the latest medical and scientific research that I’ve found on each ingredient and how it fights disease.

If you aren’t subscribed to my free recipe newsletter then subscribe now!

How to Make Ultimate Fast Food Cheeseburger Salad – Video 📺

“As someone who often craves the nostalgic flavors of a double-decker burger with a sesame seed bun and special sauce, I’m thrilled to have discovered the Ultimate Fast Food Cheeseburger Salad. It’s not just a healthy alternative; it captures all those beloved flavors while being entirely whole food, plant-based!

It’s rare for me to find a salad that I not only enjoy but one that I actually daydream about. This salad is truly something to be reckoned with!”

– Chef Rob (me)

(If you’ve made this recipe then I’d love to use your testimonial here! Please leave your thoughts as a comment and I might choose it!)

How To Season Steel Cookware

Why you should not use non-stick cookware

⭐Full Ultimate Fast Food Cheeseburger Salad Recipe⭐

Fast Food Cheeseburger Salad 🍔

Chef Rob

Many all-health patties, special dressing, crisp lettuce, whole-plant-based cheese, onions, with sesame seed bun croutons!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Comfort Food, Dinner, Junk Food, Lunch, Main Course, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Canadian

Servings 2 people

Calories 331.5 kcal

Equipment

• 1 Seasoned Steel Pan or Cast Iron Pan (How-to Season Steel Cookware)
• 1 Spice / Coffee Grinder (or blender, food-processor, etc.)

Ingredients

  

ULTIMATE BURGER PATTIES

• 4 tbsp lentils
• 2 tbsp oats
• 1 tbsp flax (milled/ground)
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder (granulated)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp parsley
• ¼ tsp thyme
• ¼ cup beets (grated/diced)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 4 tbsp water

BUN CROUTONS

• 4 tbsp oats blended
• 1 tbsp flax seeds (milled/ground)
• 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
• 3 tbsp water
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds for bun topping

CHEDDAR SLICES

• 2 tbsp oats
• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
• ⅛ tsp garlic powder
• ⅛ tsp turmeric (ground)
• 2 tbsp white vinegar
• 2 tbsp water or more if needed

SPECIAL DRESSING

• 4 tbsp oats
• 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder (granulated)
• ½ tsp dill weed
• ⅛ tsp paprika (not smoked!)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp cucumber finely diced or grated
• 1 tsp tahini (or more)
• 2 tbsp white vinegar
• 4 tbsp water

SALAD

• 2 heads Romain lettuce chopped

Instructions

 

• Grind your burger patty lentils, oats, flax, paprika, oregano, parsley, thyme, onion and garlic powder into a flour. Add burger mix to a bowl and mix in the grated beets and apple cider vinegar and water.
  
• Now grind the dry bun croutons oats and flax and add them to a bowl and mix them with the rice wine and water. (You can pre-toast your sesame seeds in your pan at this point if you like)
  
• Form and shape your burger patties (using about 1-2 tbsp of the burger mix for each patty) and add them to your seasoned pan. Now drop spoon fulls of the bun batter on the pan (again, about 1-2 tbsp per bun) then sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes them flip both the burgers and the buns.
  
• Grind the oats, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and turmeric for the cheddar slice batter then mix it with the water and vinegar. After 5 to 7 minutes, when it's time to flip the burgers a second time, first drop a teaspoon size drop of the cheddar slice batter on the pan then press the cooked side of a burger into the blob of cheese (see photo 3B) and cook for 60 seconds before flipping to cook the uncooked side of the burger (see photo 6A).
  
• Now add all the dressing dry ingredients to your grinder and blend them into a flour then add your grated/diced cucumber, water, vinegar, and tahini, and then mix well.
  
• Plating: to a clean plate add a smear of dressing, dead-center, then add your lettuce and drizzle with dressing, add your mini cheeseburgers, bun croutons, diced onions, and any other veggies you like. Finish with another drizzle of dressing and top with toasted sesame seeds.
  

Video

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Nutrition Facts Table – Ultimate Fast Food Cheeseburger Salad

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Fast Food Cheeseburger Salad

1. Can I use a blender?

Yes. You can use a blender, food processor, hand blender, or even a pestle and mortar to make this recipe. Although a spice grinder was what it was designed for so that it’s accessible to those with lower incomes or living a nomadic, RV/Van Life, or other limited living or cooking spaces, as well.

2. What can I use instead of oats?

You can substitute oats with pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, tahini/sesame seeds, or nuts like cashews etc.

3. Can I substitute the lentils?

Yes, you can substitute lentils with other legumes like black beans or chickpeas. Just ensure they are pre-cooked and mashed before using (don’t use any raw beans or legumes other than lentils or peas to avoid getting sick).

4. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, possibly longer. Always do the sniff test and check for mold or slim after 3-5 days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent everything from becoming soggy.

5. Can I add other toppings?

Yes! I add sliced grape tomatoes and diced red onion, but you can add any veggies you like as well as any seeds (sunflower seeds and hemp seeds are nice) or nuts.

6. Is this meal gluten-free?

Yes, the entire recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free grains. Check your grain packaging to ensure it’s certified gluten-free if needed.

7. Is this salad kid-friendly?

Yes! The flavors mimic a classic cheeseburger, making it a fun and healthier option for kids. You can even let them help assemble the salad for added enjoyment!

8. Do I have to use fresh beets?

Fresh or frozen beets will both work just fine.

9. Can I serve this salad warm?

Yes! For a comforting twist, serve the mini burgers still warm on top of the salad and drizzle with the dressing just before serving.

💡 Pro Tips for the Ultimate Fast Food Cheeseburger Salad

• Perfect Your Croutons: For extra crunch, toast the sesame seed bun croutons in a pan before adding them to the salad. This enhances their flavor and gives them a satisfying crunch.
• Add a Protein Boost: If you want even more protein, consider adding chickpeas or black beans to the salad. They complement the flavors and make the dish even more filling.
• Get Creative with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to add your favorite toppings like sliced avocado, pickled onions, or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for an extra cheesy flavor.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust the seasoning of the patties and dressing to your liking. A little extra garlic powder or a splash of vinegar can elevate the flavors.
• Prep Ahead: Make the cheeseburger patties, buns, and dressing in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer. This makes it easy to whip up a quick meal during the week.

🧂If you absolutely must add salt then try to add it to taste, to the top of the food, and in small amounts and only after tasting it first. The same goes for other “less healthy” additions, but the idea should be to try to limit and eventually remove adding them, over time, when you are ready.

After a few weeks of not eating a SAD diet your tastebuds reset and you’ll notice the natural sodium in foods, check out the great article, and subscribe to, Michael Corthell on Substack.

Conclusion

Whether you’re enjoying it as a light lunch or a fulfilling dinner, the Ultimate Fast Food Cheeseburger Salad is sure to be a standout dish that leaves you feeling energized and satisfied. Go ahead, indulge in this guilt-free twist on a beloved drive-through favorite, and savor the flavors that transport you back to your favorite fast-food moments—now with a nourishing, wholesome twist! Enjoy every bite!

The Science – Sources

Please tell me how it turned out! Did you: try it, like it, hate it, change it, or do something else unexpected???

If I’ve made any mistakes, or something doesn’t make sense, or if you want more/less details, please let me know in the comments.

Stay healthy and nourished!

Chef Robert Leigh.

Ultimate Fast Food Cheeseburger Salad: You’ll Be Lovin’ It!

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