Mini-cheeseburger Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette

Mini-Cheeseburger Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Mini-cheeseburger salad with mustard vinaigrette is a delicious and unique twist on the classic cheeseburger. This recipe combines all the flavors of a cheeseburger in a lighter and healthier salad form, making it perfect for a light lunch or dinner option.

History

The concept of a cheeseburger salad is a modern take on the traditional cheeseburger. By deconstructing the burger and turning it into a salad, this recipe offers a fresh and innovative way to enjoy the flavors of a cheeseburger in a lighter and more nutritious way.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) ground turkey, beef, or pork
0.5 cup finely chopped onion
1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
2 tsp seasoning of choice
8 oz (227 g) sharp cheddar cheese (garlic, herb, or horseradish flavored)
1 cup drained pickles
3 tbsp dijon mustard
4 tbsp cider vinegar
0.67 cup olive oil

How to prepare

Combine the meat, onion, Worcestershire sauce, and seasoning.
Form the mixture into mini patties and drizzle with olive oil.
Grill or sauté the patties until they are almost done.
Add slices of cheese and broil until melted.
Arrange salad greens on a platter.
Toss the greens with dressing and top with the mini burgers, pickles, and drizzle mustard over all.
Enjoy.

Variations

Substitute ground beef or turkey for the pork in the mini patties.
Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or Swiss, for a different flavor profile.
Add additional toppings like bacon, avocado, or caramelized onions for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to season the meat mixture well to ensure that the mini patties are flavorful.

- Drizzling the patties with olive oil before grilling or sautéing helps to keep them moist and juicy.

- Be careful not to overcook the mini patties, as they can become dry and tough.

- Broiling the cheese on top of the patties adds a delicious melted cheese topping to the salad.

- Tossing the salad greens with the dressing before adding the toppings ensures that the flavors are evenly distributed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the mini-cheeseburger salad with mustard vinaigrette as a light lunch or dinner option. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a side of sweet potato fries or a cup of soup.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling or sautéing the mini patties adds a delicious charred flavor to the meat, while broiling the cheese on top creates a gooey and melty topping.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have pork on hand, you can use ground beef, turkey, or chicken as a substitute. You can also use any type of cheese that melts well for the topping.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the mini patties and dressing ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the salad. This makes it a great option for meal prep.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the mini-cheeseburger salad on a platter with the salad greens as the base, topped with the mini patties, pickles, and a drizzle of mustard vinaigrette. Garnish with fresh herbs or additional cheese for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Mini-cheeseburger salad with mustard vinaigrette pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. It also goes well with a light beer or a refreshing iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover mini-cheeseburger salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave the salad until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of mini-cheeseburger salad with mustard vinaigrette contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of mini-cheeseburger salad with mustard vinaigrette contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of mini-cheeseburger salad with mustard vinaigrette contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of mini-cheeseburger salad with mustard vinaigrette contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains pork, dairy (cheese), and mustard, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Mini-cheeseburger salad with mustard vinaigrette is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Mini-cheeseburger salad with mustard vinaigrette is a delicious and innovative twist on the classic cheeseburger. This recipe offers a lighter and healthier way to enjoy the flavors of a cheeseburger in a salad form, making it a perfect option for a light lunch or dinner.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It all started back in the summer of 1965, when I was just a young girl with a passion for cooking. My grandmother, who was a fantastic cook herself, had invited me to spend a week with her in her cozy little kitchen in the countryside.

One afternoon, as we were preparing lunch together, she pulled out a faded old recipe book from the bottom of her pantry. It was filled with handwritten notes and splattered with various cooking ingredients - a true testament to the many delicious meals that had been created from its pages. As we flipped through the book, a particular recipe caught my eye - Mini-cheeseburger Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette.

My grandmother smiled as she saw the excitement in my eyes. "Ah, I remember the first time I made this salad," she reminisced. "It was at a potluck dinner with some friends, and it was an instant hit. I must have written down the recipe right away so I wouldn't forget it."

As we gathered the ingredients and began preparing the salad, my grandmother shared with me the story of how she came across the recipe. It turned out that she had been at a local farmer's market one day, picking up fresh produce for dinner, when she bumped into an old friend who happened to be selling homemade pickles.

The friend insisted on giving my grandmother a jar of her famous mustard pickles, along with a handwritten recipe for a salad that she claimed would be the perfect accompaniment. Intrigued, my grandmother decided to give it a try, and the rest, as they say, is history.

The Mini-cheeseburger Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette was a delightful combination of all my favorite flavors - juicy mini cheeseburgers, crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, crunchy pickles, and a tangy mustard vinaigrette that tied it all together. It was a refreshing twist on the classic cheeseburger, and I couldn't get enough of it.

As we sat down to enjoy our lunch, my grandmother and I shared stories and laughter, savoring every bite of the delicious salad. It was a moment I would never forget - the taste of the salad, the warmth of my grandmother's kitchen, and the love that went into every dish she cooked.

Over the years, I have made the Mini-cheeseburger Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette countless times, each time bringing back memories of that special summer with my grandmother. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on not just the ingredients and instructions, but also the love and joy that come with creating a delicious meal to share with loved ones.

As I write down the recipe in my own handwriting, adding it to my own collection of cherished recipes, I can't help but smile. This salad is more than just a dish - it's a reminder of the bond between generations, the joy of cooking, and the simple pleasures of sharing a meal with those we love.

And so, whenever I make the Mini-cheeseburger Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette, I do it with a full heart and a grateful spirit, honoring the tradition that has been passed down to me and celebrating the memories that will forever be a part of my culinary journey.