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Cheeseburger Salad with Tofu Crumble “Burger Meat”

Miranda | The Herby Eater
Everything you love about a cheeseburger, without the bun. This salad brings together mixed greens, tangy pickles, juicy grape tomatoes, crisp red onion, shredded cheese, and a savory tofu crumble seasoned to taste just like burger meat. Finished with a drizzle of ranch, it’s satisfying, high in protein, and makes weekday lunch feel like diner comfort food in a bowl.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch, Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 2 servings

Equipment

  • Nonstick skillet
  • Spatula
  • Mixing bowl
  • Cutting board and knife

Ingredients
  

For the Tofu “Burger” Crumble

  • 1 14-oz block firm tofu, pressed and crumbled
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp yellow mustard
  • ½ tsp salt or to taste
  • Freshly cracked pepper to taste

For Salad

  • 4 cups mixed greens
  • ½ cup grape tomatoes halved
  • ¼ cup dill pickle slices or chopped pickles
  • ¼ cup red onion thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup shredded cheddar or vegan cheese
  • 2 –3 tbsp ranch dressing dairy or vegan

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the crumbled tofu and cook 5–7 minutes until the edges start to brown.
  • Stir in soy sauce, tomato paste, mustard, and all seasonings. Cook another 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tofu absorbs color and develops a meaty texture. Set aside to cool slightly.
  • In a large bowl or on individual plates, layer mixed greens, tomatoes, pickles, and red onion.
  • Spoon the warm tofu crumble over the greens, then sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
  • Drizzle with ranch dressing and toss lightly before serving. Optional: top with toasted sesame seeds for a “burger bun” nod.

Notes

The tofu crumble stores well in the fridge up to 4 days and reheats quickly in a skillet or microwave.
Vegan option: Choose vegan cheese and vegan ranch; everything else stays the same.
Add a spoonful of ketchup and mustard to your dressing for a “burger sauce” vibe and flavor.
Keyword Dinner, Gluten Free, Lunch, Salad, Vegan, Vegetarian