Blue cheese and balsamic burger salad is a nourishing, umami-packed dinner that combines juicy grilled burgers with caramelized onions, creamy blue cheese, and fresh arugula over a tangy balsamic vinaigrette.
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Why You’ll Love This Blue Cheese and Balsamic Burger Salad
I love a good burger, but when I want something that feels a little more nourishing than an order of burger and fries, I turn to this blue cheese and balsamic burger salad. There’s so much flavor in each layer and I’ve honestly come to crave it as much as an old fashioned drive-thru order.
This is a tasty, umami-packed dinner that starts with homemade caramelized onions—and no, you don’t have to spend an hour hovering over the stove to make them! This shortcut only takes 15 minutes but you’d never know it. They get much of their sweet, rich flavor from balsamic vinegar—a key ingredient you’ll use three different ways for this salad.
For the hamburgers, I like to use ground sirloin, which is leaner and milder in taste compared to regular ground beef. It’s such a great blank canvas for the blue cheese crumbles and balsamic glazed onions. If you can’t find it, however, regular ground beef or ground bison would both be perfectly adequate substitutes. And if it’s barbecue weather where you live, I highly recommend taking the burger patties out to cook them for that deep char and smoky flavor. It makes such a difference in this salad! If you love creative burger dishes, you might also enjoy our Easy Ground Beef Taco Salad or these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings for game day.
Ingredients for Blue Cheese and Balsamic Burger Salad
For the Balsamic Glazed Onions:
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 medium yellow onions, halved and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Balsamic Vinaigrette:
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
For the Burgers:
- 2 pounds (90/10) ground sirloin
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese
- Baby arugula or mixed greens, for serving
For another delicious salad idea, try our Fresh Mexican Salad with Zesty Lime Dressing or this Strawberry Chicken Salad.
How to Make Blue Cheese and Balsamic Burger Salad
Step 1: Cook the Onions
Heat the olive oil in a large, deep frying pan over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring often, until soft and beginning to color around the edges, 10 to 12 minutes.
Step 2: Add Balsamic Vinegar and Spices
Stir in the balsamic vinegar, coconut sugar, salt, and pepper and continue to cook, stirring, until the liquid is absorbed and the onions are deep golden and caramelized, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, cover to keep warm and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Balsamic Vinaigrette
Combine all vinaigrette ingredients in a wide-mouth jar and blend with an immersion blender until smooth and emulsified. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Step 4: Shape the Patties
Divide the beef into 6 equal portions, 5 to 5.5 ounces each, and shape into patties. Place the patties on a baking sheet and use your thumb to make a shallow well in the center of each (this will help them hold their shape while grilling).
Step 5: Preheat the Grill
Preheat the grill (or grill pan) over medium-high heat and maintain a temperature between 400°F and 450°F.
Step 6: Season the Burgers
Just before grilling, brush the top of the patties evenly with Dijon mustard, then drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season generously on both sides with salt and pepper.
Step 7: Cook the Hamburgers
When the grill is hot, add the burgers and cook until a golden brown crust forms on each side and they reach desired doneness, 5 to 6 minutes per side for medium. Avoid pressing the patties, as this forces the juices out, and turn only once for best results. During the last 1 to 2 minutes of cooking, top each patty with blue cheese crumbles, close the lid, and let the cheese melt just enough to stick to the burgers. Transfer the patties to a clean plate and rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to settle.
Step 8: Assemble the Salads
To serve, fill the bottom of a shallow bowl with a generous handful of lettuce and drizzle with the balsamic vinaigrette. Top with a generous amount of balsamic-glazed onions, then place a blue cheese burger patty on top. Finish with another drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette, serve immediately and enjoy!
For another hearty bowl-style meal, check out our Easy Chicken Burrito Bowl or this One-Pan Chicken Burrito Rice.
Tips for the Best Blue Cheese and Balsamic Burger Salad
Use a Silicone Spatula for the Onions
When caramelizing onions, a silicone spatula helps scrape up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Don’t Overwork the Burger Meat
Handle the ground sirloin gently when forming patties. Overworking makes burgers tough.
Let the Burgers Rest
Resting the cooked burgers for 5 minutes allows juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy bite every time.
If you’re looking for more burger inspiration, try our Favorite Taco Meat Recipe for taco burgers or these Reuben Egg Rolls for a fun appetizer.
What to Serve with Blue Cheese and Balsamic Burger Salad
This blue cheese and balsamic burger salad is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with:
- Grilled vegetables like asparagus or zucchini
- Sweet potato fries for a classic burger pairing
- A side of crusty bread to soak up extra vinaigrette
For a complete weeknight dinner lineup, consider our Creamy Sausage Pasta with Saffron or these One-Pan Italian Sausage and Orzo.
FAQs About Blue Cheese and Balsamic Burger Salad
What can I use instead of coconut sugar?
Coconut sugar adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness. Brown sugar works just as well if that’s what you have in your pantry!
Can I make this blue cheese burger salad ahead of time?
The burgers are definitely best cooked and served immediately, but you can make the vinaigrette up to five days ahead! Store it in an airtight container and give it a good shake before assembling the salads.
Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, try feta, goat cheese, or even sharp cheddar. Each will give the blue cheese and balsamic burger salad a unique flavor profile.
Can I cook the burgers indoors?
Yes! Use a cast-iron grill pan or a regular skillet over medium-high heat. Follow the same cooking times and temperature guidelines.
What’s the best lettuce for this burger salad?
Baby arugula adds a peppery bite that complements the sweet balsamic onions perfectly. Mixed greens or romaine also work well.
The next time you’re craving a burger, you have to try this blue cheese and balsamic burger salad. Comment below once you’ve tried this recipe and let me know what you think!
Want even more burger night recipes? Try these Smashburger with special truffle sauce, Monterey Melt Smash Burgers, or Greek-inspired grilled lamb burgers.
For trusted cooking techniques, Serious Eats has an excellent guide on perfect grilled burgers that complements this recipe.