Loaded Ground Turkey Burger Salad

Make bacon bits: Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and place strips of bacon flat, not touching. Place the baking sheet into a COLD oven, THEN turn the oven to 375F degrees. Bake for 22-25 minutes until dark and beginning to crisp. Use a fork to move the bacon to a plate lined with a paper towel to catch extra grease. Let the bacon cool for 5-10 minutes before cutting into small bits on a cutting board.

Cook turkey mixture: Heat oil in a non-stick skillet over medium high heat. When hot, add ground turkey, onion, mustard, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Cook for about 6-7 minutes or until the meat has browned and the onions are translucent. Set aside in a bowl to cool for a few minutes before adding to the salads.

Make dressing: In a medium mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise and whip briefly to remove any lumps. Add ketchup and pickle juice, then stir until well mixed. Add another tablespoon of pickle juice if needed to make thinner dressing.

Assemble salads and serve: To each serving, add about 2 cups greens, 1/2 cup turkey mixture, 2 tablespoons bacon bits, 1/4 cup pickles, 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, and 1/4 cup cheddar cheese (build up your salad as big or little as you want – add more or less toppings, and customize with marinated onions, sliced jalapenos, avocado, anything you’d put on a burger!). Top with the homemade special sauce dressing and serve immediately.

Store and meal prep: Store all leftover ingredients separately or assemble salads in airtight meal prep containers. Do not add dressing until you are about to eat the salad! For freshest leftovers, enjoy within 3 days.