Calling this a recipe almost feels like a cop-out, but I’ve been so obsessed with this lately I just had to share. With Memorial Day just a few weeks away (um, how did this happen?), barbecue season is almost upon us. What better time to talk about burgers?

Burgers are one of those classic American foods. I’ve certainly posted my fair share of veggies burgers, turkey burgers, and even beef burgers (after realizing I don’t actually hate the taste as much as I used to) on here over the years. Typically, we think of burgers as something you eat with a bun or that is somehow incomplete without one.

Well, today, I’m calling bulls*** on that notion.

Now, I’m not knocking the burger bun tradition, but similar to how you can take meatballs out of context and eat them over steamed greens or zucchini noodles, turns out burgers are delicious served in lettuce or collard wraps a la Bareburger or—my current favorite—over salad. This turkey burger salad from Five Napkin is a lovely example:

I’ve been making my own version of this at home at least two or three times a week for the past month. It’s stupid-easy. Just toss your favorite greens with whatever other veggies you’d like, plus a simple dressing. Take it a step further and add any ingredients you’d normally like on a burger, such as avocado, caramelized onion, or cheese. Then top with your favorite burger. Lately I’m digging turkey burgers and Dr. Praeger’s California Veggie Burgers.

Weird, is good, what can I say? I’m definitely looking forward to enjoying more variations on my new classic this summer.

Oh gosh, I just said that “s” word. Summer! It’s coming…

Do you like burgers? What do you top yours with?