This deconstructed plant-based burger gets a punch of citrus and savory garlic flavor from the Lemon Garlic Dressing & Marinade from Tessemae’s Organic. The result is a fresh and bright Lemon Garlic Burger Bowl that uses the dressing two ways—to cook the plant-based meatless ground and to dress the salad.
You’ll love this easy recipe because the dressing does the heavy lifting. Plus, the entire meal can be on the table in about 25 minutes.
Make your own combinations
Because this recipe is basically a deconstructed burger, it’s easy to mix and match ingredients based on what you like. If you’re not a fan of avocado, skip it. Prefer to add a bit more heartiness? Sauté some mushrooms and onions to mimic another classic burger topper.
You can easily swap or mix and match ingredients based on preference. Here are a few ideas:
- Try halved cherry tomatoes instead of a sliced Roma tomato.
- Add pickled or marinated onions in lieu of raw slices.
- Switch up the lettuce or mix in a handful of spinach.
- Sprinkle in some sesame seeds for a slightly nutty garnish.
- Bulk it up with other ingredients, like roasted red peppers, a side of roasted sweet potatoes, or oven fries.
While the compatible meatless ground makes this a flexible bowl for the Original and Plant-Based Whole30, you could swap in ground beef or turkey. Just add some additional seasoning—salt, pepper, and garlic powder to match the flavor profile of the dressing—to boost the flavor of the meat.

Save time by prepping in advance
Even though this is a fairly straightforward weeknight meal to pull together in less than half an hour, you can easily prep all of your veggies and toppings in advance. Mix and match your ingredients to create bowls for variety throughout the week. You can even prepare your plant-based “beef” in advance, as it’s just as delicious served cold or at room temperature.
Tessemae’s lineup of Whole30 Approved® dressings and marinades is made with real, recognizable ingredients like aromatic spices, cage-free eggs, and farm-fresh herbs and vegetables. It’s the kind of helper that supports your Whole30 goals while keeping mealtime interesting.
Reach for a classic like Creamy Ranch or mix things up with Cilantro Lime Ranch or Buffalo Ranch. Tessemae’s has something to match your taste, no matter where you are in your Whole30 journey. Save 15% on your order at Tessemaes.com with code WHOLE30 at checkout.
Note: Plant-Based Whole30 compatible varieties include: Lemon Garlic, Balsamic Vinaigrette, and Lemon Pepper.
Other ideas for the Lemon Garlic Dressing & Marinade
The Whole30 Approved Tessemae’s Organic Lemon Garlic Dressing & Marinade is a terrific option for this recipe. Here are a few plant-based ideas where it fits perfectly:
- Chickpea Salad: Toss a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas with cucumbers, red onion and cherry tomatoes. Stir in some of the dressing for a light, Mediterranean-inspired bowl.
- Tofu Steaks: Soak thick slices of pressed tofu in the dressing and marinade for a few hours. Sauté the marinated tofu steaks in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 to 7 minutes per side.
- Grilled Veggie Wrap: Drizzle the dressing onto a grilled veggie and hummus lettuce wrap for a finishing burst of citrus.
Ingredients
- 10 oz plant-based ground “beef” or compatible alternative (ex: beef, chicken, turkey)
- 3 tbsp Tessemae’s Organic Lemon Garlic Dressing & Marinade plus more for serving
- 2 heads romaine lettuce chopped and washed
- 1 large Roma tomato thinly sliced
- 1/2 medium red onion thinly sliced
- 1/2 large avocado sliced or chopped
- 1/4 cup sliced dill pickles
Instructions
- COOK the plant-based “beef” by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add in 3 tablespoons of Tessemae’s Organic Lemon Garlic Dressing & Marinade. Stir in compatible plant-based ground “beef” and sauté for 8 to 10 minutes. Internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- ASSEMBLE salad bowls by creating a base layer of chopped romaine lettuce into each bowl. Spoon in some of the cooked plant-based meat. Add in prepared tomato, red onion, avocado, and dill pickles.
- DRIZZLE entire salad with Tessemae’s Organic Lemon Garlic Dressing & Marinade.
- SERVE and enjoy!