Smashburger Salad and Why September is Perfect for House Hunting
Back to school season is in full swing, and if you're like me, you're looking for quick, healthy dinner solutions that don't sacrifice flavor! This month I'm whipping up a delicious smashburger salad that satisfies those burger cravings while keeping things light and fresh. Plus, I'm sharing why September is hands down one of the best times to start your house hunting journey!
The Perfect Solution for Busy School Nights
Let's be honest – the back-to-school rush can be overwhelming. Between getting the kids settled into their routines, managing work schedules, and trying to maintain some semblance of a healthy home life, dinner can feel like just another task on an endless to-do list. That's where this smashburger salad comes in! It's got all the flavors you love about a classic burger but comes together quickly and won't leave you feeling sluggish.
What Makes This Smashburger Salad Recipe Special
The magic is in the technique – those perfectly thin, crispy-edged patties that cook in just 45 seconds per side, paired with all your favorite burger fixings over a bed of fresh greens. And that special sauce? *Chef's kiss* – it brings the whole dish together!
Ingredients:
Dressing
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 Tbsp. ketchup
1 Tbsp. yellow mustard
1 Tbsp. finely chopped dill pickles
2 tsp. pickle brine
Salad
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1 lb. ground beef chuck (85% lean)
5 cups shredded or chopped iceberg lettuce
1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup dill pickle slices, roughly chopped
Burger Bun Croutons
2 sesame hamburger buns, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
Here’s How to Do It:
Make Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, finely chopped pickles, and brine.
Fry Mini Burgers
Divide ground beef into 12 balls (about 1 Tbsp. each). Heat a large cast-iron or heavy skillet over high until it just begins to smoke. Add six balls to the hot pan and immediately press down on them with a heavy spatula until the patties are 2 to 2 -1/2 inches in diameter. Season generously with salt and ground black pepper. Cook until pools of juice appear on the tops, 1 to 2 minutes. Flip patties and cook until browned and crusty on the second sides, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil. Repeat with the remaining six balls.
Arrange lettuce, tomatoes, pickle slices, cheese and onion in a bowl. Add burgers, a drizzle of dressing and some burger bun croutons.
How to Make Burger Bun Croutons
Place hamburger bun cubes on a baking sheet and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Bake in a 300°F oven until crisp, 14 to 15 minutes.
Watch the recipe come together here!
Why September is Perfect for House Hunting
Now, while we're talking about perfect timing, let's chat about why September is such a fantastic time for house hunting! Just like this recipe is perfect for busy school nights, September is perfect for house hunting. It's a great time to see school districts in action – drive by during pickup and drop-off to get a real feel for the community, traffic patterns, and how organized the school operations are.
See School Districts in Action During September House Hunting
Think about it: during the summer months, schools are quiet, neighborhoods feel different, and you can't really gauge what daily life will be like. But in September? You're seeing everything in full swing! You can observe:
How busy the morning and afternoon school rushes get
The general vibe of families in the neighborhood
How well the school manages traffic flow
The condition of school facilities when they're actively being used
Whether kids walk, bike, or get driven to school
September Real Estate Market Advantages
Plus, September buyers often have less competition than the spring and summer crowds, and sellers who are still on the market are typically motivated to make a deal before the holidays slow things down.
Don't Wait for the Perfect Time to Buy a Home
If you've been thinking about making a move, don't wait for the "perfect" time that might never come. The best time to buy is when you're ready and the house feels right. And if you have school-age kids, seeing those schools and neighborhoods during the active school season gives you invaluable insight into what your daily life could look like.
Ready to start your house hunting journey? I'm here to help you navigate the process and find a home that fits your family's needs perfectly. Let's chat!
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