Save to Pinterest Satisfy your burger cravings with this Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Salad. This hearty, low-carb meal captures all the classic flavors of a bacon cheeseburger—crisp lettuce, juicy beef, and melty cheese—without the bun. It is a vibrant and filling option for anyone looking for a delicious American-style main dish that fits a gluten-free and keto lifestyle.
Save to Pinterest This recipe is as versatile as it is flavorful. By using fresh cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, and tangy pickles, you create a salad that is nutritionally dense and incredibly satisfying. Whether you are prepping a quick 35-minute dinner or looking for a gourmet low-carb lunch, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
- Meats: 8 slices bacon, 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
- Vegetables & Fresh: 8 cups chopped romaine lettuce, 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), 1 avocado (diced), 1/2 small red onion (thinly sliced), 1/2 cup dill pickles (sliced)
- Cheese: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- For the Burger Sauce: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp sugar-free ketchup, 1 tbsp yellow mustard, 1 tbsp dill pickle juice, 1 tsp smoked paprika, Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Seasonings: 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble once it has cooled.
- Step 2
- Discard excess bacon fat, leaving about 1 tbsp in the skillet. Add the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned, breaking it up into bite-sized pieces. Drain any excess fat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Step 3
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, yellow mustard, dill pickle juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to create the savory burger sauce.
- Step 4
- Arrange the chopped romaine lettuce in a large salad bowl or across individual plates. Top the lettuce with the cooked ground beef, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, red onion, pickles, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Step 5
- Drizzle the salad generously with the burger sauce just before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the lettuce stays crisp, allow the cooked ground beef and bacon to cool for a few minutes before assembling the salad. If you prefer a warmer dish, you can serve the meat immediately, but the lettuce may wilt slightly. Always remember to drain the ground beef thoroughly after browning to keep the salad from becoming greasy.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For extra heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños or swapping the shredded cheddar for pepper jack cheese. If you need a dairy-free option, simply omit the cheese or substitute it with your favorite vegan alternative. You can also experiment with different greens, such as a mix of iceberg and romaine, for varied texture.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this salad immediately while the proteins are still warm for the best experience. If you are preparing this for meal prep, keep the burger sauce and the wet ingredients like tomatoes and pickles in separate containers until you are ready to eat. This keeps everything fresh and crunchy.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy a delicious, guilt-free meal that brings all the joy of a backyard barbecue to your table. This Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Salad is a testament to how satisfying and flavorful low-carb eating can be. Dig in and savor every bite of this American classic reimagined.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Prepare all ingredients in advance, but assemble just before serving. Store cooked beef and bacon separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep vegetables washed and chopped in airtight containers. Make the sauce ahead and refrigerate—it actually tastes better after the flavors meld together for a few hours.
- → What other vegetables work well in this?
Try adding cucumber slices for extra crunch, bell peppers for color and sweetness, or sautéed mushrooms for umami richness. Grilled zucchini strips or roasted cauliflower florets also complement the beef and bacon beautifully while keeping it low-carb.
- → Can I use a different protein?
Ground turkey or chicken work well if you prefer a lighter option—just add a bit more fat or seasonings since they're leaner than beef. For a vegetarian version, try plant-based crumbles seasoned the same way, or skip the meat entirely and load up on cheese, avocado, and hard-boiled eggs for protein.
- → How can I adjust the sauce flavor?
Add a splash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños for heat, or stir in Worcestershire sauce for deeper savory notes. A touch of smoked paprika enhances the grilled flavor profile, while fresh minced garlic or onion adds aromatic depth. Adjust the pickle juice to taste—more for tanginess, less for subtle flavor.
- → Is this meal prep friendly?
Absolutely. Portion the cooked beef, bacon crumbles, cheese, and vegetables into separate containers. Store the sauce in a small jar or dressing container. When ready to eat, simply reheat the meat and assemble your bowl. The flavors stay fresh for 3-4 days when properly stored.
- → What can I serve alongside this?
Pair with roasted vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower for extra volume. A side of keto-friendly coleslaw or cucumber salad complements the rich flavors perfectly. If you're not strictly keto, a small portion of sweet potato fries or roasted potatoes works well.