When you’re craving a cheeseburger but want to stick to your low-carb, keto-friendly lifestyle, this Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Salad is the perfect go-to. It’s loaded with all the flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger minus the bun. You get the juicy beef, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and a crunchy, refreshing salad base. And the best part? It’s a fast and easy meal to prepare with basic ingredients, making it ideal for busy weeknights or even meal prepping for lunch. If you’re missing out on your favorite burger, this salad will more than make up for it.
So grab a fork and let’s dig into this guilt-free, low-carb burger salad that’s about to become a staple in your keto meal rotation.
Why This Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Salad is the Best Thing Ever
I’m not even joking—if you’re serious about your keto diet but love the taste of a hearty bacon cheeseburger, this is a game changer. You’re skipping the carbs from the burger bun, but still getting all the flavor and satisfaction. You can toss everything in under 30 minutes, and if you’re feeling fancy, you can even add your favorite keto-friendly toppings to mix it up a bit.
Plus, this salad is incredibly versatile. You can use ground beef or swap it out for ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking to lighten it up. I love that the salad is also packed with healthy fats from the avocado and bacon, giving you plenty of fuel to stay in ketosis.
Here’s what you’ll need for the magic to happen.
Ingredients for Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Salad
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for that good fat ratio)
- 6 strips of bacon (crispy, chopped)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil for extra richness)
- 2 cups romaine lettuce (chopped)
- 1 cup iceberg lettuce (for extra crunch)
- 1 avocado (sliced)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese you love)
- 1/4 cup red onions (sliced thin)
- 1/4 cup dill pickles (chopped)
- Cherry tomatoes (optional, but they add a pop of color and flavor)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (full-fat is ideal for keto)
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon sugar-free ketchup (check the labels for hidden sugars)
- 1 tablespoon pickle juice (trust me, it’s amazing)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds that smoky flavor you want in a burger)
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Salad
This salad is super easy to throw together, but it looks like you spent way more time on it than you actually did. Here’s how to make it.
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Start by frying up the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. You want to get that perfect balance between crunchy but not burnt. Once the bacon is done, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any extra grease, then chop it into bite-sized pieces.
Pro tip: Save a little bacon grease to cook your beef for extra flavor.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In the same pan, add your olive oil (or the reserved bacon grease) and toss in the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until it’s browned and cooked through. Season it generously with salt and pepper. You can also throw in a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for extra burger-like flavor.
Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat and set it aside.
Step 3: Prep Your Salad Base
While your beef is cooking, chop up your lettuce. I like to use a mix of romaine and iceberg because romaine gives you some vitamins and fiber, while iceberg adds that crunchy bite you want in a burger. Toss them together in a large salad bowl.
Slice the avocado, onions, and pickles. These will go on top of your salad for that extra burger-y experience.
Step 4: Make the Burger Dressing
This dressing is the real star of the show, in my opinion. Mix together mayonnaise, mustard, sugar-free ketchup, pickle juice, garlic powder, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. Taste it and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Some folks like it tangier (more pickle juice!), others like it creamier (add more mayo).
Step 5: Assemble Your Salad
Now it’s time for the fun part. Start by layering the cooked ground beef over your salad base, followed by your chopped bacon, shredded cheese, and sliced avocado. Sprinkle on the red onions, dill pickles, and cherry tomatoes if you’re using them.
Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss everything together lightly so the flavors mix but you don’t crush the lettuce. Alternatively, you can serve the dressing on the side if you’re meal prepping for the week. The salad is super customizable, so you can adjust the toppings to suit your tastes.
Customizing Your Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Salad
This salad is already packed with flavor, but there are endless ways to customize it and make it your own:
- Want more fat? Add some crumbled blue cheese or a dollop of sour cream.
- Spice it up! Mix some hot sauce or sriracha into the dressing if you like a bit of heat.
- Different protein? Try it with ground turkey or chicken if you’re not into beef. You could even use grilled chicken breast for a leaner version.
- Make it fancy: Throw in some crispy fried onions or even pork rinds for extra crunch without adding carbs.
- Don’t love pickles? Swap them for jalapenos if you prefer a kick.
Nutritional Breakdown (Approximate per serving)
This salad is perfectly keto-friendly, with plenty of fat to keep you in ketosis and low enough carbs that you don’t have to worry about breaking your diet.
- Calories: 620
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 50g
- Net Carbs: 5g
This is based on a typical serving size, but feel free to tweak it based on your appetite.
Tips for the Best Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Salad
1. Use Quality Ground Beef
For that rich, satisfying flavor, I highly recommend using 80/20 ground beef. It has enough fat to keep things juicy without drying out. If you go for a leaner cut, you might lose some of that burger feel.
2. Don’t Skip the Pickle Juice
The pickle juice in the dressing brings that signature tang you love from a burger. It’s the secret sauce that ties everything together, so don’t leave it out!
3. Keep Your Lettuce Crisp
When you prep your salad ahead of time, store the lettuce separately from the toppings and dressing. This way, your greens stay crunchy instead of getting soggy from the dressing or warm beef.
4. Make it Meal Prep-Friendly
This salad is a lifesaver if you’re doing keto meal prep. Cook the bacon and beef in advance, chop your veggies, and store everything separately in containers. When it’s time to eat, just toss everything together, and you’ve got a satisfying meal in minutes.
5. Don’t Fear the Fat
A lot of people new to keto tend to shy away from adding too much fat. Don’t! This salad is loaded with healthy fats from avocado, bacon, and cheese. It’s what keeps you full and fuels your body in ketosis, so embrace it.
Serving Suggestions
This Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Salad is a full meal on its own, but if you’re looking to add some variety or sides, here are a few keto-friendly ideas:
- Keto Garlic Breadsticks: Made with almond flour and cheese, these are great for soaking up any extra dressing.
- Cauliflower Fries: Crisp them up in the air fryer for a low-carb alternative to French fries.
- Avocado Deviled Eggs: These make a great appetizer or side if you’re hosting a keto-friendly dinner.
Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Salad
This Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Salad is not just a salad—it’s a full-on flavor bomb that will keep you satisfied and on track with your keto goals. It’s hearty enough to make you forget you’re even eating a salad, and the best part? No guilt, just deliciousness. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or whipping up a quick dinner, this recipe is a surefire winner in the low-carb world.
PrintSimple Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Salad Recipe
This Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Salad is packed with all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger, but without the bun! A low-carb, satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner, featuring juicy beef, crispy bacon, cheese, fresh lettuce, and a creamy dressing. Ideal for anyone following a keto or low-carb diet, this salad is quick and easy to make.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Keto, Low-Carb
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 6 strips of bacon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or bacon grease)
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup iceberg lettuce, chopped
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup red onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup dill pickles, chopped
- Cherry tomatoes (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon sugar-free ketchup
- 1 tablespoon pickle juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a skillet, fry bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside on a paper towel to drain.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In the same skillet, add olive oil (or reserved bacon grease) and cook ground beef until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- Prep the Salad Base: Chop the romaine and iceberg lettuce and place them in a large salad bowl. Add the sliced avocado, red onions, and pickles.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, sugar-free ketchup, pickle juice, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the Salad: Layer the cooked beef and bacon over the lettuce base. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and drizzle with the dressing. Toss lightly and serve.
Notes
- For extra crunch, add fried onions or pork rinds.
- Store ingredients separately if making ahead to keep the lettuce crisp.
- Customize by swapping ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Please note: The recipe or ingredients shown in the video might vary slightly from what’s listed here. Use the video as an illustration, but for the best results, stick to the recipe provided in this article.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1000mg
- Fat: 50g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Make This Salad Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! You can skip the cheese, and swap the mayo for a dairy-free version like avocado mayo. The salad will still be super tasty and keto-friendly.
How Long Does It Keep in the Fridge?
The salad ingredients (minus the dressing) will keep for about 3-4 days in the fridge if stored separately. The dressing can last up to a week in an airtight container.
Is This Salad Gluten-Free?
Yes! As long as you double-check that your ketchup and other ingredients are gluten-free, you’re good to go.