Keto Cheeseburger Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Keto Cheeseburger Salad brings all the classic flavors of a cheeseburger into a fresh, low-carb meal. It’s a quick, satisfying dish perfect for lunch or dinner that’s both hearty and healthy.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 6 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced dill pickles
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
- For the Special Sauce Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sugar-free ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp pickle juice
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Drain excess grease and set aside to cool slightly.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, and salt until smooth to make the special sauce dressing.
- Step 3: Divide the chopped lettuce evenly between serving bowls.
- Step 4: Top the lettuce with cooked ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, diced pickles, sliced red onion, and crumbled bacon if using.
- Step 5: Drizzle the special sauce dressing over the salads just before serving and toss gently to combine.
Tips & Variations
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to add a bit of spice.
- Try adding avocado slices or a hard-boiled egg for extra richness and texture.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the beef with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based burger substitute.
Storage
Store leftover salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing in its own container to prevent the lettuce from wilting. When ready to eat, recombine and toss gently. Reheat the cooked beef before assembling if desired.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but keep the lettuce and dressing separate until just before serving to avoid sogginess. Cook and store the beef ahead, then assemble when ready to eat.
Is this salad suitable for a low-carb diet?
Absolutely! This recipe uses keto-friendly ingredients and avoids high-carb additions, making it perfect for low-carb and ketogenic diets.
PrintKeto Cheeseburger Salad Recipe
This Keto Cheeseburger Salad is a low-carb, high-flavor dish that combines seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, shredded cheddar, and a tangy special sauce. It perfectly mimics the classic flavors of a cheeseburger in a fresh, satisfying salad form, ideal for anyone following a keto or low-carb lifestyle.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 6 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced dill pickles
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
Special Sauce Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sugar-free ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp pickle juice
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Drain excess grease and set aside slightly to cool.
- Prepare the Special Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle juice, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Salad Base: Divide the chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce evenly between serving bowls.
- Add Toppings: Top the lettuce with the cooked ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, diced dill pickles, sliced red onion, and crumbled cooked bacon if using.
- Dress and Toss: Drizzle the special sauce dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to combine all ingredients and ensure even flavor distribution.
Notes
- You can omit the bacon or use turkey bacon for a lighter option.
- For extra crunch, add sliced cucumbers or cherry tomatoes.
- This salad is best served immediately after dressing to keep the lettuce crisp.
- Store leftovers separately to maintain freshness.
- Use full-fat mayonnaise and cheese to stay within keto guidelines.
Keywords: keto salad, cheeseburger salad, low carb recipe, keto dinner, ground beef salad, keto lunch
