Save to Pinterest This Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Salad with Avocado and Pickles is a hearty, low-carb meal that captures all the classic flavors of a beloved American staple. By combining crisp lettuce, juicy beef, melty cheese, and a tangy burger sauce, you get the full burger experience without the need for a bun. It is a satisfying solution for anyone following a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle.
Save to Pinterest Whether you are looking for a filling lunch or a quick family dinner, this salad delivers. The combination of warm, seasoned ground beef and cold, crisp vegetables creates a delightful texture that keeps you coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 8 slices bacon
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
- 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
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sugar-free ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp dill pickle juice
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- 1. Cook the Bacon
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble when cool.
- 2. Brown the Ground Beef
- Discard excess bacon fat, leaving about 1 tbsp in the skillet. Add ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned, breaking up into bite-sized pieces. Drain excess fat and set aside to cool slightly.
- 3. Prepare the Burger Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, mustard, dill pickle juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to make the burger sauce.
- 4. Assemble the Salad
- Arrange romaine lettuce in a large salad bowl or individual plates. Top with the cooked ground beef, bacon, tomatoes, avocado, red onion, pickles, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- 5. Finish and Serve
- Drizzle with burger sauce just before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the best flavor, cook the ground beef in the small amount of reserved bacon fat. This adds a smoky depth to the meat that complements the fresh vegetables. Make sure to drain the beef well before adding it to the salad to keep the lettuce crisp.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily customize this recipe based on your dietary needs or flavor preferences. For an extra kick, add sliced jalapeños or swap the cheddar for pepper jack cheese. To make the dish dairy-free, simply omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
Serviervorschläge
For the best texture and temperature contrast, serve the salad immediately while the beef and bacon are still warm. This dish pairs excellently with a side of keto-friendly roasted vegetables if you desire a larger meal.
Save to Pinterest This Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Salad is a nutritional powerhouse, providing 520 calories, 39g of fat, and 33g of protein per serving. It is a delicious way to hit your macros while enjoying a meal that feels like a treat.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit the cheddar cheese or substitute with your favorite vegan cheese alternative. The dish remains satisfying and flavorful without it.
- → How long does the burger sauce keep?
The homemade sauce stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, making it convenient to prepare ahead for quick assembly.
- → What other vegetables work well in this bowl?
Sliced cucumber, shredded cabbage, or cauliflower rice would all complement the flavors beautifully while maintaining the low-carb profile.
- → Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Ground turkey or chicken both work well, though you may want to add a bit more fat or seasoning since they're leaner than 80/20 beef.
- → Is this suitable for meal prep?
Yes, store components separately in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the sauce, cooked beef, bacon, and chopped vegetables in individual containers, then assemble when ready to eat.
- → What can I substitute for sugar-free ketchup?
Regular ketchup adds minimal impact per serving, or try tomato paste with a splash of vinegar and a pinch of sweetener for a homemade alternative.