Save to Pins Imagine all the flavors of your favorite bacon cheeseburger transformed into a delicious, guilt-free keto salad. This Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Salad with Avocado and Pickles delivers everything you love about a juicy burger—minus the carbs. Crisp romaine lettuce creates the perfect base for seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, and melty cheddar cheese, while creamy avocado adds richness and dill pickles bring that signature burger tang. Finished with a homemade burger sauce that ties all the flavors together, this hearty salad is a weeknight winner that satisfies even the strongest burger cravings.
Save to Pins The beauty of this Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Salad lies in how it transforms a traditionally carb-heavy meal into something that fits perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle. By layering all the classic burger components over fresh romaine instead of stuffing them between buns, you get to enjoy the full flavor experience while keeping your carb count low. The homemade burger sauce adds that authentic diner-style flavor that makes this salad truly special.
- 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
- 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.
- Brown the 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Finish and serve
- Drizzle with burger sauce just before serving.
For best results, make sure your ground beef is well-seasoned and properly drained to prevent your salad from becoming soggy. The burger sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you're meal prepping, store all components separately and assemble just before eating to maintain the freshness and texture of each ingredient.
This salad can be easily modified to suit different dietary needs or taste preferences. For a spicier version, add sliced jalapeños or swap the cheddar for pepper jack cheese. If you're dairy-free, simply omit the cheese or use a vegan alternative. For those who prefer a lighter option, ground turkey can replace beef, though this will alter the authentic burger flavor. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers or cucumber for more crunch.
Serve this Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Salad immediately after assembly, while the beef and bacon are still slightly warm for the best contrast with the cool, crisp vegetables. For a complete meal, pair with keto-friendly sides like avocado slices or cheese crisps. This salad makes an impressive centerpiece for a low-carb gathering, especially when served family-style in a large bowl allowing guests to help themselves.
Save to Pins Whether you're committed to a keto lifestyle or simply looking to cut carbs without sacrificing flavor, this Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Salad delivers all the satisfaction of a traditional burger in a fresher, lighter format. The combination of warm, savory beef and bacon with cool, crisp vegetables creates a delightful contrast that keeps every bite interesting. With its perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and minimal carbs, this salad proves that eating keto can be both delicious and enjoyable—no bun required!