Dinner

Keto Cheeseburger Salad Recipe

Byreem everly January 21, 2026January 21, 2026

Introduction

This Keto Cheeseburger Salad delivers all the comforting flavors of a classic cheeseburger without the carbs from the bun. Packed with seasoned ground beef, melty cheddar, tangy pickles, and a creamy special sauce, it’s a satisfying low-carb meal perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

A white bowl filled with a fresh salad layered with green leafy lettuce at the bottom, topped with slices of light green cucumbers and small brown crispy bacon bits scattered throughout. There are also seasoned ground beef pieces adding a dark brown texture on top of the lettuce. Thinly sliced purple onions are placed in the center of the bowl, creating a vibrant contrast. Bright orange shredded cheddar cheese is sprinkled generously over the salad, and an orange creamy dressing is drizzled all over the top. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a white and gray striped cloth partially underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 any excess grease and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, yellow 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 each salad just before serving and toss gently to combine.

Tips & Variations

Use grass-fed ground beef for a richer flavor and higher nutrient content.
Swap the bacon for sliced avocado for a creamy, keto-friendly alternative.
Add a handful of cherry tomatoes or diced cucumber for extra freshness and crunch.
Make the special sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week.

Storage

Store leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the cooked beef and dressing chilled and assemble the salad fresh to avoid soggy lettuce. Reheat the beef gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.

How to Serve

A white bowl holds a layered salad starting with fresh, bright green romaine lettuce leaves at the base. On top, there is a layer of thinly sliced light green pickles scattered around. Dark brown cooked ground beef pieces and small chunks of crispy reddish-brown bacon are sprinkled evenly over the salad. Bright orange shredded cheddar cheese is scattered lightly on top. The center features a small pile of thinly sliced purple-red onions. The whole salad is drizzled with a creamy light orange dressing. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a striped white and gray cloth napkin visible on the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad dairy-free?

Yes, simply omit the shredded cheddar cheese or substitute it with a dairy-free cheese alternative to keep it keto-friendly and dairy-free.

What can I use instead of sugar-free ketchup?

If you don’t have sugar-free ketchup, you can use regular ketchup but be mindful of the added sugars, or substitute with tomato paste mixed with a little vinegar and sweetener for a low-carb version.