Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

This cheeseburger salad packs all the bold, savory flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger—crisp lettuce, juicy beef, crunchy pickles, and a tangy “burger sauce” dressing—into a fresh, low-carb bowl.

This cheeseburger salad is a delicious, low-carb twist on a fast food favorite, combining seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and smoky crumbled bacon for a satisfying meal in a bowl. Topped with a tangy, creamy burger-inspired dressing made from mayo, ketchup, mustard, and pickle juice, it delivers all the bold, savory flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger—no bun required. Customize it with your favorite toppings like avocado, jalapeños, or extra pickles for added crunch and kick. Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner, this salad is as hearty as it is refreshing.

Servings

2

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Total Time

40 minutes

For the Beef
1 lb ground beef
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, for flavor)

For the Salad
6 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup diced red onion or pickles (or both!)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
Optional: avocado slices or jalapeños

For the Dressing (Burger Sauce Style)
½ cup mayo
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
1 tbsp pickle juice or vinegar
1 tsp paprika or smoked paprika
Optional: dash of hot sauce or minced garlic

Cooking the Bacon and Beef

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 4 strips bacon until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, then crumble once cooled.
  • In the same skillet, add 1 lb ground beef and cook for about 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns.
  • Season with 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon onion powder.
  • Stir in 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional) and cook for another minute. Drain excess grease if needed, then set aside.

Preparing the Dressing

  • In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon mustard (yellow or Dijon), 1 tablespoon pickle juice or vinegar, and 1 teaspoon paprika (regular or smoked) until smooth.
  • Add an optional dash of hot sauce or minced garlic for extra flavor, then set aside.

Assembling the Salad

  • In a large bowl, combine 6 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, and ½ cup diced red onion or pickles (or a mix of both).
  • Add the warm ground beef and crumbled bacon on top, followed by 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Include optional toppings like avocado slices or jalapeños if desired.

Finishing and Serving

  • Drizzle the burger-style dressing over the salad or serve it on the side.
  • Toss lightly if you prefer everything coated, or keep it layered for presentation.
  • Serve immediately while the beef is still warm for the best flavor and texture.

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