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.