Keto Cheeseburger Salad with Pickles and Mustard Dressing
A deconstructed cheeseburger in salad form, featuring ground beef, cheddar cheese, crunchy pickles, and a tangy mustard dressing. This american-inspired keto (low carb, high protein) ready in about 20 minutes blends ground beef (80/20), shredded sharp cheddar cheese, chopped romaine lettuce into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup sliced dill pickles
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp onion powder. Cook for 7-8 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spatula until browned and cooked through.
- Step 2: While the beef cooks, prepare the dressing by whisking together 2 tbsp yellow mustard, 3 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 2 tbsp olive oil in a small bowl until smooth.
- Step 3: In a large salad bowl, combine 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce, 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup sliced dill pickles.
- Step 4: Add the warm cooked ground beef to the salad and toss gently with the prepared mustard dressing until everything is evenly coated.
- Step 5: Serve immediately for a hearty, keto-friendly cheeseburger-inspired salad.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Keto Cheeseburger Salad with Pickles and Mustard Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Keto Cheeseburger Salad with Pickles and Mustard Dressing?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Keto Cheeseburger Salad with Pickles and Mustard Dressing?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Keto Cheeseburger Salad with Pickles and Mustard Dressing for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Keto Cheeseburger Salad with Pickles and Mustard Dressing low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
