Hey y’all! If you crave all the savory, tangy flavors of a Big Mac but want something a little lighter, this Big Mac Salad is about to rock your world. Packed with crisp lettuce, juicy ground beef, creamy cheese, and that iconic “special sauce,” it’s the perfect recipe for family dinners, meal prepping, potlucks, or anytime you want a fast, crowd-pleasing meal. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This
- All the best Big Mac flavors in a lighter, bun-free salad form!
- Quick to whip up – ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Totally customizable for keto, low-carb, or gluten-free diets.
- Great for meal prep, parties, or busy weeknight dinners.
- Creamy, tangy, and satisfyingly crunchy in every bite!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred for juiciness)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce (about 2 large heads)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup dill pickles, sliced or chopped
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1/2 cup Big Mac “special sauce” (see below)
For the Big Mac Special Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and onion powder.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Special Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, vinegar, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Refrigerate until ready to use for optimal flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Salad
- Add chopped romaine lettuce to a large salad bowl.
- Layer on the browned beef, shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, pickles, and red onion.
Step 4: Assemble & Serve
- Drizzle the Big Mac special sauce on top of the salad.
- Toss gently to combine, or serve with sauce on the side for dipping.
- Garnish with extra pickles or a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes
Notes
- For extra crunch, add a handful of shredded iceberg lettuce.
- The special sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge up to 5 days.
- Chill your lettuce for maximum crispness before assembling.
Variations
- Chicken Big Mac Salad: Swap the ground beef for seasoned ground chicken or rotisserie chicken.
- Big Mac Bowl: Layer the ingredients in bowls over brown rice or cauliflower rice for a hearty meal.
- Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based ground meat for a veggie-friendly twist.
Required Equipment
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Salad bowl
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Chef’s knife and cutting board
Storage Instructions
- Store leftover salad (without sauce) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Keep special sauce in a separate container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For best freshness, store chopped ingredients and salad components separately and toss just before eating.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve with a side of oven-baked fries or sweet potato wedges for a classic combo.
- Pair with crisp cold pickles and a refreshing lemonade or iced tea.
- For an extra-fun touch, top with toasted sesame seeds to mimic a burger bun!
Pro Tips
- Brown the beef until it’s deeply caramelized for rich, savory flavor.
- Chill your assembled salad for 15 minutes before serving for peak texture.
- Dice all toppings finely to ensure you get a little bit of everything in each bite.
FAQ
Can I make this Big Mac Salad ahead of time?
Yes! Prep the components ahead and store separately. Assemble and add sauce just before serving for the freshest result.
Is this Big Mac Salad keto or low-carb?
Absolutely. This salad skips the bun and the sauce uses low-sugar ingredients, making it keto- and low-carb-friendly.
What’s the best ground beef for this salad?
Choose 80/20 ground beef for juiciness and flavor, but leaner options work if you prefer less fat.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 cups chopped iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced dill pickles
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup Big Mac-style special sauce (combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, vinegar, and paprika)
Instructions
-
1Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
-
2Season the cooked beef with salt and black pepper. Set aside and allow to cool slightly.
-
3While the beef is cooling, prepare the salad base. In a large bowl, combine chopped iceberg lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, diced dill pickles, and diced onion.
-
4Add the cooked ground beef to the salad and toss gently to combine.
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5Drizzle the Big Mac-style special sauce over the salad. Toss again or serve the sauce on the side. Enjoy immediately.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
450 caloriescal
Protein:
29gg
Fat:
33gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
8gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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