Big Mac Salad Recipe

Introduction

The Big Mac Salad is a refreshing, low-carb twist on the classic fast-food favorite. It combines all the iconic flavors of a Big Mac in an easy-to-assemble salad that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (85/15)
• 1 large head iceberg lettuce, chopped
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped dill pickles
• 1/4 cup finely diced white onion
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted

For Special Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sugar-free ketchup
• 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat and let it cool slightly.
2. Step 2: While the beef cooks, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, dill pickle relish, yellow mustard, white wine vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until smooth to make the special sauce.
3. Step 3: Prepare the vegetables by chopping the iceberg lettuce, finely dicing the white onion, and chopping the dill pickles.
4. Step 4: Assemble the salad by layering the chopped lettuce first, followed by the cooked beef, shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, chopped pickles, a drizzle of special sauce, and finish with toasted sesame seeds.
5. Step 5: Serve the salad immediately or store the components separately if preparing ahead for meal prep.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, swap cheddar cheese for reduced-fat cheese or use ground turkey instead of beef.
• Add a few cherry tomatoes or sliced avocado for extra color and flavor.
• Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until golden to enhance their nuttiness.
• Keep the special sauce refrigerated and stir before serving if it separates.

Storage

Store any leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cooked beef and special sauce reheat well in the microwave, but for best texture, enjoy the salad fresh. Assemble just before eating to keep the lettuce crisp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the special sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the special sauce can be made a day in advance and kept in the refrigerator. This helps the flavors meld together nicely.

Is this salad suitable for low-carb or keto diets?

Absolutely! The Big Mac Salad is low in carbohydrates and high in protein and fats, making it a great option for low-carb or ketogenic diets.

Big Mac Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 140 reviews

A delicious and easy-to-make Big Mac Salad that captures the iconic flavors of the classic Big Mac burger without the bun. Featuring seasoned ground beef, crisp iceberg lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, pickles, onions, toasted sesame seeds, and a tangy special sauce, this salad is perfect for a low-carb lunch or dinner option.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (85/15)
• 1 large head iceberg lettuce, chopped
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped dill pickles
• 1/4 cup finely diced white onion
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted

Special Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sugar-free ketchup
• 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

1. Cook the ground beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook it for 6-8 minutes until it is browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once done, drain excess fat and allow it to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the special sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, dill pickle relish, yellow mustard, white wine vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until smooth and well combined.
3. Prep the vegetables: Chop the iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces, finely dice the white onion, and chop the dill pickles into small pieces to evenly distribute flavor throughout the salad.
4. Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl or serving dish, layer the chopped lettuce first, followed by the cooked ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, and chopped pickles. Drizzle the special sauce evenly over the top, then sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for that signature Big Mac touch.
5. Serve or store: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste. Alternatively, store the salad components separately in airtight containers for meal prep and combine when ready to eat.

Notes

• For a lower-fat option, use leaner ground beef or ground turkey instead of 85/15 beef.
• The special sauce can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant.
• To make this salad keto-friendly, omit the sugar-free ketchup or ensure it contains very low sugar.
• Store leftovers in separate containers to preserve freshness and prevent sogginess.

Keywords: Big Mac Salad, low carb salad, healthy Big Mac, ground beef salad, keto salad, quick dinner recipe, easy salad