Big Mac Salad Recipe
This big mac salad recipe is one that we have been enjoying for years! It’s a recipe that the whole family loves while also fitting into my keto friendly lifestyle.
My teens are always looking for added protein, and I’m always looking for meals that come together in minutes, so this cheeseburger salad is a total win-win.
It’s packed with lean ground beef, crisp lettuce, tangy pickles, and a homemade dressing that tastes just like copycat Big Mac sauce—but in salad form!
This low carb Big Mac salad is a great way to satisfy a fast food craving without the sesame seed bun or french fries on the side. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep—just store the salad ingredients and dressing in separate containers, then toss everything together when you’re ready to eat.
Too busy to make this right away? Pin it for later! Pin this post to your favorite board on Pinterest and it will be there when you’re ready!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Big Mac salad is great for anyone following a low carb diet or looking for lighter meals. It’s a fun way to enjoy all the flavors of a Big Mac without the extra carbs.
Plus, it’s easy to customize – swap the lean ground beef for ground chicken or the cheddar cheese for your cheese of choice.
Ingredients
- Lean ground beef – the heart of the salad, bringing all the flavors of a Big Mac burger without the bun. Want an higher protein, lower fat option? Use ground turkey or chicken instead.
- Salt and pepper – simple pantry staples for seasoning the beef. I also like to use our homemade taco seasoning.
- Iceberg lettuce – classic for a Big Mac bowl, but you can swap for crisp romaine lettuce if that’s what you have.
- Cheddar cheese – adds the perfect sharpness to the salad.
- Pickles – tangy and crunchy, they help mimic that classic Big Mac burger flavor.
- White onion – finely diced for that essential bite.
- Sesame seeds – a sprinkle on top ties everything together.
For Dressing
- Mayonnaise – the base of this homemade dressing.
- Ketchup – a little sweetness goes a long way. Use sugar free ketchup for a keto compliant version.
- Dill pickles – the secret to that classic Big Mac salad dressing flavor. Dill pickle relish may be substituted, it usually had added sugar so taste the dressing before adding extra sugar.
- Pickle juice – adds tang and helps adjust consistency.
- Yellow mustard – a must-have for that signature special sauce taste.
- White sugar – balances the flavors. Use a sugar free sweetener like Swerve or Lakanto for a low carb sub.
- Paprika, dill, onion powder, salt – the main ingredients that bring this secret sauce to life.
Instructions
1. In a large skillet, cook the beef over medium-high heat until browned, seasoning with salt and pepper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the homemade dressing ingredients or blend for a smoother texture.
3. In a large salad bowl, layer the lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, and cooked beef.
4. Drizzle with Big Mac salad dressing, toss to coat, and garnish with sesame seeds.
5. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later.
Tips for the Perfect Big Mac Bowl
- Adjust the dressing consistency – want it thicker? Use less pickle juice. Want it thinner? Add more!
- Make it ahead – the dressing tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.
- Storage – keep leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’re making this for meal prep, store the components in separate containers and assemble when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Thousand Island dressing instead of the homemade version?
Sure, but making the homemade Big Mac sauce from scratch gives it that classic flavor.
What’s the best way to store this for meal prep?
Keep the salad in a mason jar or separate containers so that it stays fresh.
Can I add cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes?
You bet! While they’re not in the classic Big Mac sandwich, they add fresh color and flavor.
Be sure to check out my other Big Mac recipes like these Big Mac chips or this higher protein Big Mac sauce.
This delicious salad is a great way to enjoy a meal that’s packed with protein and flavor. Don’t forget to check out the recipe card for detailed instructions below!
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Big Mac Salad Recipe
Ingredients
For Salad
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1-2 tsp salt and pepper
- 8 oz iceburg lettuce chopped; or iceberg romaine if desired about 4 cups
- ¾ cup cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ cup dill pickles finely diced
- ¼ cup white onion finely diced
- 1 tsp sesame seeds optional, for garnish
For Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp ketchup
- 1 Tbsp finely diced dill pickles
- 2-3 tsp pickle juice
- 2 tsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp white sugar
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried dill
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the beef over medium-high heat until browned, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the homemade dressing ingredients or blend for a smoother texture.
- In a large salad bowl, layer the lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, and cooked beef.
- Drizzle with Big Mac salad dressing, toss to coat, and garnish with sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later.
Notes
Nutrition
