Big Mac Salad Recipe

Introduction

The Big Mac Salad is a fresh and flavorful twist on the classic fast-food favorite. This recipe combines seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, and the iconic special sauce to deliver all the deliciousness of a Big Mac in a lighter, easy-to-make salad form.

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 ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat and let the beef cool slightly.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together all the special sauce ingredients until smooth and well combined.
3. Step 3: Prepare the vegetables by chopping the lettuce, dicing the white onion finely, and chopping the dill pickles.
4. Step 4: Assemble the salad by layering the chopped lettuce, cooked ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, chopped pickles, drizzled special sauce, and toasted sesame seeds on top.
5. Step 5: Serve the salad immediately for the best texture, or store the components separately if preparing ahead for meal prep.

Tips & Variations

• Use lean ground beef to reduce fat but still get great flavor and texture.
• Try adding chopped tomatoes or shredded lettuce varieties for more color and freshness.
• For a lower-carb option, reduce the cheese or use a lighter cheese variety.
• Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat, stirring often, until golden and fragrant to boost their flavor.

Storage

Store leftover salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the special sauce refrigerated as well. When ready to eat, reassemble the salad and enjoy cold. If you prefer, gently reheat the cooked beef before assembling, but avoid reheating the full salad to keep the lettuce crisp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of lettuce for this salad?

Yes, romaine or butter lettuce work well if you prefer a different texture or flavor, although iceberg gives the classic crunch associated with this dish.

Is the special sauce similar to the original Big Mac sauce?

Yes, this special sauce mimics the traditional Big Mac sauce with mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, and spices, providing that familiar tangy and sweet flavor.

Big Mac Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 149 reviews

This Big Mac Salad recipe perfectly captures the iconic flavors of the classic fast-food burger in a fresh, low-carb salad form. Featuring seasoned ground beef, crisp iceberg lettuce, shredded cheddar, and a tangy special sauce, this salad is a quick and satisfying meal that doesn’t sacrifice taste. Ideal for those craving the Big Mac experience without the bun, this dish is simple to prepare and great for meal prepping.

• Author: Windy
• 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-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is fully browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain the excess fat and allow the meat to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the special sauce: In a small 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.
4. Assemble the salad: In a large serving bowl or platter, layer the chopped lettuce evenly. Top with the cooked ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, chopped pickles, and drizzle the special sauce over. Finally, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for added texture and flavor.
5. Serve or store: Serve the salad immediately for best flavor and texture. Alternatively, you can store the components separately in airtight containers for meal prepping and assemble just before eating.

Notes

• To toast sesame seeds, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat and stir frequently until they turn golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
• For a lower fat version, use leaner ground beef or substitute with ground turkey.
• Use sugar-free ketchup to keep the salad lower in sugar.
• This salad can be customized by adding tomatoes or substituting cheddar with American cheese for a more authentic Big Mac flavor.
• Store the special sauce separately if prepping ahead to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.

Keywords: Big Mac Salad, Cheeseburger Salad, Low Carb Salad, Ground Beef Salad, Copycat McDonald’s Big Mac