Print

Big Mac Salad 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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