If you’re searching for a meal that captures all the nostalgic, irresistible flavors of your favorite drive-thru burger, but with a fresher, lighter twist, look no further than this Big Mac Salad. Every bite is packed with the familiar tangy special sauce, seasoned beef, and crunchy toppings, all tossed with crisp lettuce and a shower of cheese—it truly delivers that classic burger experience, minus the bun. Whether you’re living the low-carb life, need a quick weeknight dinner, or just want something exceptionally tasty, this Big Mac Salad will be your new weeknight staple!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Get ready to fall in love with how straightforward, bold, and essential each ingredient is! From juicy ground beef to tangy pickles and a creamy, zippy dressing, every part lends flavor, texture, or a pop of color that makes this salad truly sing.

Ground Beef (1 pound): The hearty foundation; use lean beef for less grease or go classic for juicier bites.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Brings all the savory flavors to life—don’t skip it!
Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds just the right hint of heat and balances the richness.
Onion Powder (1 teaspoon, plus 1/2 teaspoon for dressing): Infuses the beef and the dressing with irresistible flavor.
Romaine Lettuce (6 cups, chopped): The crisp, refreshing base that holds up beautifully to all those toppings.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Melts ever-so-slightly on warm beef and adds rich creaminess.
Diced Dill Pickles (1/2 cup): Bring that signature tang and crunch you expect from a burger.
Diced Red Onion (1/2 cup): Bright, zippy bursts of flavor in every bite.
Cherry Tomatoes, halved (1/2 cup): Juicy pops of sweetness and a pop of color—optional for low-carb.
Sesame Seeds (1 tablespoon, optional): Classic burger vibes and a cute, nutty crunch on top.
Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The creamy base of your “special sauce” dressing.
Ketchup (2 tablespoons): Adds that perfect sweet-tangy note to the sauce—swap for sugar-free if needed.
Yellow Mustard (1 tablespoon): Contributes sharpness and a hint of warmth.
White Vinegar (1 tablespoon): Lifts everything with acidity and brightness.
Finely Chopped Pickles or Relish (1 tablespoon): Amps up the tangy, classic flavor in the dressing.
Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives the sauce a gentle, rounded savoriness.
Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): A subtle smoky-sweet accent for beautiful color and depth.

How to Make Big Mac Salad

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by placing a skillet over medium heat, then add your ground beef with salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks, ensuring every bit is seasoned and browning evenly. Once it’s fully cooked with no pink remaining, drain off any excess grease so your salad stays fresh, not greasy. Let the beef cool slightly—you want it warm, not hot!

Step 2: Whip Up the Special Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, white vinegar, chopped pickles or relish, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. This creamy “special sauce” is what transforms the salad into a Big Mac Salad masterpiece! Taste and tweak with extra pickles or seasoning if you like a bigger punch.

Step 3: Assemble and Layer

Grab your largest salad bowl—trust me, you’ll want room to toss. Start with a bed of crisp chopped romaine lettuce, then scatter on cherry tomatoes, red onions, dill pickles, and a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. Add the warm ground beef over the top, letting it nestle into the veggies and just melt the cheese a tad.

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Drizzle your creamy dressing liberally over the salad, then gently toss everything together. Every forkful should get a touch of that savory beef, tangy sauce, and fresh, crunchy veggies. If you like, sprinkle sesame seeds over the top for an extra nod to the classic burger bun. Serve right away, while the beef is still just a bit warm.

How to Serve Big Mac Salad

Garnishes

Give your Big Mac Salad a restaurant-worthy finish with a handful of sesame seeds and a few extra diced pickles sprinkled on top. Freshly cracked black pepper and a tiny flurry of cheddar also brighten up the presentation and add an extra flavor punch!

Side Dishes

Big Mac Salad is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with oven-baked fries, crispy sweet potato wedges, or even a bowl of tangy coleslaw for a true diner-style spread. If you want to keep things ultra-light, serve with a sparkling water and a pickle spear.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Big Mac Salad in mason jars for grab-and-go lunches or layer it in a trifle bowl for a party-worthy centerpiece. Turn it into lettuce wraps for handheld, low-carb fun, or serve deconstructed so guests can build their own perfect bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

For the best texture, store the salad ingredients and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge. If already tossed, the salad will stay fresh for a day, but the lettuce may soften—still delicious, just less crunchy!

Freezing

Big Mac Salad is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t take well to freezing, especially the fresh veggies and dressing. The cooked beef, however, can be frozen on its own for up to three months and thawed for future salads, making midweek assembly a breeze.

Reheating

Only reheat the beef—do so gently in the microwave or stovetop until just warmed through, then pile it on your fresh salad base. Never heat the assembled salad, as the lettuce and veggies will wilt.

FAQs

Can I make Big Mac Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prep the beef and dressing in advance, and store them in separate containers. When you’re ready to eat, simply layer everything together and enjoy. This makes Big Mac Salad meal prep perfection.

Is Big Mac Salad low-carb or keto-friendly?

Yes, this recipe was made with low-carb lovers in mind! To keep carbs extra low, skip the cherry tomatoes or swap in sugar-free ketchup for the dressing. The hearty beef and tangy sauce mean you won’t miss the bun at all.

What are some protein alternatives I can use?

You can easily swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute if you prefer. Each will bring a slightly different texture, but the iconic Big Mac Salad flavor will shine through.

Can I double or halve this recipe?

Definitely! The recipe is flexible—just double all ingredients for a crowd, or halve them for a satisfying solo lunch. Nothing complicated here; just more (or less) of the good stuff.

How spicy is the dressing?

The dressing has zero heat—it’s all about creamy tanginess. If you love a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce for your own signature twist on Big Mac Salad.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something joyfully satisfying about digging into a giant bowl of Big Mac Salad. It’s bold, fresh, and endlessly customizable—perfect for busy nights or fun gatherings. Give it a try and let the flavor and nostalgia win you over!

Big Mac Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy the flavors of a Big Mac in a healthier, low-carb form with this delicious Big Mac Salad recipe. Packed with all the classic burger toppings and a tangy special sauce, this salad is a satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad:

1 pound ground beef
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon onion powder
6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup diced dill pickles
1/2 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

For the Dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon finely chopped pickles or relish
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika

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Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with salt, black pepper, and onion powder until fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease and set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, vinegar, chopped pickles or relish, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to make the dressing.
Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, layer the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, red onion, dill pickles, shredded cheddar cheese, and cooked ground beef. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss gently to combine. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving if desired.

Notes

You can prepare the dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
For a low-carb version, skip the tomatoes or use a sugar-free ketchup in the dressing.
This salad is great for meal prep—store components separately and combine just before eating.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American