If you’re craving those iconic burger flavors without the bun but still want a meal that’s hearty, crisp, and endlessly satisfying, this Big Mac Salad belongs at the top of your must-try list. It’s the ultimate fusion of comfort and freshness: we’re talking juicy seasoned beef, a lush Big Mac-inspired sauce, crunchy romaine, and all the crave-worthy fixings topped with a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Whether you’re pursuing a lower-carb lifestyle or just looking for a new way to shake up weeknight dinners, this salad nails every flavor note of your favorite fast-food classic—no drive-thru required!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list is charmingly simple, yet each component pulls its weight in building up those beloved flavors and textures. From crisp lettuce and savory beef to the tangy, creamy sauce, every element matters for that signature Big Mac Salad experience.

Ground beef (1 pound): The heart of this salad, bringing rich flavor and a satisfying, meaty bite.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Brightens the beef, ensuring the base of your salad is well-seasoned.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle heat and depth to the meat.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Gives the beef a savory kick reminiscent of your favorite burger joint.
Romaine lettuce (8 cups, chopped): Provides a crisp, fresh foundation that catches all the saucy goodness.
Cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded): Classic, melty, and sharp—this brings the cheeseburger vibe home.
Dill pickles (1/2 cup, diced): Zingy and tangy, these are non-negotiable for authentic Big Mac flavor!
Onion (1/2 cup, diced): Adds that unmistakable crunch and zesty punch.
Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): For juicy pops of color and sweetness throughout.
Sesame seeds (1/4 cup, optional): Sprinkle these over the top for a nod to the classic sesame seed bun.

Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The luscious base for your Big Mac Sauce.
Dill pickle relish (2 tablespoons): Essential for that tangy, sweet-and-acidic layer.
Yellow mustard (1 tablespoon): For signature sharpness and color.
White vinegar (1 teaspoon): Brightens up the sauce and brings balance.
Paprika (1 teaspoon): Offers color and a gentle warmth.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Because a little more garlic makes the sauce irresistible.
Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Amps up the allium flavor in every drizzle.
Sugar or low-carb sweetener (1/2 teaspoon): A hint of sweetness to round out the tanginess.

How to Make Big Mac Salad

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and cook until browned and no pink remains. Use a spoon to break the beef into bite-sized crumbles as it cooks. Once done, drain off any excess grease and let the beef cool for a few minutes—you want it warm, not scorching, when it meets your fresh veggies.

Step 2: Whip Up the Big Mac Sauce

In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, dill pickle relish, yellow mustard, white vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and your choice of sugar or low-carb sweetener. Whisk until smooth and creamy. This sauce is pure magic and will tie everything in your Big Mac Salad together. It’s a good idea to taste and adjust seasoning to your liking—maybe a touch more relish or mustard if you love extra tang!

Step 3: Prepare Fresh Ingredients

While the beef cools, chop your romaine lettuce, shred the cheddar cheese (if it’s not already), dice your pickles and onions, and halve the cherry tomatoes. Getting everything prepped and ready ensures you can assemble your Big Mac Salad quickly so every bite stays crisp and vibrant.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Begin by dividing the chopped romaine lettuce among four large bowls or plates. Layer the cooked ground beef over the greens, then generously sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, diced pickles, onions, and those juicy halved cherry tomatoes. This colorful arrangement is already irresistible even before the final flourish of sauce!

Step 5: Add the Big Mac Sauce & Sesame Seeds

Drizzle the creamy Big Mac Sauce over each bowl, ensuring no salad bite goes without it. If you’re feeling festive, top each salad with a hearty sprinkle of sesame seeds for that classic finishing touch reminiscent of the original burger—crunchy, nutty, and picture-perfect.

How to Serve Big Mac Salad

Garnishes

Brighten up your Big Mac Salad with some fun garnishes. Extra sliced pickles, a few fresh tomato wedges, or a shower of chopped fresh parsley can add even more color and punch. If you want a touch of heat, try a few thinly sliced jalapeños or a gentle dusting of smoked paprika.

Side Dishes

This salad holds its own as a meal, but if you’re serving a crowd or just want to round things out, try pairing it with crispy sweet potato fries, a refreshing fruit salad, or roasted broccoli. Keto diners might opt for crunchy parmesan crisps or a simple side of grilled asparagus.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress? Serve your Big Mac Salad in individual mason jars for a fun picnic or barbecue, or layer it beautifully in a large glass trifle bowl for a potluck. For portable lunches, keep the beef and sauce separate until you’re ready to eat for maximum freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover assembled salad, pop it in an airtight container in the fridge—it should keep well for up to 2 days. The lettuce may soften, but the flavors will meld deliciously. For best results, store the dressing separately and add fresh just before serving to keep everything crisp.

Freezing

While the cooked ground beef freezes beautifully (just seal it in a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months), the assembled salad and sauce are best enjoyed fresh. Lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles don’t freeze well, but prepping and freezing the beef ahead makes salad nights a breeze!

Reheating

To reheat the beef, place it in a skillet over low heat or microwave it in short bursts, stirring until warmed through. Once warm, simply add it atop freshly prepared salad ingredients and drizzle with your ready-made Big Mac Sauce for a meal that feels just-cooked.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great lighter alternatives. Just make sure to season well and perhaps add a splash of Worcestershire or a dash more seasoning to keep the mixture flavorful.

Is Big Mac Salad really keto and gluten-free?

It sure is! As long as you use a keto-friendly sweetener in the sauce and check your condiments, this salad fits perfectly into low-carb, keto, and gluten-free eating plans. It’s proof you don’t need bread to enjoy classic burger flavor.

How spicy is the Big Mac Sauce?

The sauce is tangy, creamy, and just a little zingy from the mustard and relish, but not spicy. If you like heat, add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce when mixing it up.

Can I meal-prep Big Mac Salad for lunches?

Definitely! Prepare the beef and sauce in advance, and portion the veggies in separate containers. Assemble everything just before serving (or keep the sauce and beef separate until lunchtime) to ensure every bite is as fresh and crisp as possible.

What’s the best way to serve the salad for a party?

Set up a Big Mac Salad bar with bowls of lettuce, beef, toppings, and sauce, so everyone can create their own perfect bowl. It’s a crowd-pleaser and totally customizable—great for gatherings big or small!

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about a Big Mac Salad—it’s nostalgic, hearty, and incredibly fresh all at once. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your dinner rotation, stealing the spotlight from even your most beloved classics. Give it a try and let the bold, joyful flavors win over your table!

Big Mac Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Description

This Big Mac Salad recipe is a low-carb, keto-friendly twist on the classic cheeseburger, featuring all the flavors of a Big Mac without the bun. A delicious and satisfying meal that is quick to prepare and perfect for those watching their carb intake.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad:

1 pound ground beef
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
8 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup dill pickles (diced)
1/2 cup diced onion
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
1/4 cup sesame seeds (optional for topping)

Big Mac Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons dill pickle relish
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon sugar or low-carb sweetener

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Instructions

Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease and set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare Big Mac Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients until smooth and creamy.
Assemble Salad: Divide lettuce among 4 bowls. Top with cooked beef, cheddar cheese, pickles, onion, and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle generously with Big Mac sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a low-carb or keto option, use sugar-free sweetener in the sauce.
You can meal-prep the beef and sauce ahead of time and assemble the salad just before serving.

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