Homemade Big Mac Salad

This Big Mac Salad transforms America's most iconic fast food sandwich into a fresh, crunchy salad that delivers all those nostalgic flavors without the bun. I created this recipe when my family started eating lower-carb meals but still craved those classic comfort foods we love.

I first made this during a busy weeknight when we wanted something quick but satisfying. My teenagers who normally turn their noses up at salad devoured it and now request it regularly for dinner.

Ingredients

• Ground beef 85/15 provides the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness without being too greasy
• Iceberg lettuce delivers that essential Big Mac crunch factor look for heads that feel heavy for their size
• Shredded cheddar cheese adds richness choose a sharp variety for more flavor impact
• Dill pickles provide the signature tangy bite select refrigerated pickles for better crunch and flavor
• White onion contributes that classic Big Mac bite use sweet onion if you prefer less sharpness
• Sesame seeds create authentic burger flavor toast them briefly for enhanced nuttiness
• Mayonnaise forms the creamy base of the special sauce select a good quality one
• Sugar free ketchup adds tomato sweetness without extra carbs
• Dill pickle relish saves chopping time while adding texture
• Yellow mustard provides that classic tang essential to the Big Mac experience

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium high heat until hot. Add ground beef and break into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6 8 minutes until fully browned with no pink remaining. Drain excess fat and allow to cool slightly while preparing other ingredients.

Mix the Special Sauce

In a medium bowl combine mayonnaise sugar free ketchup pickle relish yellow mustard vinegar garlic powder onion powder and paprika. Whisk thoroughly until completely smooth and well blended. The sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to a week for even better flavor development.

Prepare the Vegetables

Wash and thoroughly dry the iceberg lettuce. Core the lettuce and chop into bite sized pieces. Finely dice the white onion small enough to distribute flavor without overwhelming bites. Chop the dill pickles into small pieces approximately the size of pencil erasers for optimal distribution throughout the salad.

Assemble the Salad

For individual servings start with a base layer of chopped iceberg lettuce. Top with a generous portion of the cooled browned beef. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top. Distribute chopped pickles and diced onions. Drizzle with special sauce and finish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.

Bookmark

The special sauce is what truly makes this dish shine. I experimented with various ratios for months before landing on this perfect balance that captures that unmistakable Big Mac flavor. My daughter who normally avoids anything with pickles cant get enough of this sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad works beautifully for meal prep but requires strategic assembly. Store all components separately in airtight containers. The special sauce will keep for up to a week in the refrigerator and actually improves in flavor after a day. The cooked ground beef stays fresh for 3 4 days refrigerated. For best results assemble individual portions just before eating to maintain the crisp texture of the lettuce.

Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe adapts easily to dietary preferences. Ground turkey works wonderfully as a leaner protein alternative but add a tablespoon of olive oil when cooking to maintain juiciness. For a vegetarian version substitute crumbled tempeh or beyond meat crumbles sautéed with a teaspoon of soy sauce for umami depth. Plant based cheese can replace the cheddar though it doesnt melt as beautifully. For a dairy free special sauce simply use vegan mayonnaise.

Serving Suggestions

Turn this into a complete meal by serving alongside air fryer potato wedges for those not counting carbs. For a fun twist serve in individual bowls with additional special sauce on the side for dipping. Create a burger salad bar with all components in separate bowls so everyone can build their own perfect portion. This also works beautifully stuffed into a large hollowed tomato for an impressive lunch presentation.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this Big Mac Salad ahead of time?

Yes! For best results, prepare all components separately and store them in the refrigerator. Keep the cooked beef, chopped vegetables, cheese, and special sauce in different containers. Assemble just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent the lettuce from wilting.

→ Is this salad keto-friendly?

This Big Mac Salad is excellent for keto and low-carb diets. With high protein from the beef, healthy fats from cheese and mayo, and minimal carbs from the vegetables, it makes a satisfying keto meal. Just ensure your ketchup is sugar-free as specified in the ingredients.

→ What can I substitute for ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives work well as substitutes. For a vegetarian version, try using seasoned black beans, chopped mushrooms sautéed with burger seasonings, or crumbled firm tofu. Adjust cooking times accordingly for your protein of choice.

→ How close does the special sauce taste to the original?

This special sauce closely mimics the iconic flavor with its balanced combination of mayo, ketchup, relish, mustard, and spices. The addition of vinegar and spices creates that distinctive tangy-sweet flavor profile that burger fans will recognize immediately.

→ Can I add other toppings to this salad?

Absolutely! Consider adding diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, bacon bits, or even a fried egg on top. Some people enjoy mixing in some thousand island dressing or adding a sprinkle of additional cheese varieties. Feel free to customize with your favorite burger toppings.

→ What's the best way to serve this salad?

For individual servings, layer ingredients in wide, shallow bowls with lettuce on the bottom, topped with beef, cheese, pickles, onions, and drizzled with the special sauce. For family-style or buffet serving, arrange in a large bowl with sauce on the side so everyone can add their preferred amount.