This Big Mac Salad has all the flavours and vibes of the classic juicy burger minus the bun. It’s satiating, contains plenty of protein and fibre, and you can pimp it up with extra veggies. My recipe is really simple and quick so it’s perfect for a speedy lunch or dinner. This ground beef salad is keto and low-carb friendly, gluten-free and can be done as Whole30 if made without the cheese.
In This Post:
If you’re a fan of the classic Big Mac, you will love this hearty salad. With all of the hallmark ingredients and flavours of the classic burger – juicy, well-seasoned ground beef, pickles, raw onions, shredded lettuce, creamy mayo-tomato-mustard sauce and a little added cheese – this Big Mac salad recipe will hit the fast food craving without compromising your healthy eating goals.
Whether you’re following a keto/low-carb, gluten-free diet or aiming for more nutrients, this salad is your gem. For Whole30, skip the cheese. Give it a go and let me know if you like it!
👉 For more ground beef recipes, check out this Mexican casserole, beetroot rosemary burgers, or these ground beef meal prep ideas.
What You’ll Need
Here is what you will need for this Big Mac salad. Find the full measurements in the recipe card below.
- Ground beef – I like ground beef with a little fat on it for extra flavour but you can opt for the super lean option if you’re watching those calories. Ground turkey or chicken can also be used for this recipe. PS. If you’re not eating meat or have a vegetarian in the family, you can adapt this dish by using a plant-based ground beef alternative.
- Seasonings – salt, pepper, onion powder and garlic powder (the powders are optional but add more flavour).
- For the Big Mac sauce – mayonnaise, ketchup (tomato sauce) and yellow mustard or Dijon, plus a little vinegar for acidity and salt to taste.
- For the salad – shredded lettuce such as Romaine or Gem, pickles/gherkins, cherry tomatoes or diced tomatoes, raw white onion (can be red if you prefer) and grated cheese such as Cheddar or Tasty.
How To Make Big Mac Salad
Jump to the full recipe card below for more detailed instructions, ingredients list and nutrition info.
- Cook the ground beef in a large skillet and season with salt, pepper and garlic/onion powders. Cook until no longer pink and slightly browned. Cool slightly.
- Pre-mix the salad dressing while the beef is cooking.
- Prepare salad ingredients and assemble them in the bowl. Top with cooked ground beef and drizzle generously with the dressing.
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Ingredients
For the ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 300 grams ground beef 10 oz, beef mince
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Ingredients for the salad:
- 8 cups romaine lettuce chopped
- 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup pickles sliced
- 1/2 cup onions diced finely
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved or chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds optional
Ingredients for the dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet, add the olive oil and cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. I like to increase the heat right at the end for 1 minute or so to give the meat extra browning. Season with salt, pepper, garlic and onion powders and stir. Set aside to cool.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cooked ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, diced pickles, onions, and grape tomatoes. Toss the ingredients together to mix evenly.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the dressing by combining the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, white vinegar and salt. Whisk together until well combined and smooth.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad, starting with a portion and adding more as desired. Toss the salad again to ensure all the ingredients are coated with the dressing.
- Serve the Big Mac Salad immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the ingredient quantities according to your taste preferences or desired serving size.
- The sesame seeds are optional but can add a nice crunch and flavour to the salad.
- You can customise the salad by adding additional toppings like croutons, bacon bits, or your favourite vegetables.
- Ensure the ground beef is fully cooked and no longer pink before adding it to the salad.
- For a more flavourful dressing, you can add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice.
- If you prefer a creamier dressing, you can add a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the mixture.
- To add more freshness to the salad, you can toss in some sliced cucumbers or grated carrots.
- Serve the salad immediately after tossing it with the dressing to ensure the lettuce stays crisp.
Irena! This is delicious and oh so simple to make. A family winner and I have now shared it to friends. Thank you!
This recipe is absolutely outstanding, it literally tastes like a Big Mac!
Thanks, Lisa and yes, I agree, it’s a great craving fix.
This is such a tasty way to have salad! Love the flavors, totally true to the Big Mac.
Looooved the dressing on this tasty big mac salad. Yummy!
It’s so tasty and satisfying, and it really captures the flavors of a classic Big Mac. The special sauce really makes it! Such a great way to enjoy a healthier version of a fast food favorite.
I love Big Mac sauce, so having this in a salad was so yummy! Thank you!!
Delicious! That dressing is heavenly. Will be adding this to the meal rotation! Thank you
Thank you, it is indeed. It’s all about the dressing 🙂
LOve the combination of ingredients used in this salad recipe. So flavorful and delicious. Thanks for sharing,