What goes in a Big Mac Salad?

A Big Mac Salad includes seasoned ground beef, chopped iceberg lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, diced dill pickles, finely chopped onions, and a homemade Big Mac sauce made from mayo, mustard, pickle relish, and seasonings.

Is a Big Mac Salad healthier than a McDonald's salad?

Yes! Unlike McDonald's salads, which often contain high-calorie dressings and processed ingredients, a homemade Big Mac Salad is lower in carbs, free from additives, and customizable to suit dietary needs like keto or gluten-free.

Is Thousand Island similar to Big Mac sauce?

Thousand Island dressing and Big Mac sauce are similar but not identical. Big Mac sauce includes mayonnaise, mustard, and pickles, making it tangier, while Thousand Island dressing contains ketchup, making it slightly sweeter.

How to make a Poor Man’s Big Mac?

A Poor Man’s Big Mac is a budget-friendly version of the classic Big Mac. Order a McDouble with no ketchup and extra Big Mac sauce, or make a homemade version by using simple ingredients like ground beef, pickles, shredded cheese, and a quick mayo-mustard sauce.

Big Mac Salad Recipe – A Healthy, Low-Carb Burger Alternative 2025

Name: Big Mac Salad – A Mind-Blowing, Keto-Friendly Burger Alternative!
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or lean); 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped (or romaine); ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese; ½ cup dill pickles, diced; ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped; 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish); ½ cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp dill pickle relish; 1 tbsp yellow mustard; 1 tbsp white vinegar; ½ tsp paprika; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder

Description

Enjoy all the classic flavors of a Big Mac in a healthy, low-carb, and keto-friendly salad! This Big Mac Salad is packed with seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, shredded cheese, tangy pickles, and a creamy homemade Big Mac sauce. It’s an easy, satisfying meal that comes together in just 20 minutes—perfect for a quick lunch or dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad:

1 lb ground beef (80/20 or lean)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped (or romaine)
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup dill pickles, diced
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

For the Homemade Big Mac Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp dill pickle relish
1 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tbsp white vinegar
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Cook for about 6-8 minutes, then drain excess grease and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Big Mac Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, dill pickle relish, mustard, vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Mix well and let sit for 10 minutes to enhance the flavors.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large salad bowl, add chopped lettuce as the base.
Top with cooked beef, shredded cheese, diced pickles, and chopped onions.
Drizzle with homemade Big Mac sauce.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds for that authentic Big Mac feel (optional).

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Toss everything together or serve with the sauce drizzled on top.
Enjoy immediately for the freshest taste!

Notes

Want it lighter? Use lean ground turkey and Greek yogurt instead of mayo in the sauce.
Meal prep tip: Store salad ingredients separately from the sauce and beef to keep everything fresh.
Extra crunch? Add crushed pork rinds or toasted sesame seeds.

Keto-friendly? This salad is naturally keto-friendly with just 5g net carbs per serving!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American