If you love the iconic Big Mac burger but want a healthier, low-carb alternative, this Big Mac Salad is the perfect solution! Packed with all the classic flavors of a Big Mac—seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, pickles, onions, shredded cheese, and a creamy, tangy Big Mac sauce—but without the bun or extra carbs.
This easy, keto-friendly Big Mac salad is perfect for quick lunches, meal prep, or a satisfying dinner that’s high in protein and full of flavor. Enjoy all the juicy, cheesy goodness of a fast-food favorite in a lighter, guilt-free way!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Big Mac Salad
✔ Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly – All the flavor of a Big Mac without the bun!
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in 20 minutes with simple ingredients.
✔ Meal-Prep Friendly – Make ahead for an easy grab-and-go lunch.
✔ Loaded with Flavor – The creamy Big Mac sauce brings everything together!
Ingredients for Big Mac Salad
For the Salad:
- 1 pound ground beef (85-90% lean)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 6 cups shredded lettuce (iceberg or romaine)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced pickles
- ½ cup diced onions
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
For the Big Mac Sauce (Dressing):
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon dill pickle relish
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
How to Make Big Mac Salad
1. Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula until fully browned. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
2. Make the Big Mac Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and white vinegar. Mix until smooth and set aside.
3. Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, layer the shredded lettuce, cooked ground beef, shredded cheese, diced pickles, onions, and cherry tomatoes.
4. Drizzle with Big Mac Sauce
Pour the Big Mac dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
Serve immediately or store for meal prep. Enjoy this delicious low-carb Big Mac Salad with extra pickles or cheese on top!
Chef’s Tips & Variations
✅ Make It Even Lower in Carbs: Swap ketchup for sugar-free ketchup and use homemade mayo for fewer carbs.
✅ Use Turkey or Chicken: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or grilled chicken for a leaner option.
✅ Extra Crunch: Add crushed pork rinds or toasted sesame seeds for texture.
✅ Dairy-Free Option: Skip the cheese or use dairy-free shredded cheese.
✅ Want It Extra Creamy? Mix in 1 tablespoon of sour cream into the dressing.
What to Serve with Big Mac Salad
This Big Mac Salad is satisfying on its own, but you can pair it with:
✔ Low-Carb Fries – Try zucchini fries or air-fried radish fries.
✔ Cauliflower Mash – A creamy, keto-friendly side.
✔ Keto Burger Buns – If you miss the bun, serve this with keto-friendly burger buns.
✔ Avocado Slices – Adds healthy fats and extra creaminess.
✔ Hard-Boiled Eggs – Boost the protein for a more filling meal.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Storing Leftovers:
- Store the salad ingredients separately from the dressing in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Keep the Big Mac sauce in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Meal Prep Idea:
- Cook the ground beef ahead and portion into containers.
- Keep toppings fresh in separate containers.
- Add dressing when ready to eat for a quick, fresh meal!
Health & Diet Benefits of Big Mac Salad
Is Big Mac Salad Healthy?
Yes! Big Mac Salad is a healthier alternative to the traditional Big Mac because it removes the processed bun and replaces it with fresh, nutrient-dense ingredients. It’s low in carbs, high in protein, and full of healthy fats, making it a great option for various diets.
Health Benefits of Big Mac Salad
✔ High in Protein – Ground beef and cheese provide muscle-building protein to keep you full.
✔ Low in Carbs & Keto-Friendly – No bun means fewer carbs while still enjoying the classic burger taste.
✔ Good Fats for Energy – The avocado oil in mayo, cheese, and beef provide healthy fats for sustained energy.
✔ Rich in Vitamins & Minerals – Lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles add fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
How to Make Big Mac Salad Healthier
✅ Use Leaner Meat – Opt for 90% lean ground beef, turkey, or chicken to reduce fat content.
✅ Swap Mayo for Greek Yogurt – This keeps the dressing creamy while cutting calories.
✅ Reduce Sodium – Use homemade pickles and sugar-free ketchup for lower sodium intake.
✅ Boost Fiber – Add extra veggies like shredded cabbage or avocado for more fiber and nutrients.
✅ Make It Dairy-Free – Skip the cheese or use dairy-free alternatives for a lactose-free version.
Is Big Mac Salad Keto or Low-Carb?
Yes! This salad is 100% keto-friendly as long as you:
✔ Use sugar-free ketchup and a low-carb dressing.
✔ Avoid croutons or high-carb toppings.
✔ Use full-fat cheese and ground beef for a proper keto fat balance.
Can Big Mac Salad Help with Weight Loss?
Absolutely! This salad is low in carbs and high in protein, which helps curb cravings and keep you full longer. To keep it weight-loss friendly:
✔ Use lean ground beef or turkey to cut calories.
✔ Watch portion sizes—stick to one serving.
✔ Limit cheese and mayo for a lower-calorie version.
By making these simple adjustments, you can enjoy a healthy, delicious Big Mac Salad while meeting your dietary goals!
Frequently Asked Questions
What goes in Big Mac Salad?
Big Mac Salad includes seasoned ground beef, shredded lettuce, diced pickles, onions, cherry tomatoes, shredded cheese, and a creamy Big Mac sauce. It has all the classic flavors of a Big Mac burger, minus the bun!
Is Big Mac sauce just Thousand Island dressing?
No, but they are similar! Big Mac sauce has a tangier flavor and is made with mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, pickle relish, vinegar, and seasonings. Thousand Island dressing usually contains chopped eggs and a sweeter taste.
What kind of dressing is on a Big Mac?
Big Mac sauce is a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet burger sauce made from mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, pickle relish, vinegar, and spices. It’s what gives the Big Mac its signature taste!
What kind of pickles for Big Mac Salad?
Use dill pickles for an authentic Big Mac flavor. Chopped or sliced dill pickles add the perfect crunch and tanginess. Avoid sweet pickles, as they change the flavor profile.
More Delicious Recipes to Try
If you loved this Big Mac Salad, here are more flavorful and satisfying recipes to explore:
🧀 Smoked Mac and Cheese – A creamy, cheesy mac and cheese infused with rich smoky flavor.
🌽 Mexican Corn Casserole – A delicious, cheesy, and slightly spicy corn casserole that’s perfect for any meal.
🥗 Easy Meal Prep Ideas for the Week – Save time with these simple, healthy, and delicious meal prep recipes.
🍣 Hawaiian Poke Bowl – A fresh, flavorful dish with marinated fish, rice, and vibrant toppings.
🍗 Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl – A hearty, protein-packed bowl with grilled chicken and creamy street corn flavors.
Try these easy and tasty recipes, and let me know which one is your favorite! 😊🍔🥗
Final Thoughts
This Big Mac Salad is a low-carb, keto-friendly meal that delivers all the delicious flavors of a Big Mac without the bun. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, meal prep, or a protein-packed dinner.
Print
Big Mac Salad Recipe
This Big Mac Salad is a low-carb, keto-friendly alternative to the classic fast-food burger. Packed with seasoned ground beef, shredded lettuce, pickles, onions, cherry tomatoes, shredded cheese, and a creamy Big Mac sauce, it delivers all the iconic flavors of a Big Mac—without the bun!
Perfect for quick lunches, meal prep, or a satisfying dinner, this salad is high in protein, healthy fats, and crunch. Enjoy a guilt-free, delicious burger-inspired salad in just 20 minutes!
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 pound ground beef (85-90% lean)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 6 cups shredded lettuce (iceberg or romaine)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced pickles
- ½ cup diced onions
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
For the Big Mac Sauce (Dressing):
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon dill pickle relish
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
Instructions
Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned and fully cooked. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.Make the Big Mac Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and white vinegar. Mix until smooth and set aside.Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, layer the shredded lettuce, cooked ground beef, shredded cheese, diced pickles, onions, and cherry tomatoes.Drizzle with Big Mac Sauce
Pour the Big Mac dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.Serve & Enjoy!
Serve immediately or store for meal prep. Enjoy this delicious low-carb Big Mac Salad with extra pickles or cheese on top!
Notes
✅ Make It Even Lower in Carbs: Use sugar-free ketchup and a low-carb mayo for fewer carbs.
✅ Swap the Meat: Use ground turkey or grilled chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
✅ Boost the Crunch: Add crushed pork rinds or sesame seeds for extra texture.
✅ Dairy-Free Option: Skip the cheese or use dairy-free shredded cheese.
✅ Extra Creamy Sauce: Mix in 1 tablespoon of sour cream for a thicker, richer dressing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Low-Carb, Keto
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Recommended Resources For This Recipe
For additional tips and variations on your Big Mac Salad, check out these helpful resources:
- How to Make the Perfect Homemade Burger Sauce – Learn how to make a delicious, tangy burger sauce that perfectly complements this salad.
- Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly Salad Dressings – Explore alternative dressings to keep your salad low-carb and keto-friendly.