Craving the iconic flavor of a Big Mac without the bun? This Big Mac Salad recipe is your answer. It captures all the deliciousness of the classic burger—seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, cheese, pickles, and that unforgettable special sauce—all tossed together in a fresh, satisfying bowl. It’s a game-changer for quick weeknight dinners or a healthy lunch option that actually tastes indulgent.
You get all the savory, tangy, and creamy notes you love, but in a lighter, low-carb format that will leave you feeling great. This recipe is incredibly easy to customize and perfect for meal prepping.
Why You’ll Love This Big Mac Salad Recipe
This isn’t just another salad; it’s a deconstructed version of a fast-food legend. It’s the perfect way to satisfy a burger craving while still packing in fresh vegetables. We’ve perfected the dressing to ensure it tastes just like the real deal.
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this entire meal comes together in under 20 minutes.
- Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of seasoned beef and creamy, tangy dressing is truly irresistible.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: We’ll show you how to prep the components ahead for lightning-fast lunches all week.
- Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: Enjoy all the flavor of a cheeseburger with none of the guilt. If you enjoy this, you’ll love our bacon cheeseburger pasta for a heartier meal.
The Secret is in the Sauce: The Best Big Mac Dressing
Let’s be honest, the heart and soul of any Big Mac Salad is the special sauce. Forget the store-bought dressings; this homemade version is creamy, tangy, and has that signature flavor you’re looking for. It’s what makes this salad taste authentically like a Big Mac in a bowl.
Special Sauce Ingredients
The key is a balanced mix of simple pantry staples. Mayonnaise creates the creamy base, French dressing adds a unique tang and color, and sweet pickle relish gives it that classic Big Mac sweetness and crunch. A little white vinegar and onion powder round it all out for a perfect copycat sauce.
Ingredients for the Perfect Big Mac Salad
We’re using classic, simple ingredients to replicate the famous burger experience. Quality matters, so use fresh ingredients for the best results.
For the Salad
- Ground Beef: 1 lb of lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10 works best).
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to season the beef.
- Lettuce: 1 head of iceberg or romaine lettuce, chopped. Iceberg gives you that classic Big Mac crunch.
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
- Dill Pickles: ½ cup of chopped dill pickles for that essential tangy bite.
- Onion: ¼ cup of finely minced white onion.
- Sesame Seeds: 2 tablespoons for garnish, mimicking the classic sesame seed bun.
For the Dressing
- Mayonnaise: ½ cup of good-quality mayonnaise.
- French Dressing: 2 tablespoons.
- Sweet Pickle Relish: 2 tablespoons.
- White Vinegar: 1 teaspoon.
- Onion Powder: ½ teaspoon.
How to Make the Ultimate Big Mac Salad Step-by-Step
This recipe is as simple as it is delicious. Follow these four easy steps for a perfect salad every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Special Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, French dressing, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, and onion powder until smooth. For the best flavor, make the dressing first and let it chill in the refrigerator while you prepare the rest of the salad. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess grease. Season the cooked beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. For other great ground beef ideas, try these ground beef philly cheesesteaks.
Step 3: Chop Your Veggies
While the beef is cooking, wash and chop your lettuce, dice the pickles, and mince the white onion. Having all your components ready makes assembly quick and easy.
Step 4: Assemble Your Salad
In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, half of the shredded cheese, pickles, and onion. Add the warm, seasoned ground beef and drizzle with about half of the prepared dressing. Toss everything together until well combined. Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining cheese and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. You can add extra dressing to individual servings as desired.
Tips for the Best Results
- Don’t Dress It All at Once: If you’re not eating the entire salad immediately, store the components separately and dress individual portions to prevent the lettuce from becoming soggy.
- Toast the Sesame Seeds: For an extra layer of flavor, toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes until fragrant before garnishing.
- Use Lean Beef: Using lean ground beef prevents the salad from becoming overly greasy. Be sure to drain the fat well after cooking.
Customizations and Variations
One of the best things about this Big Mac Salad is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ideas to make it your own.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add chopped tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, or even some bell peppers for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Make it Spicy: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a spicy kick.
- Change the Protein: This salad works great with ground turkey or chicken as well. It’s a versatile base, much like our popular crack chicken sandwiches.
Meal Prep and Storage Instructions
This salad is perfect for meal prep. To keep everything fresh, store the cooked and cooled ground beef, chopped vegetables, cheese, and dressing in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply assemble a portion in a bowl and enjoy. The components will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this salad is excellent for meal prep. Store the cooked ground beef, chopped vegetables, cheese, and dressing in separate airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble just before eating to keep the lettuce crisp. It will last for up to 4 days.
To make Big Mac sauce, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons French dressing, 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish, 1 teaspoon white vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder until smooth. For best results, let it chill for at least 15 minutes.
A Big Mac Salad can be a healthy option, especially compared to the burger. It’s high in protein and vegetables while being low in carbohydrates. You can make it even healthier by using extra-lean ground beef or ground turkey.
Classic toppings include seasoned ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, dill pickles, minced white onion, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. You could also add croutons for a bread-like crunch or some chopped tomatoes for extra freshness.
Iceberg lettuce is the best choice for an authentic Big Mac experience due to its crisp and crunchy texture. However, romaine lettuce is also a great option that holds up well with the warm beef and dressing.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this easy and flavorful salad, be sure to explore our other recipes. From weeknight dinners to delicious desserts like our healthy oatmeal apple cake, we have something for everyone. We hope you love this Big Mac Salad as much as we do. If you make it, please leave a comment and let us know what you think. We’d love for you to share it on Pinterest!
Big Mac Salad Recipe
Big Mac Salad: The Ultimate Recipe for Burger Lovers
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, French dressing, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, and onion powder until smooth. Set aside or chill in the refrigerator.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess grease. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- While the beef cooks, chop the lettuce, pickles, and onion.
- In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, half of the cheese, pickles, and onion. Add the warm ground beef, drizzle with half of the dressing, and toss to combine. Garnish with the remaining cheese and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
For the best flavor, let the special sauce chill for at least 15 minutes before serving.
