If you’re craving the flavors of a classic fast-food burger but want something lighter and brighter, you’ll love this Big Mac Salad! It takes all the best parts of your favorite burger—juicy seasoned beef, crisp lettuce, sharp cheddar, zippy pickles, and that signature tangy dressing—and transforms them into a hearty, wholesome salad bowl. Not only is it incredibly satisfying, but it’s also low-carb and fresh, making it perfect for meal prep or a fun family dinner. So grab a big bowl and let’s pile on the flavor with this Big Mac Salad sensation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this salad contributes something special, from texture and crunch to rich, savory satisfaction. These pantry staples come together in a way that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly new—get ready to fall in love with every bite!

Ground Beef (1 lb): The heart of the dish, bringing those classic burger vibes; feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Salt (1 tsp): Essential for seasoning the beef and heightening all the savory notes.
Black Pepper (½ tsp): Adds gentle spice and rounds out the beef seasoning perfectly.
Garlic Powder (½ tsp): Gives depth and a subtle aromatic kick that elevates the meat.
Onion Powder (½ tsp): Brings a mellow oniony warmth to the beef without overpowering it.
Chopped Lettuce (8 cups): Romaine or iceberg both give crunch and a cool, refreshing contrast.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Melty, sharp, and savory; it ties the whole “cheeseburger” theme together.
Diced Dill Pickles (½ cup): Adds tangy pops of flavor dotted throughout each bite.
Finely Chopped Onion (½ cup): Offers a sweet crunch—red or white onion both work great here.
Halved Cherry Tomatoes (1 cup, optional): For an added burst of color, juiciness, and a touch of sweetness.
Sesame Seeds (2 tbsp, optional): Sprinkle on top for crunch and to capture that signature burger bun feeling.
Mayonnaise (½ cup): The creamy backbone of our homemade dressing—it’s what makes this salad irresistible!
Ketchup (2 tbsp): Brings classic burger sweetness and zing to the special sauce.
Yellow Mustard (1 tbsp): Adds sharpness and just the right tang to wake up the dressing.
White Vinegar (1 tbsp): A splash of acidity that brightens all the flavors in the sauce.
Sweet Pickle Relish or Finely Chopped Pickles (2 tbsp): Brings sweet, tart, and a little crunch to the dressing.
Paprika (¼ tsp): For mild warmth and an appetizing pop of color in the homemade Big Mac Sauce.

How to Make Big Mac Salad

Step 1: Cook the Seasoned Beef

In a large skillet set over medium heat, add the ground beef along with the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Break the meat apart with a spoon as it cooks, making sure it browns evenly and cooks all the way through. Once it’s deeply golden, drain any excess fat, then set the pan aside and let the beef cool slightly. The aroma will have you ready to dig in already!

Step 2: Prepare the Veggies and Base

While the beef is cooking, get your salad base ready. Chop the iceberg or romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and dice the pickles and onions finely. Halve the cherry tomatoes if you’re using them. A mix of vibrant veggies brings that iconic burger feel—think crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, then a sprinkle of onions and pickles for a mouthwatering crunch.

Step 3: Build Your Salad Layers

In a large bowl, start with a generous bed of lettuce, then spread the slightly cooled ground beef evenly over the top. Sprinkle on your shredded cheddar cheese, followed by the diced pickles, chopped onions, and cherry tomatoes if desired. This layering guarantees every forkful is loaded with classic Big Mac flavors.

Step 4: Whisk Together the Special Big Mac Salad Dressing

Grab a small bowl and whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, white vinegar, sweet pickle relish (or finely chopped pickles), and paprika until completely smooth and creamy. This homemade sauce is magical—it will instantly transport you to burger bliss.

Step 5: Drizzle, Toss, and Finish

Just before serving, drizzle your Big Mac Salad dressing generously over the salad. Gently toss everything together so the sauce evenly coats the meat, cheese, and veggies. As a fun and authentic finishing touch, scatter some sesame seeds on top—they’ll remind you of that familiar burger bun and add a little crunch.

How to Serve Big Mac Salad

Garnishes

The right toppings take this salad from tasty to unforgettable! A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds instantly brings burger vibes, while a handful of extra cheddar or fresh diced pickles on top adds both texture and flavor. For those who love heat, a little diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce can kick things up a notch.

Side Dishes

Big Mac Salad is hearty enough to shine on its own but pairs beautifully with a side of sweet potato fries, roasted veggies, or a quick cucumber salad. If you’re sticking to a low-carb theme, consider cauliflower tots or a crisp, fresh fruit platter to round out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Big Mac Salad in clear glass mason jars for meal prep lunches, or layer it beautifully in a trifle dish for a potluck showstopper. For family dinners, set up a build-your-own salad bar and let everyone customize toppings and dressing. You can even make adorable mini versions in lettuce cups for parties or game day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

For maximum freshness, store any leftovers by keeping the cooked beef, salad veggies, and dressing in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. This way, the lettuce stays crisp and the flavors stay bright. When you’re ready for seconds, just assemble and toss.

Freezing

While the cooked and seasoned beef can be frozen (perfect for fast salad assembly later!), it’s best to skip freezing the assembled salad and fresh veggies, as the textures change in the freezer. Pop cooled beef into a freezer-safe bag, label it, and thaw overnight in the fridge before using.

Reheating

To warm up leftover beef, simply microwave it in a covered dish for 30-60 seconds until heated through, or heat it gently in a skillet. Once it’s hot, let it cool slightly before adding to your fresh salad base to keep the lettuce crisp and the Big Mac Salad experience fresh.

FAQs

Can I make Big Mac Salad dairy-free?

Absolutely! Just swap out the cheddar cheese with your favorite dairy-free cheese or simply skip it—the salad is still packed with flavor and texture without it.

What can I use instead of ground beef?

You can easily substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based crumble for the beef—just cook it with the same seasonings to keep that iconic taste in your Big Mac Salad.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! Store the salad components and dressing separately, then assemble right before eating. The cooked beef will keep well in the fridge for up to three days, making lunchtime a breeze.

Can I adjust the dressing to make it lighter?

Yes! You can use light mayonnaise or swap half the mayo for plain Greek yogurt to cut calories and add a little protein, without losing any of that tangy, delicious flavor.

How do I keep my Big Mac Salad from getting soggy?

Keep your lettuce and veggies separate from the beef and dressing until right before serving. Only toss the salad together when ready to eat—that way each bite stays crisp and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a burger fan or just love a creative, flavor-packed meal, this Big Mac Salad is about to become your new obsession. It’s familiar, fresh, and so much fun to make and eat! I can’t wait for you to try it out—don’t be surprised if it shows up on your menu week after week.

Big Mac Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Big Mac Salad recipe captures all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a lighter, low-carb salad form. With seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, cheddar cheese, pickles, onions, and a special sauce, this salad is a delicious twist on the iconic fast-food favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad:

1 lb ground beef
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
8 cups chopped iceberg or romaine lettuce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup diced dill pickles
½ cup finely chopped onion
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes (optional)
2 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)

For the Dressing:

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tbsp white vinegar
2 tbsp sweet pickle relish or finely chopped pickles
¼ tsp paprika

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Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat and set aside to cool slightly.
Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, layer chopped lettuce, ground beef, shredded cheddar, diced pickles, onion, and tomatoes if using.
Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, vinegar, relish, and paprika until smooth.
Toss and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving, toss gently to combine, and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken.
For extra crunch, add shredded carrots or cabbage.
To meal prep, store cooked beef and dressing separately, then assemble when ready to eat.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course, Salad
Method: Stovetop, Assembling
Cuisine: American