Big Mac Salad

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.

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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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Here is a quick and easy recipe for a Big Mac salad that’s satiating enough to be served as a dinner meal. It comes with the flavours and textures of the classic Big Mac burger minus the bun. It’s more fibre-rich, high in protein and low on the carbs if you’re watching those. Enjoy this healthy Big Mac salad!

Ingredients for the salad:

Ingredients for the dressing:

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!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, If you’re not a fan of cheddar cheese, you can substitute it with your preferred cheese variety such as Swiss, Monterey Jack, or even crumbled blue cheese.

Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives like tofu or tempeh if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the chosen meat or meat substitute.

Is there a vegetarian or vegan version of this salad?

Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian or vegan version of this salad. Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu or tempeh. Use vegan cheese or omit it altogether. For the dressing, use vegan mayonnaise and check that the other condiments are also vegan-friendly.

Can I use a different type of lettuce?

While romaine lettuce works well for this salad, you can use other types of lettuce or salad greens if desired. Iceberg lettuce or a mixed greens blend can be good alternatives.

More Hearty Salad Recipes

Big Mac Salad Bowl