Big Mac Salad

Big Mac Salad: A Low-Carb Twist on a Fast Food Favorite

If you’re craving that iconic Big Mac flavor but want to skip the drive-thru guilt, you’re in for a treat. The Big Mac Salad is everything you love about the famous burger—juicy beef, tangy pickles, melty cheese, and creamy “special sauce”—transformed into a satisfying low-carb bowl. It’s keto-friendly, gluten-free, and high in protein, making it the perfect clean-eating comfort food.

Why This Salad Is a Game-Changer

Unlike most fast food copycat recipes, the Big Mac Salad doesn’t rely on buns or heavy ingredients. Instead, it uses fresh shredded lettuce, seasoned ground beef, and a homemade Big Mac dressing that tastes just like the real deal (but better). Whether you’re doing keto, watching your carbs, or just want a delicious and filling meal, this salad delivers on flavor and simplicity.

Key Benefits:

• ✅ Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: Ditch the bun, not the flavor.

• ✅ Meal-Prep Ready: Stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• ✅ Customizable: Add avocado, switch proteins, or spice it up.

• ✅ Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love it.

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🥗 What’s in a Big Mac Salad?

To get that unmistakable Big Mac taste, you need just a few key components:

• Ground beef: Cooked with salt, pepper, and a little garlic or onion powder.

• Shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce: For that fast food crunch.

• Chopped dill pickles: Adds tang and crunch.

• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melted slightly over warm beef.

• Diced onion: Optional, but authentic.

• Tomatoes (optional): Not in a Big Mac, but great in a salad.

• Sesame seeds: A nod to the iconic sesame seed bun.

• Big Mac Sauce: The star of the show—see below.

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🍶 The Secret Sauce: Big Mac Dressing

You don’t need store-bought Thousand Island. This simple homemade version is packed with zesty flavor and takes just 2 minutes to mix:

Big Mac Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1 tbsp yellow mustard

• 1 tbsp ketchup (or sugar-free for keto)

• 2 tsp relish or finely chopped pickles

• 1 tsp white vinegar

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

Whisk until smooth. This dressing can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week.

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🍽️ How to Serve It

Serve your Big Mac Salad in a bowl or layered in a glass jar for meal prep. Top with sesame seeds for an authentic touch. You can also double the dressing and use it as a dip for veggies or grilled meats.

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🥑 Variations to Try

• Keto Big Mac Bowl: Skip onions and ketchup for fewer carbs.

• Big Mac Lettuce Wraps: Wrap ingredients in romaine or butter lettuce.

• Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based ground meat or grilled portobello.

• Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the dressing.

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🍔 Big Mac Salad Recipe (Quick Summary)

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp pepper

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 4 cups shredded lettuce

• 1/2 cup diced pickles

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/4 cup diced onion

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayo

• 1 tbsp mustard

• 1 tbsp ketchup

• 2 tsp relish

• 1 tsp vinegar

• 1/2 tsp each garlic & onion powder

• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown beef in a skillet with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Drain excess grease.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients.

3. Assemble salad: Start with lettuce, then top with beef, cheese, pickles, and onion.

4. Drizzle with dressing and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

5. Serve warm or cold.