This Big Mac Salad brings all the flavors of a classic burger into a fresh and healthy bowl. Loaded with lettuce, pickles, beef, and a special dressing, it’s a fun twist on a favorite!
Who knew salads could taste like fast food? I love throwing in extra toppings, like cheese or avocado, to make it even more delicious. It’s guilt-free and totally satisfying! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef adds flavor and texture. If you want a lighter option, turkey or ground chicken works well too! For a vegetarian version, try crumbled tofu or tempeh seasoned with your favorite spices.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is great for sautéing. You can swap it with avocado oil or even coconut oil for a different flavor, depending on your preference or dietary requirements.
Romaine Lettuce: Romaine gives that crunchy texture. If you prefer a different leafy green, iceberg lettuce or spinach can be used for a softer bite or a nutritional boost.
Big Mac Dressing: The dressing is what makes this salad special! If you’re looking for a healthier option, Greek yogurt can replace mayo for a lighter version. For a kick, add a splash of sriracha or hot sauce.
How Do I Make Sure My Beef is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the ground beef just right is essential. Start by heating the olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the ground beef along with the garlic and onion powders, and season with salt and pepper. Stir occasionally.
- Cook the beef until it’s browned all over, about 6-8 minutes. You want it to be no longer pink!
- If there’s excess fat, drain it after cooking to keep your salad light.
Taking care with this step will ensure your salad has a great texture and flavor! Enjoy your delicious Big Mac Salad!
How to Make a Big Mac Salad (Low Carb, Keto)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup dill pickles, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup Big Mac dressing (see below)
For the Big Mac Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- 2 tablespoons sugar-free ketchup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Big Mac Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to cook the beef, totaling around 25 minutes. If you decide to chill it for 30 minutes before serving, it will be even tastier!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef along with the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook everything together, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and fully cooked—this should take about 6-8 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, carefully drain it out of the skillet.
2. Prepare the Big Mac Dressing:
While the beef is cooking, let’s make the Big Mac dressing! In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, sugar-free ketchup, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until it’s nice and smooth. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if necessary!
3. Assemble the Salad:
Now it’s time to build your salad! In a large serving bowl, layer the chopped romaine lettuce, diced cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, chopped dill pickles, and shredded cheddar cheese. Arrange them nicely for a colorful presentation!
4. Add the Beef and Dressing:
Next, add the cooked ground beef on top of the beautiful salad layers. Then, drizzle the Big Mac dressing over everything. This will bring all those delicious flavors together!
5. Toss and Serve:
Gently toss everything together so the dressing coats all the ingredients. You can serve the salad right away, or if you prefer, cover it and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Enjoy your healthy and tasty Big Mac Salad!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef for a leaner option. Just ensure it is cooked thoroughly, as these meats can have different cooking times. Add a little extra seasoning if you use a milder meat to enhance the flavor!
How to Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to prevent the salad from getting soggy. When ready to enjoy, simply drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss!
Can I Make the Dressing Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the Big Mac dressing up to a week in advance! Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using, as the ingredients may separate over time.
What If I Can’t Find Sugar-Free Ketchup?
No worries! If sugar-free ketchup isn’t available, you can use a lower-sugar ketchup variety or even make your own by blending tomato paste with a bit of vinegar and your preferred sweetener. Just adjust the amount to taste as needed!
