Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating a Big Mac Salad, a brilliant deconstructed take on the iconic fast-food favorite! Imagine all the beloved flavors of a Big Mac – the savory seasoned beef, the crisp lettuce, the tangy pickles, the melted cheese, and that unmistakable special sauce – all served up in a refreshing, bun-free bowl. This recipe delivers a hearty, satisfying, and incredibly flavorful salad that truly captures the essence of the classic burger, but in a lighter, more versatile format. Whether you’re aiming for a low-carb meal, a quick weeknight dinner, or simply a delicious and filling lunch, this Big Mac Salad is guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Get ready to ditch the drive-thru and create a healthier, homemade version that’s just as craveable!
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS BIG MAC SALAD
This isn’t just any salad; it’s a culinary experience designed to delight your taste buds while offering a practical and nutritious meal solution. Here’s why this Big Mac Salad stands out:
- Unmistakable Flavor: It perfectly replicates the unique taste profile of a Big Mac, thanks to the harmonious blend of seasoned ground beef, fresh ingredients, and a spot-on homemade “special sauce.” You won’t miss the bun!
- Healthy & Low-Carb Option: By removing the bun, this salad naturally becomes a fantastic low-carb alternative for those mindful of their carbohydrate intake. It’s packed with protein and fresh vegetables, making it a wholesome meal.
- Quick & Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps for both the dressing and the salad assembly, you can have this delicious meal on the table in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Highly Customizable: Adapt it to your preferences! Add extra veggies, swap out the cheese, or even try different protein sources. It’s incredibly versatile.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This salad lends itself beautifully to meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy a delicious, ready-to-eat lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Our recipe has consistently earned top ratings, proving its appeal to all who try it. If you’ve enjoyed other hearty, layered salads like a Dorito Taco Salad, you already understand the satisfying potential of a meal-worthy salad. This Big Mac Salad takes that concept and elevates it with familiar, comforting flavors.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BIG MAC SALAD
Yes, this Big Mac Salad is inherently low carb, making it an excellent choice for those following ketogenic or other low-carbohydrate diets. While it’s not completely zero-carb due to ingredients like pickles and a small amount of sugar in the dressing, you can further reduce the carbohydrate content by substituting the sugar with a natural sweetener like Stevia or erythritol. This simple swap helps maintain the dressing’s signature flavor without adding unwanted carbs.
The beauty of this salad lies in its versatility. Think of anything you’d typically pile onto a classic burger, and it will likely work wonderfully here! Beyond the core ingredients, consider adding diced red or yellow onions for a sharp bite, crispy bacon bits for extra savory crunch, or even thinly sliced jalapeños for a touch of heat. Some people enjoy adding a few croutons (opt for low-carb versions if applicable) for texture or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds to mimic the bun. Fresh avocado slices can also add a creamy richness.
Absolutely! Preparing individual servings is a fantastic way to enjoy this salad for lunches throughout the week or for convenient grab-and-go meals. Mason jars are perfect for this. To prevent sogginess, always layer your ingredients strategically: start with the dressing at the very bottom of the jar. Next, add the cooked ground beef, followed by any harder vegetables like pickles or tomatoes. Finish with the lettuce and cheese on top. When you’re ready to eat, simply pour the contents into a bowl, give it a good stir, and enjoy a perfectly fresh and evenly dressed salad.
To maximize freshness and prevent the lettuce from wilting, it’s highly recommended to store the salad ingredients and the dressing separately. Keep the prepared salad mixture (without dressing) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The homemade Big Mac dressing should also be stored in a separate lidded container in the refrigerator. This method ensures that your greens stay crisp and your salad remains delicious until you’re ready to serve.
ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS FOR YOUR HOMEMADE BIG MAC SALAD
Creating this irresistible Big Mac Salad requires a few key components, divided into two sections: the secret sauce (dressing) and the fresh, vibrant salad base. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in replicating that iconic Big Mac taste you know and love.
For the Irresistible Big Mac Dressing:
- Mayonnaise: This forms the creamy base of our special sauce. While any good quality mayonnaise will work, using a brand you love, like Hellmann’s or Duke’s, will elevate the flavor. Avoid Miracle Whip if you’re aiming for that authentic Big Mac taste, as its sweeter, tangier profile is quite different.
- Diced Dill Pickles: A non-negotiable for Big Mac flavor! The finely diced dill pickles provide that signature tang and crunch. If you’re truly averse to pickles, you can omit them, but it will slightly alter the classic profile.
- Mustard: Regular yellow mustard is perfect here. It contributes to the classic burger-sauce flavor without overpowering it. While Dijon could be used in a pinch, yellow mustard delivers the most authentic taste.
- White Vinegar: A touch of white vinegar adds a sharp acidity that balances the richness of the mayonnaise. Apple cider vinegar can also be used as an alternative for a slightly fruitier tang.
- Smoked Paprika: This spice is a game-changer, imparting a subtle smoky depth that mimics grilled burger flavors. If you only have regular paprika, that will work, but smoked paprika truly enhances the “burger” aspect of the salad.
- Sugar: A small amount of sugar balances the acidity and brings out the savory notes in the dressing, just like in the original Big Mac sauce. For a low-carb version, easily substitute with a sugar alternative like Stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit.
For the Hearty Salad Base:
- Ground Beef: As this salad is inspired by a hamburger, ground beef is the traditional protein. Opt for a leaner blend (like 80/20 or 90/10) to minimize excess grease. For dietary alternatives, you could use a plant-based beef substitute like Impossible meat, or even switch to ground chicken or turkey for a different lean protein option.
- Romaine Lettuce: The foundation of our salad! Romaine is chosen for its sturdy texture and crisp bite, which holds up exceptionally well to the other ingredients and the dressing without wilting quickly. Iceberg lettuce is another excellent choice for its classic crunch.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar adds a familiar, melty richness that perfectly complements the beef. Feel free to use your favorite type of cheese here – a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack, or even some sharp American cheese, would also be delicious.
- Diced Tomatoes: Fresh, juicy diced tomatoes add a touch of sweetness and acidity, along with a burst of color, to the salad.
- Additional Diced Dill Pickles (for salad): More pickles! These are for texture and visual appeal within the salad itself, reinforcing that Big Mac experience. If you’re a pickle lover, don’t skimp!
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the ground beef to taste, ensuring a flavorful protein component.
HOW TO MAKE THE ULTIMATE BIG MAC SALAD
Preparing this Big Mac Salad is incredibly simple, breaking down into just a few easy steps. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create a meal that tastes like a gourmet version of your fast-food favorite!
Step 1: Prepare the Signature Big Mac Dressing
The secret to any Big Mac is its special sauce, and our homemade version is no exception. In a blender or food processor, combine all the dressing ingredients: mayonnaise, diced dill pickles, mustard, white vinegar, smoked paprika, and sugar (or Stevia). Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. If you find the dressing to be too thick for your preference, you can thin it out by adding a small amount of milk (dairy or non-dairy) a teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Transfer the prepared dressing into a lidded container, such as a mason jar, and refrigerate it. Chilling the dressing allows the flavors to meld and intensify, making it even more delicious when you’re ready to serve.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Place the pound of ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break up the beef with a spoon or spatula and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is thoroughly browned and crumbled. As it cooks, season generously with salt and pepper to taste, enhancing the savory notes of the meat. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease from the skillet. This step is crucial for ensuring your salad isn’t overly oily and maintains a pleasant texture. Set the cooked beef aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the remaining salad ingredients: the roughly chopped Romaine lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and the additional diced dill pickles. Toss these ingredients gently to ensure they are well distributed, creating a colorful and inviting base for your Big Mac Salad.
Step 4: Add the Ground Beef
Once your salad base is ready, add the cooked and drained ground beef to the large bowl with the other salad ingredients. This brings the primary “burger” element to your bun-less creation, making it a truly satisfying and protein-packed meal.
Step 5: Dress and Serve!
Retrieve your chilled Big Mac dressing from the refrigerator. Drizzle a generous amount of the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and ground beef. Use salad tongs or a large spoon to gently toss everything together until all components are evenly coated with the rich and creamy dressing. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cook’s Note: For those who prefer to control the amount of dressing on their salad, consider serving the Big Mac Salad components (mixed greens, beef, cheese, and veggies) in a large bowl, and offer the dressing on the side. This allows each person to add their desired amount of that incredible special sauce to their individual serving.
MORE BIG MAC-INSPIRED RECIPES AND HEARTY SALADS
If you’ve fallen in love with the flavors of this Big Mac Salad, you’ll be thrilled to discover there are many more creative ways to enjoy that iconic taste, as well as other satisfying salad recipes perfect for dinner. Explore these fantastic options:
- Big Mac Wraps: All the flavor, wrapped up in a convenient tortilla.
- Big Mac Sliders: Mini versions of the classic, perfect for parties or smaller appetites.
- Big Mac Smashburger Tacos: A trending fusion that brings the Big Mac to taco night.
- Big Mac Sloppy Joes: A comforting, messy, and delicious take on the famous burger.
- Cornbread Salad: A unique and satisfying layered salad, perfect for potlucks.
- Seven Layer Salad: A classic, visually stunning, and flavorful salad for any occasion.
- Refrigerator Pickles: Learn to make your own tangy pickles to enhance any burger-inspired dish!
Originally published: January 2018
Updated photos & republished: June 2023
Big Mac Salad
This recipe for Big Mac Salad is chock full of ground beef, cheese, fresh veggies and homemade dressing! Like a Big Mac without the bun!
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
For the dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tablespoons diced dill pickles
- 2 teaspoons mustard
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 ½ Tablespoons sugar, or Stevia
For the salad:
- 1 pound ground beef
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 head Romaine lettuce, roughly chopped
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced dill pickles
Instructions
- In a blender or a food processor, blend all the dressing ingredients until smooth. If the dressing is too thick for your tastes, thin it out by adding a little milk. Pop the dressing into a lidded container (like a mason jar) and stick it into the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
- Brown and crumble ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season beef with salt and pepper. Drain excess grease.
- Combine all the remaining salad ingredients in a large bowl. Add the ground beef. Drizzle with prepared dressing. Stir and serve!
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Notes
- You can serve the salad separate from the dressing so everyone can add the amount of dressing they would like to their own salads.
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American
Nutrition
Calories: 437kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 39g | Sodium: 526mg | Sugar: 3g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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