If you’re craving the flavors of a Big Mac but want to skip the carbs, this Big Mac Salad is the perfect solution. It’s a low-carb version of the classic McDonald’s burger, offering all the familiar ingredients—juicy ground beef, crispy lettuce, tangy pickles, creamy cheese, and a signature sauce—without the bun. This salad is not only incredibly satisfying and flavorful, but it’s also a breeze to make. You can enjoy it for lunch or dinner, and it’s easy to customize based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
The foundation of this Big Mac salad is crisp romaine lettuce or a mix of leafy greens. The lettuce gives the salad its crunch, mimicking the texture of the bun in a traditional Big Mac. You then add juicy ground beef, seasoned to perfection with a mix of salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic or onion powder. The beef is the star of this salad, bringing a hearty, savory element that makes the salad feel like a complete meal. If you prefer, you can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
The next important component is the tangy pickles, which give the salad that signature Big Mac flavor. Sliced pickles add a refreshing crunch and a vinegary bite that complements the richness of the beef and the creaminess of the cheese. Speaking of cheese, this recipe typically calls for cheddar cheese or American cheese, which melts beautifully over the hot beef or can be served in chunks if you prefer a firmer texture. The cheese adds richness to the salad and ties all the ingredients together perfectly.
What makes this Big Mac salad truly special is the dressing, which mimics the classic Big Mac sauce. The dressing combines mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, Dijon mustard, a dash of white vinegar, and a pinch of garlic powder. It’s creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of sweet and savory to remind you of the iconic McDonald’s burger sauce, but without the carbs. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything together for a delicious, low-carb meal that hits all the right notes.
Big Mac Salad Recipe
Ingredients:
- For the Salad:
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or American cheese)
- 1/4 cup sliced pickles
- 1/4 cup diced onions (optional, for extra crunch)
- For the Big Mac Sauce (Dressing):
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (preferably avocado mayo for lower carbs)
- 1 tablespoon sugar-free ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet, heat the ground beef over medium heat. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully browned and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes).
- Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any other seasonings you prefer. Once cooked, remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, and garlic powder. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Set aside.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, add the chopped lettuce, cooked ground beef, shredded cheese, sliced pickles, and diced onions (if using).
- Drizzle the Big Mac dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well-coated.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 1-2 days if making ahead. This salad is perfect as a meal on its own or paired with a side of keto-friendly vegetables.
Nutritional Information (per serving, makes 4 servings):
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 30g
- Protein: 28g
- Total Carbs: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Net Carbs: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
