The Big Mac Salad is a creative and flavorful twist on the iconic fast-food burger, reimagined into a fresh and hearty salad. I get all the classic Big Mac flavors—savory beef, crisp lettuce, tangy pickles, cheese, and creamy dressing—without the bun. It’s satisfying, quick to make, and absolutely delicious.
Why I’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this salad lets me enjoy the indulgent taste of a Big Mac in a lighter, low-carb form. It’s perfect for busy days because it comes together fast, and it’s filling enough to serve as a main dish. Plus, it’s super customizable, which means I can tweak it to fit my cravings or dietary needs.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 6 cups chopped iceberg lettuce
- 1½ pounds extra lean ground beef, browned and drained
- 1½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 1 cup diced Roma tomatoes
- 1 cup sliced red onion
- ½ cup diced dill pickles
- Thousand Island salad dressing
Directions
- I start by placing the chopped lettuce into a large serving bowl.
- Then, I evenly sprinkle the cooked ground beef over the lettuce.
- I layer the shredded cheese, tomatoes, red onion, and pickles next.
- I toss the salad gently so the ingredients are well mixed.
- Finally, I drizzle it with Thousand Island dressing just before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- I sometimes swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken when I want something lighter.
- If I don’t have Colby Jack, cheddar or mozzarella works just as well.
- I like adding toasted sesame seeds or croutons for extra crunch.
- For a spicier version, I throw in some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce in the dressing.
- To make it vegetarian, I use plant-based meat or grilled mushrooms instead of beef.
Storage/Reheating
- I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- If I plan ahead, I store all the components separately and only assemble the salad right before serving.
- This salad doesn’t freeze well, since the fresh veggies won’t hold up after thawing.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
I can prep the ingredients ahead and store them separately. Then, I just toss everything together when I’m ready to eat.
What can I use instead of Thousand Island dressing?
I like making a simple mix of mayo, ketchup, and relish, or sometimes I use creamy French or Russian dressing instead.
Is this salad low-carb?
Yes, it’s a great low-carb option. I make sure to use a low-sugar dressing to keep it keto-friendly.
How do I make this salad spicier?
To kick up the heat, I add jalapeños, use a spicy cheese, or mix hot sauce into the dressing.
Can I use a different kind of lettuce?
Absolutely. While iceberg is nice and crisp, I also like using romaine or mixed greens for a different texture.
Conclusion
The Big Mac Salad gives me all the flavor of a classic cheeseburger in a fresh, satisfying salad form. It’s quick, versatile, and easy to make, which is why it’s become a regular in my meal rotation. Whether I’m trying to eat lighter or just want a new way to enjoy my favorite burger flavors, this salad hits the spot every time.
Print
Big Mac Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: No-Cook (except for browning meat)
- Cuisine: American
Description
The Big Mac Salad is a deconstructed burger salad featuring seasoned ground beef, crisp vegetables, tangy pickles, cheese, and creamy Thousand Island dressing, delivering all the classic Big Mac flavors in a low-carb, bun-free form.
Ingredients
- 6 cups chopped iceberg lettuce
- 1½ pounds extra lean ground beef, browned and drained
- 1½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 1 cup diced Roma tomatoes
- 1 cup sliced red onion
- ½ cup diced dill pickles
- Thousand Island salad dressing, to taste
Instructions
- Place the chopped lettuce into a large serving bowl.
- Evenly sprinkle the cooked ground beef over the lettuce.
- Layer the shredded cheese, tomatoes, red onion, and pickles on top.
- Toss the salad gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Drizzle with Thousand Island dressing just before serving.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Use cheddar or mozzarella if Colby Jack isn’t available.
- Add toasted sesame seeds or croutons for extra crunch.
- Include sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicier salad.
- Use plant-based meat or grilled mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
