I’m the self-proclaimed salad QUEEN, and am thrilled to add this big mac salad to my resume. File it right under my Jennifer Aniston salad, buffalo chicken salad, and Kardashian salad. I have a high criteria when it comes to salads, they must be three things – filling, easy, and DELICIOUS. And this big mac salad checks all of those boxes!
And I can’t forget my favorite part – it’s perfect for meal prep. Because if there’s one thing I don’t have time for as a busy work from home mom, it’s making lunch. So I make this big mac on Sunday, portion it into 4 containers and store the big mac sauce dressing separately. Then, when I need a quick ready-to-go lunch, I simply add the dressing and dive in!
Healthy Big Mac Salad Ingredients
Ground Beef: Ground beef serves as the hearty base of this salad, providing protein and savory flavor. Opt for lean ground beef for a healthier option.
Dill Pickles: Tangy and crisp dill pickles add a burst of flavor and texture to the salad, reminiscent of the classic Big Mac sandwich.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese adds richness and creaminess to the salad, complementing the other ingredients perfectly.
Mayo: Mayo is the key ingredient in the Big Mac sauce salad dressing, bringing the whole dish together!
Tips and Tricks
- Adjust the ingredients in the Big Mac sauce dressing to suit your taste preferences. Add more ketchup for sweetness, extra relish for tanginess, or a dash of vinegar for acidity.
- Save time by preparing the dressing and cooking the ground beef in advance. Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the salad.
- Feel free to customize your Big Mac salad with additional toppings like diced onions, crumbled bacon, or avocado slices for added flavor and texture.
Adjust This Recipe To Your Dietary Needs
Make it Dairy-Free: To make this recipe dairy-free, simply omit the shredded cheddar cheese or replace it with your favorite dairy-free alternative. I used the Violife vegan cheddar shreds in my salad!
Make it Keto/Low-Carb: For a keto big mac salad, swap out the ketchup in the big mac sauce salad dressing with a sugar-free alternative and adjust the quantity of tomatoes to reduce carb content while still enjoying the classic flavors.
Healthy Big Mac Salad
Course: MainDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes10
minutes20
minutesThis big mac salad tastes just like a big mac, without the bun! Ground beef, crisp lettuce, tangy pickles, and creamy cheddar cheese are tossed together with a homemade big mac sauce dressing for a satisfying meal. Enjoy the iconic taste of a big mac in a lighter, healthier salad that’s perfect for lunch or dinner!
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
salt and black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
6 cups romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 red or white onion, peeled and thinly sliced
1 cup tomatoes (any kind), chopped
1/2 cup sliced dill pickles
- For the big mac sauce salad dressing:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon relish, or finely minced pickles
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon white vinegar, or apple sider vinegar
Pinch of salt
Directions
- Make the dressing but adding all big mac sauce salad dressing ingredients to a small bowl and whisk together to combine. Taste and adjust any seasoning as desired.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once pan is hot, add in the ground beef, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Break meat up into small pieces and cook until no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Remove cooked ground beef from the heat and set aside while you assemble your salad.
- Add the chopped lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced onion, chopped tomatoes, chopped dill pickles, and cooked ground beef to a large bowl. Pour dressing over the salad and toss to combine, then enjoy immediately.
Recipe Video
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