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!

overhead image of healthy big mac salad in a bowl.

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.
healthy big mac salad in a bowl with big mac sauce salad dressing on the side.

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.

big mac salad in a bowl with sesame seeds on top.
5 from 2 votes

Healthy Big Mac Salad

This 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!
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

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

Instructions

  • 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.
5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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