Big Mac Salad
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Craving a Big Mac but trying to cut carbs? This Big Mac Salad delivers all the iconic flavors of the classic burger in a fresh, satisfying salad form. With seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, and that unmistakable special sauce, you’ll never miss the bun!
Readers have been coming to me for my copycat recipe for the traditional Big Mac sandwich for a long time. But what if you have a delicious Big Mac on the brain but are trying to eat a little lighter? So I thought, what my recipe website needs is a Big Mac Salad! So today – it’s here!
Big Mac Salad Recipe
This Big Mac Salad is a game-changer for burger lovers looking for lighter meals without sacrificing flavor. It perfectly recreates the taste of McDonald’s signature sandwich with layers of seasoned beef, crisp lettuce, cheddar cheese, onions, pickles, and that crave-worthy copycat Big Mac sauce. Whether you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, or just want a healthier take on fast food, this cheeseburger salad will satisfy that Big Mac craving in a fun way.
If you love this Big Mac Salad, you are sure to love these fast food copycats too: McDonald’s Copycat Filet ‘o Fish Sandwich, Skyline Cincinnati Chili Recipe, and this Taco Bell Mexican Pizza recipe.
Big Mac Salad (Cheeseburger Salad)
This deconstructed Big Mac in salad form is the perfect solution when you’re craving that signature McDonald’s flavor but want a healthier option without the sesame seed bun. The homemade Big Mac sauce is arguably the favorite part of this dish—a spot-on copycat version that combines mayo, French dressing, sweet pickle relish, and other simple ingredients for that authentic taste.
Wondering if Thousand Island dressing is similar to Big Mac sauce? While they share some ingredients, the real Big Mac sauce has a more complex flavor profile with the addition of French dressing and pickle juice that makes it taste like the real thing. This recipe nails that distinctive flavor that makes the classic Big Mac sandwich so irresistible!
Big Mac Salad Ingredients
Find the complete ingredients and instructions by scrolling to the bottom of this post for the full printable recipe card.
For the Salad:
- Lean ground beef – You can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for an even lighter option.
- Seasonings – onion powder, salt, and black pepper
- Iceberg lettuce – Provides the authentic Big Mac crunch, but romaine lettuce works well too.
- Cheddar cheese – Shredded works best, or try vegan cheese shreds for a dairy-free version.
- White onions – The traditional choice, but red onions would work well too.
- Dill pickle slices – These crunchy dill pickles are essential for that Big Mac taste, keep them whole or slice them up.
- Fresh tomatoes – Adds juicy freshness; cherry or grape tomatoes work great.
- Sesame seeds – For garnish and that authentic Big Mac flavor.
For the Sauce:
- Big Mac Sauce Ingredients – Mayo, French dressing, sweet pickle relish, dill pickle juice, sugar, dried minced onion, ketchup, and salt come together to create that signature special sauce.
Be sure to keep reading to find tips and tricks, substitutions, and answers to questions you may have about this Big Mac Salad recipe.
How to Make Big Mac Salad
This quick overview gives you the basic steps before you scroll to the detailed instructions in the recipe card.
The night before you plan to make the salad, prepare the Big Mac dressing by combining all sauce ingredients in a small bowl, covering and refrigerating it for 8-24 hours to let the flavors meld.
Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, seasoning with onion powder, salt, and pepper. Drain excess grease and set aside.
Assemble the salad by layering chopped iceberg lettuce, pickles, diced onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and tomatoes in a large salad bowl. Top with the seasoned ground beef, drizzle with Big Mac sauce, and garnish with sesame seeds.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. For meal prep, store the components in separate containers and assemble when ready to eat. The Big Mac sauce will keep well for up to a week in a sealed mason jar.
Love it? Pin it!
If you love this Big Mac Salad recipe, make sure that you don’t lose it! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go!
FAQs about Big Mac Salad
- What goes in Big Mac Salad? A Big Mac Salad includes the main ingredients of a Big Mac: ground beef, lettuce, cheese, onions, pickles, and the special Big Mac sauce, just without the bun.
- Is Thousand Island similar to Big Mac sauce? While they share similarities, authentic Big Mac sauce includes French dressing, sweet pickle relish, and pickle juice, giving it a more complex flavor than basic Thousand Island dressing.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the components separately and store them in airtight containers, then assemble when ready to eat.
- Is Big Mac Salad keto-friendly? Yes, this Big Mac Salad recipe is perfect for a keto or low carb diet when made as directed.
Tips & Tricks
- Make the Big Mac sauce a day ahead to allow flavors to fully develop
- For extra flavor, toast the sesame seeds before sprinkling them on the salad
- Serve the Big Mac sauce on the side for picky eaters or as a dipping sauce for other foods
- For a Big Mac bowl meal prep option, arrange components in sections rather than mixing together
- The sauce also makes a great dipping sauce for french fries or a spread for a Big Mac wrap
More Recipes to Love
Looking for more fun twists on classic favorites? More fun bunless burger ideas include Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs (pictured above), Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf, Big Mac Eggrolls, and these super fun Hamburger Cupcakes are perfect for a cookout dessert.
Some of my favorite salads include my Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad, this Little King Salad, my sister in law’s Doritos Taco Salad recipe, and my Italian Raw Veggie Salad.
This easy Big Mac Salad recipe is the perfect solution when you’re craving the flavors of the iconic McDonald’s sandwich but want to keep things low carb. With seasoned beef, crisp lettuce, and that irresistible copycat Big Mac sauce, this cheeseburger salad is sure to become a great lunch or dinner option that the whole family will enjoy!
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Big Mac Salad Recipe
Ingredients
For the Big Mac Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 2 Tablespoons French Dressing
- 1 heaping Tablespoon sweet relish
- 3 teaspoons dill pickle juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried minced onion
- 1 teaspoon ketchup
- dash salt
For the Salad:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large head iceberg lettuce chopped
- 1/2 cup dill pickle slices
- 1/2 cup white onion diced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup fresh tomatoes diced
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- To make Sauce: Combine all of the ingredients and cover and refrigerate for 8-24 hours.
- Brown and crumble ground beef in a skillet over medium high heat, seasoned with salt, pepper and onion powder. Drain excess grease. Set aside.
- Layer lettuce, pickles, onion, shredded cheddar cheese, cherry tomatoes, and the cooked beef into a large salad bowl. Drizzle the Big Mac sauce over the top, sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve immediately.
