Big Mac Salad Recipe That’s Better Than Takeout

After a long, hectic day juggling school pickups and dinner decisions, there’s nothing more satisfying than a quick, flavorful meal that brings comfort to the table. This Big Mac salad recipe delivers all the iconic taste of a Big Mac—minus the bun and the drive-thru guilt. Packed with seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, melty cheese, tangy pickles, and a dreamy, creamy homemade sauce, this salad tastes just like the real thing. It’s a crave-worthy dinner that comes together fast and hits the spot every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Big Mac Salad Recipe

• Tastes exactly like your favorite Big Mac without the bread
• Ready in 20 minutes or less—ideal for busy weeknights
• This Big Mac salad recipe is low-carb and high-protein
• All ingredients are simple, familiar, and easy to find
• Totally customizable—add more pickles, cheese, or heat
• A smart, delicious option for keto or low-sugar diets
• A kid-approved, burger-in-a-bowl favorite
• Great for meal prep, lunches, or no-fuss dinners

Big Mac Salad Recipe

This Big Mac salad recipe tastes just like the classic burger—without the bun! It’s a quick, flavorful, and low-carb dinner packed with protein and a creamy homemade sauce.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Main Dish, Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 4 bowls

Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Salad

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cracked pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 6 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced dill pickles
• 1/4 cup diced yellow onions

For the Big Mac Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sugar-free ketchup
• 2 tablespoons dill relish
• 2 teaspoons mustard
• 2 teaspoons distilled white vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

 

• Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart as it cooks. Stir occasionally until the beef is fully browned, about 7–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
• Season the beef with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir well to coat all the meat evenly. Let it cook for another 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat.
• In a small mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, dill relish, mustard, vinegar, onion powder, and paprika until smooth and creamy.
• Divide the chopped lettuce into 4 bowls. Top each with cooked beef, shredded cheddar, onions, and pickles. Drizzle about 3 tablespoons of Big Mac sauce over each bowl and toss gently. Sprinkle sesame seeds and extra pickles on top if desired.

Keyword Big Mac salad recipe, cheeseburger salad, low carb

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• Lean ground beef
• Salt
• Cracked black pepper
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Dill pickles
• Diced yellow onions

Optional Garnishes

• Sesame seeds
• Extra sliced pickles

Equipment Needed

• Nonstick skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Serving salad bowls

Cooking Utensils

• Spatula
• Measuring spoons
• Wire whisk
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board

Variations

One of the great things about this Big Mac salad recipe is how adaptable it is for different tastes and diets. You can make a few easy tweaks and enjoy a totally new spin without sacrificing flavor.

• Gluten-Free Version: This Big Mac salad recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check your ketchup and relish labels.
• Dairy-Free Twist: Skip the cheddar and use a dairy-free mayo for a creamy, satisfying salad without dairy.
• Spicy Upgrade: Add chopped jalapeños to the salad or mix a little hot sauce into the beef or dressing for a fiery take. Try it alongside our bold and refreshing spicy cucumber salad for a flavor-packed duo.
• Protein-Packed Combo: Pair this salad with a hearty scoop of our dense bean salad to keep energy levels steady and appetites happy.

How to Make Big Mac Salad Recipe

Step 1 – Brown the Beef

To begin with, heat a nonstick skillet over medium. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula as it browns. Stir occasionally to keep it from clumping. Cook until it’s fully browned—about 7–8 minutes. Drain off any excess grease before moving on.

Step 2 – Season the Meat

Next, sprinkle the beef with salt, cracked pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until every piece is coated in savory seasoning. Let it cook for another minute or two to deepen the flavor. Then turn off the heat and let it rest.

Step 3 – Mix the Big Mac Sauce

Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, dill relish, mustard, white vinegar, onion powder, and paprika. Whisk everything until smooth and creamy. Taste and tweak to your liking—more relish for tang, more mustard for bite.

Step 4 – Build Your Salad Bowl

Finally, grab four bowls and fill each with 1½ cups of crisp lettuce. Top with cooked beef, shredded cheddar, diced onions, and sliced pickles. Drizzle with about 3 tablespoons of the Big Mac sauce, toss to coat, and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. This Big Mac salad recipe is ready to serve and guaranteed to please.

Tips and Tricks

For the best results with your Big Mac salad recipe, keep these practical and delicious tips in mind:

• Use fresh-ground beef for maximum flavor in this Big Mac salad recipe. Pre-packaged ground beef works, but fresh makes a difference.
• Add chopped pickles while cooking the beef to deepen the iconic tangy flavor.
• Double the Big Mac sauce and store it in the fridge—it’s amazing on sandwiches, wraps, or even as a dip.
• For easy lunches, prep all parts in advance. Store lettuce, beef, sauce, and toppings in separate containers and assemble when ready.
• Make it extra filling by tossing in avocado or a sliced boiled egg—this adds healthy fats and makes the salad feel like a full meal.

Nutrition

This Big Mac salad recipe is a wholesome twist on fast food—high in protein, low in carbs, and full of nutrients that support energy and focus. With lean beef and crisp lettuce as the base, it offers a powerful balance of flavor and fuel.

This Big Mac salad recipe supports immune health and stabilizes blood sugar levels, making it perfect for busy parents, professionals, and anyone eating clean.

How to Serve Big Mac Salad Recipe

This Big Mac salad recipe shines as a main dish, but it also plays well with sides and drinks. Serve it cold for a quick lunch, or warm for a cozy dinner. Add a side of spicy cucumber salad for a crunchy, refreshing bite, or go for something heartier like our dense bean salad. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or impressing guests, this salad always delivers.

Make Ahead and Storage

One of the best parts about this Big Mac salad recipe is how easy it is to prepare in advance without losing freshness or flavor. It’s ideal for meal planning, busy weeks, or even healthy fast-food style lunches at home.

• Prep the beef and sauce up to three days ahead. Once cooked, ground beef stores well in the refrigerator in an airtight container. According to refrigeration safety guidelines, cooked meats can be safely stored at or below 40°F (4°C) for several days.
• Keep the lettuce and toppings separate. To avoid sogginess, chop lettuce and store it dry in a sealed container lined with a paper towel. This method helps preserve the crisp texture, as explained in the food preservation section on Wikipedia.
• Reheat only the beef. Warm it quickly in a skillet or microwave. Then, assemble your salad fresh for the best texture.
• Avoid freezing. Leafy greens don’t freeze well and will wilt after thawing. Freezing is best suited for cooked foods with stable structure, like stews or soups, as described in home freezing practices.

By keeping ingredients separate and following these simple guidelines, this Big Mac salad recipe stays fresh, crunchy, and delicious all week long.

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FAQs

What goes in Big Mac salad?
This Big Mac salad recipe includes ground beef, lettuce, cheddar, pickles, onions, and a homemade sauce that mimics the classic Big Mac flavor.

What salad dressing is closest to Big Mac sauce?
Big Mac sauce is closest to Thousand Island, but this homemade version in the Big Mac salad recipe is even better—tangier, creamier, and more flavorful.

How to make a poor man’s Big Mac?
Make this Big Mac salad recipe by using low-cost ingredients like ground beef, chopped lettuce, basic condiments, and pickles—all the Big Mac flavor in a bowl.

Is Thousand Island dressing like Big Mac sauce?
Very close. However, Big Mac sauce has a more distinct taste due to the mustard, vinegar, and dill relish. This Big Mac salad recipe uses a homemade version for the perfect match.

Conclusion

If you’re craving fast-food flavor without the fast-food regret, this Big Mac salad recipe is your answer. It’s bold, balanced, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re on a low-carb plan or just want to shake up your salad routine, this recipe brings the classic burger experience to your kitchen—bun-free and bursting with flavor. Try it today and tag your creations with #PrestoRecipes. Kima’s kitchen is open, and there’s always room for one more at the table.