Big Mac Salad Recipe (Keto & Low-Carb)
If you love the taste of a Big Mac but want a healthier, low-carb alternative, this Big Mac Salad is for you! Packed with seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, shredded cheese, pickles, onions, and a creamy homemade Big Mac sauce, this keto-friendly, gluten-free dish delivers all the flavor without the bun. Perfect for meal prep or a quick, satisfying dinner.
Equipment
- Large Skillet – For cooking the seasoned ground beef
- Spatula – To break apart and stir the beef while cooking
- Mixing Bowls – For preparing the Big Mac Sauce and assembling the salad
- Cutting Board & Knife – To chop lettuce, dice onions, and slice pickles
- Measuring Cups & Spoons – For precise ingredient measurements
- Grater or Shredder – To freshly shred the cheddar cheese (optional)
- Serving Bowls – To plate and serve the salad
Ingredients
- For the Salad Base:
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20 blend
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 head iceberg lettuce chopped
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup diced white onion
- ½ cup sliced dill pickles
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds optional, for garnish
- For the Big Mac Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp dill pickle relish
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Lettuce & Vegetables
- Wash and chop the iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
- Dice the white onion and slice the dill pickles.
- Shred the cheddar cheese.
- Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce and mustard.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned. Drain excess grease and set aside.
- Make the Big Mac Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, dill pickle relish, mustard, vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Stir well until smooth. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes for the flavors to blend.
- Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, start with a bed of chopped lettuce.
- Add the cooked ground beef on top.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheddar, diced onions, and sliced pickles.
- Drizzle with Big Mac Sauce.
- Garnish with sesame seeds (optional).
- Serve & Enjoy!
Notes
Meal Prep Tip: Store lettuce, beef, and sauce separately for the freshest leftovers.
Low-Carb Swap: Use sugar-free relish for a completely keto-friendly version.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles.
Make It Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce to the Big Mac Sauce for an extra kick!
Low-Carb Swap: Use sugar-free relish for a completely keto-friendly version.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles.
Make It Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce to the Big Mac Sauce for an extra kick!