This Big Mac Salad is your ticket to enjoying the iconic flavors of a classic burger in a fresh, wholesome way. Crisp lettuce, juicy ground beef, and tangy pickles come together with a creamy, secret-sauce-inspired dressing for a dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s ready in just 20 minutes, making it a quick yet delicious meal.
Every bite is a delightful mix of textures—crunchy, tender, and creamy—while the bold flavors of cheddar, onions, and sesame seeds bring the Big Mac experience to life. It’s a salad that feels like a treat, proving healthy eating doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor or fun.
Ingredients for Big Mac Salad
- For the Big Mac Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon sugar-free ketchup (or regular ketchup)
- 1 teaspoon vinegar (white or apple cider vinegar works)
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- For the Salad:
- 1 pound ground beef (substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 6 cups lettuce, chopped (iceberg or romaine works best)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ⅓ cup onion, chopped (red or white onion)
- ¼ cup dill pickles, chopped
- ⅓ cup tomato, chopped (optional)
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Big Mac Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, pickle relish, yellow mustard, sugar-free ketchup, vinegar, and paprika until smooth and well combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked (no pink remains). Drain any excess fat, then season with salt and pepper. Let it cool slightly.
- Assemble the Salad: Divide the chopped lettuce evenly between serving bowls. Top each bowl with the cooked ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onions, pickles, and tomatoes (if using).
- Add the Finishing Touches: Drizzle the prepared Big Mac sauce over each salad. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Big Mac Sauce & Topping Ideas
Take your Big Mac Salad to the next level with creative sauce and topping ideas! For a tangier sauce, add a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of garlic powder. If you’re feeling adventurous, swap the cheddar cheese for pepper jack or blue cheese crumbles. For extra crunch, toss in some croutons or crispy bacon bits.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
This salad is a meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or sweet potato fries for a heartier option. For a low-carb twist, serve it in a lettuce wrap or alongside zucchini fries. Don’t forget a chilled glass of sparkling water or iced tea to complete the meal!
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store leftover salad components separately to keep them fresh. The Big Mac sauce can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cooked ground beef stays fresh for 2-3 days in the fridge. To reheat, warm the beef in a skillet over medium heat, but keep the lettuce and toppings cold for the best texture.
Quick & Easy Recipe Variations
Short on time? Use pre-chopped lettuce and pre-shredded cheese to save prep time. For a lighter version, swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles. If you’re avoiding dairy, skip the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative. Customize the toppings to suit your taste!
Essential Equipment for Big Mac Salad
You’ll need a large nonstick skillet for browning the beef and a sharp knife for chopping veggies. A whisk is handy for mixing the sauce, and a salad spinner ensures your lettuce is crisp and dry. For serving, use shallow bowls to layer the ingredients beautifully.
Big Mac Salad
Ingredients
Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon sugar free ketchup
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Salad
- 1 pound ground beef
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 6 cups lettuce chopped
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- ⅓ cup onion chopped
- ¼ cup dill pickles chopped
- ⅓ cup tomato chopped (optional)
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Make the sauce by whisking all the ingredients together in a small bowl until well combined. Set aside in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Brown the beef in a large nonstick pan set over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through with no pink. Drain off excess fat, then season with salt and black pepper. Allow it to cool slightly.
- Divide the lettuce between salad bowls, then top evenly with ground beef, cheese, onions, pickles, and tomato. Drizzle the salad with the Big Mac sauce, garnish with sesame seeds, and serve.