This Big Mac Salad is a summer classic reinvented. It’s got all the flavour of your favourite fast-food burger—savoury beef, crisp pickles, and that iconic sauce—without the bun or guilt. Whether you’re on a keto kick, meal prepping, or just craving something bold and fresh, the Big Mac Salad hits every mark.
Inspired by backyard cookouts and nostalgic burger runs, this Big Mac Salad is perfect for sunny days. It’s hearty, tangy, refreshing, and comes together in under 30 minutes. What’s not to love?
Why You’ll Love This Big Mac Salad
- All the flavour: Your burger favourites in one delicious bowl of Big Mac Salad.
- Summer-ready: A cold, crunchy Big Mac Salad that won’t weigh you down.
- Fast & easy: Quick to prepare with minimal cleanup.
- Low-carb friendly: Perfect for those watching carbs or avoiding gluten.
Ingredients for Big Mac Salad
For the Salad (Serves 4):
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped dill pickles
- 1/4 cup diced red onions
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
For the Big Mac Salad Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
How to Make Big Mac Salad
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
- In a skillet, brown ground beef with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Once fully cooked, drain excess fat and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2
- In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth.
- Refrigerate the dressing until ready to use in your Big Mac Salad.
Step 3
- In a large bowl, add chopped romaine lettuce.
- Layer with cherry tomatoes, cheddar, pickles, and red onions.
- Top with warm ground beef, drizzle with dressing, and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Serving Suggestions
The Big Mac Salad is perfect served fresh, slightly warm, or chilled. It pairs beautifully with a glass of iced tea, lemonade, or even a pickleback for the daring. It also makes a great picnic dish or weeknight dinner.
Storage Tips
To keep your Big Mac Salad fresh, store components separately. Refrigerate the cooked beef and dressing in airtight containers for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, combine everything fresh for the best crunch.
Variations
- Dairy-free: Use vegan cheese and mayo.
- Low-carb boost: Swap ketchup for a sugar-free version.
- Veggie version: Use plant-based crumbles instead of beef.
- Big Mac Wrap: Wrap your Big Mac Salad in a large lettuce leaf or low-carb tortilla.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~450
- Protein: ~30g
- Carbs: ~8g
- Fat: ~35g
Explore More Flavour
For more flavour-packed summer inspiration, check out these helpful resources:
Delish offers a great roundup in
“15 Summer Salads That Are Meals In Themselves”.
Want a healthier twist on the dressing? Visit
EatingWell’s guide to
“How to Make a Healthier Burger Sauce”.
Curious how this stacks up to the real deal? See the
Nutritional Breakdown of a Classic Big Mac.
Or, learn how to whip up your condiments with
Bon Appétit’s “10 Easy DIY Salad Dressings.”
Don’t miss our reader-favourite Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad—another must-try for the season!
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Have you tried this Big Mac Salad? I’d love to hear how you made it your own. Snap a photo, tag #BigMacSalad on Instagram, or drop a comment below. Let’s spread the salad love!