Big Mac Salad delivers the classic fast-food taste in a fresh, healthier bowl. Juicy seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, tangy pickles, shredded cheese, and a creamy “special sauce” make this salad bold, satisfying, and perfect for lunch or dinner.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 3–4)
For the Salad:
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1 lb (450g) ground beef
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp paprika
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½ tsp garlic powder
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6 cups shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce
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1 cup shredded cheddar or American cheese
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½ cup diced pickles
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½ cup chopped tomatoes (optional)
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¼ cup chopped onion (optional)
For the Big Mac–Style Sauce:
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½ cup mayonnaise
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2 tbsp sugar-free ketchup (or regular)
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1 tbsp yellow mustard
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2 tbsp finely chopped pickles or relish
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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1 tsp white vinegar or pickle juice
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Beef
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Heat a skillet over medium heat.
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Add ground beef and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
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Cook until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat and set aside.
2️⃣ Make the Sauce
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In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickles, garlic powder, onion powder, and vinegar.
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Chill for 10 minutes for best flavor.
3️⃣ Assemble the Salad
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Add shredded lettuce to a large bowl.
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Top with warm ground beef, cheese, pickles, tomatoes, and onion.
4️⃣ Add the Sauce
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Drizzle generously with Big Mac sauce.
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Toss gently or serve layered for presentation.
5️⃣ Serve
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Serve immediately while beef is warm and lettuce is crisp.
⭐ Tips & Variations
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Add sesame seeds on top for the classic bun flavor
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Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version
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Keep sauce separate for meal prep
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Add bacon bits for extra richness
❓ Q & A
Q: Is Big Mac Salad keto-friendly?
Yes! Use sugar-free ketchup and skip tomatoes for strict keto.
Q: Can I meal prep this?
Absolutely. Store beef, lettuce, and sauce separately for up to 3 days.
Q: What cheese works best?
Cheddar, American, or Colby Jack are all great.
