- September 23, 2025
Big Mac Salad Recipe – A burger bowl that is juicy and impossible to resist.
If you like the taste of a Big Mac but want something lighter, fresher, and lower in carbs, this Big Mac Salad Recipe is for you! 🍔🥗 Unlike the Big Mac, I’ve replaced the bun with crunchy lettuce, juicy beef, tangy pickles, melty cheese, and that amazing ‘special sauce.’ Wholesome, easy to make, and packed with flavor, this salad is perfect for quick dinners, meal prep, or those moments when you want comfort food without the guilt.
What exactly was a Big Mac Salad? (Brief Historical Overview)
McDonald’s successfully launched Big Mac in 1967, and since then, it has gained immense popularity and is known as an ‘icon’ in the ‘fast food’ sector. It has ‘double’ beef patties, ‘cheese’, ‘lettuce’, ‘pickles’, ‘onions’, and ‘special sauce’ in its composition and is loved by many. As time passed, however, food was cared about more, and ‘healthy’ versions of food began being created. It is during this time that Big Mac Salad was created. It is a recipe that focuses on the ‘taste’ and ‘carbs’ in food.
In a nutshell, you can say, that this is a ‘fast-food’ burger but in a salad form- refreshing and filled with ‘proteins’.

Items Required
For the Salad
2 cups shredded romaine or iceberg lettuce
ground beef, 200g, cooked (with seasoning salt, pepper, and a dash of paprika)
½ cup of chopped red onions
½ cup of cheddar cheese shredded
¼ cup of dill pickles sliced
1 large tomato diced
1tbsp of extra virgin olive oil (only if needed to cook the beef)
For the Special Sauce
3 tablespoon mayonnaise
2 tablespoon ketchup
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon onion, very finely chopped
½ teaspoon of garlic powder
½ teaspoon of white vinegar or pickle juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beef
Heat olive oil in a pan. Add ground beef and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until browned and slightly crispy. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, onion, garlic powder, and vinegar. Adjust seasoning. Let it rest for 10 minutes for the flavors to blend.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, layer shredded lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, cheddar cheese, and cooked beef.
Step 4: Add the Magic
Drizzle the special sauce generously over the salad. Toss gently so everything is coated. Garnish with extra pickles and a sprinkle of cheese.

How to Serve
Serve fresh in a big rustic bowl with extra sauce on the side.
Pair with crispy tortilla chips, garlic bread, or even roasted veggies.
Great for lunchboxes — just keep the sauce separate until ready to eat.

FAQs About Big Mac Salad
1. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the beef with grilled mushrooms, soy mince, or chickpeas.
2. Can I store leftovers?
Keep salad (without sauce) in an airtight box for 2 days. Store sauce separately in the fridge for 3–4 days.
3. Is this keto-friendly?
Absolutely! Big Mac Salad is naturally low in carbs, making it keto and paleo-friendly.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 450 kcal |
Protein | 25 g |
Carbohydrates | 15 g |
Fat | 30 g |
Fiber | 2 g |
Sodium | 600 mg |
(Values depend on cheese type and sauce quantity.)
Interesting Tips & Variations
Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef for extra “burger flavor.”
Spice lovers can add jalapeños or chili flakes to the sauce.
Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter, protein-rich dressing.
Want it extra indulgent? Top with a fried egg! 🍳
Final Thoughts
This Big Mac Salad Recipe is proof that comfort food can be both delicious and wholesome. It’s quick to prepare, customizable, and hits all the right flavor notes — tangy, savory, cheesy, and fresh. Whether you’re following a keto diet, looking for a fast dinner, or just craving something different, this salad is a must-try!
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