Copycat Big Mac Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love Big Macs but want a lighter option, this salad delivers all the taste with none of the extra carbs. It’s quick to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for keto or low-carb diets. With seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, shredded cheese, and a homemade “special sauce,” each bite is a nostalgic hit. It’s also great for meal prep and family dinners.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef

• Iceberg or romaine lettuce

• Shredded cheddar cheese

• Dill pickles

• Cherry tomatoes (optional)

• Red onion (optional)

• Olive oil or butter (for cooking)

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the special sauce:

• Mayonnaise

• Ketchup

• Yellow mustard

• Relish (sweet or dill)

• Apple cider vinegar

• Onion powder

• Garlic powder

• Paprika

Directions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef in a bit of olive oil or butter until browned. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if needed and set aside to cool slightly.

2. While the beef cooks, wash and chop the lettuce and prepare the other vegetables.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients for the special sauce until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.

4. Assemble the salad: layer lettuce in bowls, top with ground beef, shredded cheese, chopped pickles, and optional cherry tomatoes or onions.

5. Drizzle generously with the special sauce.

6. Toss gently and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Swap beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version.

• Use shredded iceberg for a more authentic fast food texture.

• Add chopped bacon or a fried egg for extra richness.

• Use sugar-free ketchup and mayonnaise to make the sauce keto-compliant.

• Serve in a lettuce wrap for a Big Mac-inspired wrap.

Storage/Reheating

Store the components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the ground beef in the microwave or skillet before serving. Do not mix the dressing in advance with the salad to keep it crisp. The special sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

FAQs

What makes this a “Big Mac” salad?

It includes all the key components of a Big Mac: seasoned beef, pickles, lettuce, cheese, onions, and a tangy special sauce.

Is this salad keto-friendly?

Yes, especially if you use sugar-free versions of ketchup and relish in the sauce.

Can I use another type of meat?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or a meat substitute can work well in this recipe.

What kind of lettuce is best?

Iceberg gives the most authentic Big Mac crunch, but romaine or a spring mix also works.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, just store the ingredients separately and assemble before eating.

How do I make the special sauce healthier?

Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo, or choose low-fat versions of the ingredients.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all ingredients (especially the sauce components) are certified gluten-free.

Can I serve this warm?

Yes, the salad works well with warm beef over cold veggies for a nice contrast.

What other toppings can I add?

Sliced avocado, sautéed mushrooms, or jalapeños add a tasty twist.

How do I store leftover special sauce?

Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Conclusion

Copycat Big Mac Salad is a fun, satisfying, and flavorful way to enjoy all the best parts of a fast food classic—without the bun. It’s a great choice for anyone eating low-carb or just looking for a healthier take on a beloved burger. With simple ingredients and a quick prep time, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your weekly meal rotation.

Copycat Big Mac Salad

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Copycat Big Mac Salad captures all the flavors of the iconic burger—beef, pickles, cheese, and special sauce—in a low-carb, bun-free salad form.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Salad
• Method: Assemble
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

1 tbsp olive oil or butter

Salt and pepper to taste

1 head iceberg or romaine lettuce, chopped

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup dill pickles, chopped

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)

1/4 red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

For the special sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 tbsp ketchup

1 tbsp yellow mustard

1 tbsp relish (sweet or dill)

1 tsp apple cider vinegar

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp paprika

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Instructions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef in olive oil or butter until browned. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Wash and chop the lettuce and prepare the vegetables.
3. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika to make the special sauce.
4. In serving bowls, layer chopped lettuce, cooked beef, shredded cheese, pickles, tomatoes, and onions.
5. Drizzle with special sauce and gently toss to combine.
6. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Use sugar-free ketchup and relish for a keto-friendly version.
• Substitute Greek yogurt for mayo for a lighter dressing.
• Keep sauce and salad components separate for meal prep.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 salad
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 85mg