Big Mac Salad

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If you've ever found yourself craving the tangy, savory flavors of a Big Mac but wanted something a little more wholesome, this Big Mac Salad is for you! Seasoned ground beef, crunchy lettuce, pickles, onions and the signature "special sauce" but served in a nourishing bowl that's perfect for lunch, dinner or even meal prep.

There’s something nostalgic and crave-worthy about the flavor of a Big Mac—that perfect combo of seasoned beef, melty cheese, crisp lettuce, tangy pickles, and that iconic “special sauce.” But let’s be honest: sometimes you want those bold, comforting flavors without the heavy feeling of fast food. That’s where this Big Mac Salad comes in. It’s everything you love about the classic burger, reimagined in a fresh, wholesome way. With layers of crunchy iceberg lettuce, juicy ground beef, zesty pickles, and a generous drizzle of homemade Healthy Big Mac Sauce, this salad brings all the flavor with none of the bun.

Whether you're looking to stick to low-carb meals, prepping lunches for the week, or just want to switch up your dinner routine, this salad is a fun and flavorful option that never gets boring. It's proof that you can recreate your favorite indulgences in a way that feels just a little bit more wholesome without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.

If you love the Big Mac special sauce, try this Paleo Hamburger Casserole.

Looking for more tasty summer salads? Try my Marry Me Chicken Salad, this Bacon Avocado and Egg Salad and one of my all time favorites this Tomato, Cucumber and Avocado Salad with Feta Cheese.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE MAKING THIS BIG MAC SALAD

• Real food: Clean, unprocessed ingredients.

• Special sauce: This homemade version is so much healthier.

• Quick and easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes.

• Meal prep friendly: Great for lunches or busy weeknights.

INGREDIENTS

• Ground beef: I recommend 80/20 beef so it's moist. You will need to drain any excess grease before layering salad.

• Olive oil: To cook the burger meat in.

• Onion and garlic powder: Seasonings for the meat.

• Salt and pepper: To taste.

• Butter or iceberg lettuce: Provides great crunch to salad.

• Onion: I'm using red onions but feel free to use the white onions that are traditionally used on the burger.

• Cheddar cheese: Pre-shredded is fine to use or shred your own.

• Pickles: Bread and butter or dill are fine.

• Sesame seeds: For garnish.

• Healthy Big Mac Sauce

HOW TO MAKE BIG MAC SALAD

Step 1: Make the Healthy Big Mac Sauce according the recipe directions. Let chill in the refrigerator.

Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Season and cook until browned about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease.

Step 3: Prepare the toppings by chopping the lettuce, onion and slicing the pickles.

Step 4: Start assembling the salad with a bed of lettuce, then layer the beef, onion, pickles and cheese. Drizzle the sauce evenly over and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.

EMILY'S TIPS

• Use fresh crisp lettuce. I recommend butter or iceberg for that amazing crunch but you can also use romaine in a pinch.

• Drain any excess grease from the meat. You don't want a soggy salad.

• Season the beef well. Use all the seasonings generously.

• Let beef cool before adding to the lettuce when layering. Give it a few minutes to cool down so the lettuce doesn't wilt.

• Layer salad ingredients. This helps with the texture and unifies the taste.

• Feel free to prep and make the Healthy Big Mac Sauce in advance. It keeps refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

This healthy Big Mac Salad can make a great meal prep option for weekday lunches just like my Chicken and Hummus Bowls.

You can make easy low carb lettuce wrap sandwiches by using the filling.

It pairs so well with these Big Mac Loaded Fries or a side of veggies like these Honey Roasted Baby Carrots.

STORAGE

Refrigerate: Place any leftovers in an airtight container then refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Make Ahead Instructions: Make the Healthy Big Mac Sauce up to 2 weeks in advance. The sauce is best stored in a mason jar and kept refrigerated. You can cook up the beef and store refrigerated in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Lastly, the toppings can be prepped and store refrigerated up to 2 days.

FAQ'S

Can I sub the ground beef?

Sure, any ground meat is fine to use- turkey, pork or chicken.

Can the Healthy Big Mac Sauce be made in advance?

Absolutely, it will keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. It's a great dressing to put on meats or use as a dip.

Is this recipe written keto friendly?

You will need to use a sugar free ketchup in the Healthy Big Mac Sauce but other than that, it's a keto-low carb friendly recipe.

I hope you give this Big Mac Salad a try! If you do give this recipe a try, please let me know!

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