Big Mac Salad Recipe

Ever have one of those days where a Big Mac craving hits hard, but you’re trying to eat a little healthier or just don’t feel like ordering takeout? Yeah, me too. That’s how this glorious Big Mac Salad was born in my kitchen. It’s got all the iconic flavors you love—the special sauce, the crunchy pickles, the savory beef—but in a bright, satisfying bowl you can feel good about. It’s the perfect solution for a quick weeknight win that the whole family will devour.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Big Mac Salad

• Ready in 20 Minutes: Faster than driving through a line, and way more rewarding.
• All the Flavor, Less Guilt: You get that classic Big Mac taste in a lighter, veggie-packed format.
• Meal Prep Hero: The components store beautifully, making lunches for the week a total breeze.
• Endlessly Customizable: Make it your own with your favorite burger toppings!

Gathering Your Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this fast food magic at home. The best part? Most of this is probably already in your fridge or pantry.

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For the Salad Base:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 a red onion, finely diced
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup dill pickles, chopped
• Sesame seeds for garnish (optional, but highly recommended!)

For the Big Mac Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Let’s Make This Salad!

This recipe comes together in a flash. It’s a fantastic one to get the kids involved with—they can toss the greens while you handle the stovetop.

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat and set aside to cool slightly.
2. While the beef cooks, make your special sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, white vinegar, paprika, and onion powder until smooth and creamy. Give it a taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
3. Now, assemble your bowls! Start with a big bed of chopped romaine lettuce. Top with the warm ground beef, cherry tomatoes, red onion, shredded cheddar, and chopped pickles.
4. Drizzle that irresistible Big Mac sauce generously over everything. Don’t be shy! Finish it off with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that authentic touch.
5. Serve immediately and watch it disappear.

My Go-To Tips for the Best Salad

I’ve made this more times than I can count, and here are my secrets for success:

• Crunchy Addition: For an extra textural punch, sprinkle on some homemade croutons right before serving. They are a game-changer!
• Make it a Wrap: This salad mix is also incredible stuffed into a large tortilla for a lunch on the go.
• Sauce Ahead: The sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. The flavors meld and get even better.
• Lean on Leftovers: This is a great way to use up leftover taco meat or ground beef from another meal.

What to Serve With Your Big Mac Salad

This salad is a full meal in a bowl, but if you’re serving a crowd or just want a little something extra, it pairs beautifully with a simple side. For a true burger joint experience, try it with some crispy baked french fries or some sweet potato wedges. A light, fizzy drink like sparkling water with lemon is the perfect refreshing companion.

Your Big Mac Salad Questions, Answered

Can I make this Big Mac Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! For the best texture, keep the components separate. Store the cooked and cooled beef, chopped veggies, cheese, and sauce in individual airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just assemble your bowl. The pre-chopped ingredients will stay fresh for 3-4 days.

What can I use instead of ground beef?

You have options! Ground turkey or chicken would work well for a leaner version. For a plant-based twist, try a bag of plant-based ground “meat” crumbles or even some seasoned lentils. The iconic sauce is what really makes the dish.

Is the Big Mac sauce the same as Thousand Island dressing?

They’re very similar cousins! Traditional Thousand Island often has ketchup or chili sauce in it, while this version uses relish and spices to mimic that specific, iconic Big Mac flavor profile. It’s tangy, sweet, and creamy all at once.

How can I lighten this recipe up even more?

You can easily lighten it up by using a lean ground beef (93/7), swapping the mayonnaise for a light or olive oil-based version, using reduced-fat cheese, and loading up on even more leafy greens. It’s a very adaptable recipe!

Nutrition Information

This information is an estimate and will vary based on your specific ingredients and portions.

Calories: 485kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 100mg | Sodium: 580mg

Time to Dig In!

There you have it—a deconstructed Big Mac that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. This Big Mac Salad is proof that you don’t have to give up on flavor when you want to eat a bit better. It’s become a regular in our dinner rotation, and I have a feeling it’s about to become a star in yours, too. If you’re looking for another quick and satisfying ground beef dinner, you have to try my Cheesy Beef and Noodle Casserole next. Happy cooking