If you’re craving that classic Big Mac flavor without the carbs, this Big-Mac salad hits the spot. It’s everything you love about the burger in a bowl. Juicy beef, crisp lettuce, tangy pickles, and a creamy Big-Mac salad dressing recipe that ties it all together. This Big Mac salad recipe is fast, flavorful, and keto-friendly. Whether you’re meal prepping or need dinner in 15 minutes, Big-Mac salad is always a smart choice.
As someone who ditched design school for the kitchen, I love recipes like this Big-Mac salad keto bowl. It’s low-effort and high-reward. Growing up, burgers were a weekend ritual, but now I skip the bun and go straight for the good stuff. That’s the beauty of this Big-Mac salad. It delivers real flavor, keeps your carbs low, and still feels indulgent. You can also check out these keto lunch ideas if you’re keeping your meals fast and satisfying.
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Why Big Mac Salad Is My Weeknight Go-To
Big Mac Salad With Real Fast Flavor
Big-Mac salad is my secret to beating dinner burnout. It’s packed with seasoned ground beef, crisp romaine, sharp cheddar, and a generous drizzle of Big-Mac salad dressing recipe. You get the full Big Mac taste in every bite without any bun. This Big-Mac salad recipe is ideal for busy nights when you need big flavor fast.
I love how Big-Mac salad works with my keto routine. It’s filling, low carb, and tastes like comfort food. You don’t need fancy tools or endless prep. Just brown some beef, chop your lettuce, and whip up a quick sauce. For extra flavor, I sometimes add turkey bacon instead of regular. If you want more fast keto meals like this Big-Mac salad, the keto mayonnaise recipe makes a perfect base for dressings and dips.
Building the Best Big Mac Salad Recipe
Ground Beef Makes the Big Mac Salad Complete
Big-Mac salad starts with juicy ground beef, cooked with simple spices like garlic, onion powder, and paprika. This seasoned beef gives Big-Mac salad its signature taste. I always use lean beef, but ground turkey works just as well. The key is cooking it until slightly crisp. When layered over lettuce and cheese, the beef in this Big-Mac salad recipe makes every forkful taste like the real thing.
To keep this Big-Mac salad keto, skip bread and pile on pickles, red onion, and shredded cheddar. The balance of rich beef and tangy toppings makes this Big-Mac salad recipe feel indulgent but stays low in carbs. If you need more inspiration, check out these beef mince keto recipes that pair perfectly with this dish. For budget-friendly ideas, these cheap low-carb meals prove that Big-Mac salad can be both
How to Customize Your Big Mac Salad Keto Style
Make Big Mac Salad Work for Any Taste
One of the best things about Big-Mac salad is how easy it is to customize. You can make your Big-Mac salad spicier with jalapeños or swap the cheddar for Monterey Jack. For a lighter version, use ground turkey instead of beef. The core of this Big-Mac salad recipe always stays the same: crisp lettuce, tangy pickles, juicy meat, and that irresistible dressing.
Big-Mac salad works great as a full meal or a side. Want to serve it with something else? These low carb sides pair perfectly. For quick weeknight cooking, browse through keto air fryer recipes to find dishes that complement your Big-Mac salad. Keep your portions balanced, and this Big-Mac salad keto bowl becomes more than a fast meal. It turns into a go-to that’s easy, satisfying, and full of the classic burger flavor you want without the carbs.
Big Mac Salad as a Full Meal
Big Mac Salad Is More Than Just a Side
Big-Mac salad isn’t just a keto lunch. It’s a full, hearty dinner. When you build your Big Mac salad with enough beef, lettuce, cheese, and dressing, it fills you up fast. I often make a double portion and serve it as the main dish. For family dinners, it’s a win. Everyone gets that familiar fast food taste, just without the carbs or drive-thru guilt.
If you enjoy bowl-style meals, Big-Mac salad stands right next to dishes like this Grecian chicken bowl. For easy dinner planning, pair it with recipes from keto dinner recipes to keep things quick. The Big-Mac salad recipe is flexible and fast. It gives you the burger experience in a keto-friendly way. With every bite of this Big-Mac salad keto bowl, you’re getting flavor, crunch, and satisfaction in under 15 minutes. It’s fast food reimagined the healthy way.
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Big Mac Salad Sensation In Under 20 Minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Description
This Big Mac Salad is a low-carb version of the classic burger, packed with seasoned beef, shredded cheddar, pickles, and a creamy homemade dressing.
Ingredients
- • 1 lb ground beef
- • 1 tsp onion powder
- • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- • Salt and pepper to taste
- • 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- • 1/2 cup chopped pickles
- • 1/4 cup diced red onion
- • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- • 1 tbsp mustard
- • 1 tbsp ketchup (no sugar added)
- • 1 tsp white vinegar
Instructions
1. Cook ground beef with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until browned.
2. While beef cooks, mix mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, and vinegar to make the dressing.
3. Chop romaine lettuce and place into serving bowls.
4. Top lettuce with cooked beef, cheddar, pickles, and red onion.
5. Drizzle Big Mac dressing over each bowl.
6. Serve immediately or store ingredients separately for meal prep.
Notes
• For a lighter version, swap ground beef for ground turkey.
• Store dressing separately to keep salad fresh for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
FAQs About Big Mac Salad
What goes in Big Mac Salad?
A Big Mac salad includes ground beef, romaine lettuce, cheddar cheese, pickles, red onion, and a creamy Big-Mac salad dressing recipe. It captures the full burger flavor in every forkful without the bun, making it a perfect Big-Mac salad keto option.
Is Thousand Island similar to Big Mac sauce?
Thousand Island dressing is close, but the true Big-Mac salad dressing recipe includes mayo, mustard, ketchup, diced pickles, and a touch of vinegar. It’s tangier and better suited for a real Big Mac-salad experience.
How to order a poor man’s Big Mac?
At fast food spots, you can ask for a McDouble with lettuce and Big Mac sauce, no bun. At home, though, making a Big-Mac salad gives you the same taste with fewer carbs and more flavor.
What is the difference between Amish mac salad and mac salad?
Amish mac salad uses sweet dressing and elbow macaroni, while regular mac salad may have different seasoning. Both are pasta-based, unlike Big-Mac salad, which is meat and lettuce based and perfect for low-carb meals.
Why Big Mac Salad Deserves a Spot in Your Rotation
Big-Mac salad brings everything you crave into one easy, low-carb meal. It’s bold, juicy, crunchy, and perfect for busy nights. With seasoned beef, fresh lettuce, and that special Big-Mac salad dressing recipe, it satisfies without the guilt. Whether you’re eating keto or just skipping the bun, Big-Mac salad delivers every time.
Keep this Big-Mac salad recipe on repeat. It’s fast, flexible, and full of flavor. You can prep the beef ahead, mix the dressing in minutes, and enjoy the same classic taste in a healthier way. If you love burger flavors and hate waiting, Big-Mac salad is the perfect answer.