Looking for a healthy, low carb twist on a classic burger? This Big Mac Salad Recipe delivers all the flavors you love — seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, pickles, shredded cheddar, and creamy homemade special sauce — without the bun. Perfect for keto, low carb, and gluten-free meals.
🥗 Why You’ll Love This Big Mac Salad
If you’re craving the flavor of a Big Mac without the bun, this salad is going to become your new obsession. Here’s why this Big Mac Salad recipe stands out:
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All the Flavor, None of the Guilt – Juicy seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, tangy pickles, and shredded cheddar come together with a creamy copycat Big Mac sauce. You get that classic fast-food taste, but in a lighter, nutrient-packed form.
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Low Carb & Keto Friendly – Unlike a traditional burger, this cheeseburger salad skips the bun entirely, making it perfect for keto, low-carb, and even gluten-free lifestyles. It’s a satisfying way to enjoy comfort food without the carb crash.
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Quick & Easy Dinner Idea – Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you want something fast, flavorful, and family-approved.
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High in Protein – With seasoned ground beef and cheese, each serving is loaded with protein to keep you full and energized. It’s not just a salad — it’s a complete meal.
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Meal Prep Friendly – Make a big batch and store the ingredients separately. It’s a perfect option for packed lunches, meal prep bowls, or next-day leftovers.
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Customizable to Your Taste – Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken, use iceberg or romaine, add extra pickles, or drizzle on extra sauce — this recipe adapts to your cravings.
✨ In short: this isn’t just another salad. It’s a healthy Big Mac in a bowl — crunchy, savory, tangy, and absolutely crave-worthy.
Big Mac Salad Recipe Ingredients
One of the best things about this Big Mac Salad recipe is how simple and familiar the ingredients are — you probably already have most of them in your kitchen! Every element comes together to give you that classic cheeseburger flavor in a fresh, lighter way.
For the Salad Base
The foundation of any Big Mac Salad recipe is a crisp, refreshing salad base that mimics the texture and crunch of the famous burger while keeping it low carb and keto-friendly. The key here is to balance freshness, crunch, and volume so that every bite feels hearty without being heavy.
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Shredded Lettuce – Just like the original Big Mac, shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce brings a refreshing crunch. It forms the bulk of the salad, giving it that fast-food vibe while keeping it light and guilt-free.
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Chopped Pickles – Pickles are essential to recreating that signature Big Mac tang. Dill pickles work best for their briny bite, but you can also try bread-and-butter pickles if you prefer a hint of sweetness.
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Diced Onions – Finely chopped white or yellow onions provide a sharp contrast to the creamy Big Mac sauce. If you want a milder bite, red onions or even green onions can be a great swap.
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Cheese – Shredded cheddar or American cheese adds that unmistakable melty richness you expect in a Big Mac. Use sharp cheddar for more depth of flavor or stick with classic processed cheese for authenticity.
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Optional Extras – To customize your salad base, consider tossing in tomatoes for juiciness, cucumbers for added crunch, or even avocado for creaminess while keeping it keto.
By layering these ingredients, you’ll create a hearty low carb salad that delivers the same textures and flavors as the iconic burger—without the bun. Each component plays a role in making sure your salad feels indulgent, satisfying, and true to the Big Mac experience.
For the Special Sauce Dressing
No Big Mac Salad recipe would be complete without the star of the show — the famous special sauce. This creamy, tangy dressing ties the entire dish together and is what makes every bite taste like the real deal. The beauty of this homemade version is that it’s not only more flavorful than the bottled stuff, but also low carb, keto-friendly, and made with simple pantry ingredients.
Here’s what goes into creating the iconic sauce:
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Mayonnaise – The creamy base that gives the sauce its rich texture. Use full-fat mayo for a keto option or avocado oil mayo for a lighter, healthier twist.
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Mustard – A touch of yellow mustard brings a subtle tang and brightens the sauce. Dijon can be used for extra sharpness, but classic yellow mustard keeps it authentic.
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Sugar-Free Ketchup – Adds a sweet-tomato flavor without all the added sugar of regular ketchup. This keeps the sauce keto while still capturing the Big Mac essence.
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Pickle Relish – The secret ingredient that provides both tang and crunch. Dill relish is the traditional choice, but you can also finely chop dill pickles if you don’t have relish on hand.
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Vinegar & Seasonings – A splash of white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt complete the flavor profile, giving it that classic fast-food taste.
Simply whisk these ingredients together until smooth and creamy. For the best results, let the dressing sit in the fridge for at least 20–30 minutes so the flavors can meld together.
This homemade Big Mac sauce isn’t just for salads — it also works as a dipping sauce for fries, a spread for lettuce-wrapped burgers, or even a drizzle over grilled chicken. It’s the ultimate versatile dressing that makes your salad taste like a fast-food favorite without the guilt.
Whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, sugar-free ketchup, pickle relish, and seasonings. This homemade Big Mac sauce is keto-friendly and gluten-free. For more healthy dressing ideas, see our keto-friendly salad dressings roundup.
How to Make Big Mac Salad Recipe Step by Step
Making this Big Mac Salad recipe at home is surprisingly easy, and the best part is you only need one skillet and a few fresh ingredients. Follow these step-by-step instructions to bring all the iconic Big Mac flavors into a healthy, bun-free salad bowl.
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil (or avocado oil) and cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Break it up into small crumbles as it cooks to mimic the texture of a classic Big Mac patty.
👉 Tip: For extra flavor, season the beef with salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Drain any excess grease to keep the salad light.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad Base
While the beef cooks, chop your romaine lettuce (or iceberg for a crunchier bite) and arrange it in a large salad bowl. Add toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, thinly sliced onions, juicy tomatoes, and sliced pickles. These layers replicate the toppings of a Big Mac burger but in salad form.
Step 3: Mix the Special Sauce Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, sugar-free ketchup, pickle relish, vinegar, and seasonings until smooth and creamy. This sauce is what transforms the salad from “just another cheeseburger bowl” into an authentic Big Mac experience.
👉 Make Ahead Tip: The dressing can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
Spoon the warm beef over the fresh salad base. Drizzle generously with the special sauce dressing and toss lightly to coat every bite. Garnish with extra pickles or sesame seeds if you want to mimic that “Big Mac bun” flavor.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately while the beef is still warm and the veggies are crisp. This dish is hearty enough for a main meal but can also be portioned into meal-prep containers for quick lunches throughout the week.
Tips & Variations
This Big Mac Salad recipe is incredibly flexible — you can tweak it to match your taste, dietary needs, or the ingredients you have on hand. Here are some expert tips and creative variations to help you make it your own:
Make It Keto or Gluten-Free
One of the best things about this Big Mac Salad recipe is how easily it adapts to special diets like keto and gluten-free, so you can enjoy all the classic Big Mac flavors without any guilt or carb overload. Here’s how to customize it:
Keto-Friendly Tips
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Skip the Bun – The traditional Big Mac bun is replaced entirely by the salad base (lettuce, cheese, pickles), which keeps the carb count low.
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Use Low-Carb Condiments – Swap regular ketchup and sweet pickle relish for sugar-free versions. This keeps the special sauce keto-approved while maintaining the signature flavor.
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Full-Fat Ingredients – Use full-fat mayonnaise and cheese to keep the salad rich and satisfying. These fats help you stay in ketosis while still enjoying a hearty meal.
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Optional Add-Ons – Top with avocado, bacon, or even a fried egg for extra healthy fats and protein.
Gluten-Free Tips
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Check Condiments – Most mayonnaise, mustard, and pickles are naturally gluten-free, but always verify labels to avoid hidden gluten.
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Naturally Gluten-Free Ingredients – Ground beef, lettuce, cheese, onions, and pickles are all safe choices. No bun is required, so the salad stays 100% gluten-free.
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Dressing Adjustments – Ensure any vinegar or seasoning blends used in the special sauce are certified gluten-free.
By following these adjustments, you can enjoy a Big Mac Salad that’s still packed with protein, flavor, and the iconic taste of a classic burger, but perfectly suited for keto, low-carb, or gluten-free lifestyles.
✨ Pro Tip: Preparing the dressing in advance and storing it in a sealed container makes this salad ideal for meal prep, whether you’re eating keto, gluten-free, or just love quick, healthy meals.
Meal Prep & Storage
One of the reasons this Big Mac Salad recipe is perfect for busy weeknights is that it’s incredibly meal prep friendly. With a few simple tips, you can prepare it in advance, store it safely, and enjoy fresh, flavorful salads all week long.
Step 1: Prep Ingredients Separately
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Cook the Beef in Advance – Prepare your ground beef with seasonings as described in the recipe, then let it cool before storing. Portion it into airtight containers.
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Chop the Vegetables – Wash and chop lettuce, dice onions, slice pickles, and shred cheese. Keep these fresh ingredients separate from the beef to prevent wilting.
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Make the Special Sauce Dressing – Whisk together your Big Mac-style dressing and store it in a small airtight jar in the fridge. This keeps it fresh for several days and prevents the salad from getting soggy.
Step 2: Storage Tips
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Refrigeration – Store cooked beef, salad vegetables, and dressing in separate airtight containers. Cooked beef lasts about 3–4 days, and the dressing can last up to 5 days.
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Avoid Sogginess – Keep the salad components separate until serving. Only toss the lettuce and toppings with the beef and sauce right before eating to preserve crunch and texture.
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Containers for Convenience – Use meal prep containers or mason jars. Layer the dressing at the bottom, followed by beef, cheese, pickles, and lettuce on top. When ready to eat, just shake or mix.
Step 3: Reheating & Serving
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Reheat the Beef – Gently warm the cooked ground beef in a skillet or microwave before assembling the salad. Avoid overheating, as it can wilt your lettuce.
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Assemble Just Before Eating – For the best taste and texture, add lettuce and toppings last, drizzle the special sauce, and toss lightly.
Step 4: Variations for Meal Prep
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Batch Cooking – Double the beef and dressing quantities for a week’s worth of salads.
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Mix & Match Toppings – Keep extras like bacon, avocado, or tomatoes in separate containers. Add them when serving for freshness.
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Keto or Gluten-Free Prep – These meal-prep tips work perfectly for low-carb, keto, or gluten-free diets without compromising flavor.
✨ Pro Tip: Preparing this Big Mac Salad in advance not only saves time but also makes it easy to grab a healthy, protein-packed, low-carb meal anytime — perfect for busy schedules, lunches, or family dinners.
Want to customize your lunch? Learn how to add avocado and bacon in our Big Mac Salad Recipe
Big Mac Salad FAQs
To make your Big Mac Salad recipe even more helpful, here are answers to the most common questions people ask about this healthy, low-carb, and keto-friendly dish.
1. Is Big Mac Salad healthy?
Yes! This salad is a healthier twist on a classic cheeseburger. By swapping the bun for fresh lettuce and controlling the amount of cheese and dressing, you get a meal that’s high in protein, low in carbs, and rich in nutrients. It’s perfect for anyone following a keto, low-carb, or gluten-free lifestyle.
2. Can I make Big Mac Salad keto-friendly?
Absolutely! To make this Big Mac Salad keto, simply use sugar-free ketchup and relish in the special sauce, stick to full-fat mayonnaise, and avoid any high-carb toppings. The salad base itself — lettuce, pickles, onions, and cheese — is naturally keto-friendly.
3. Can I store Big Mac Salad for meal prep?
Yes! The secret to keeping it fresh is to store the components separately: cooked ground beef, chopped vegetables, shredded cheese, and the special sauce. Assemble the salad just before eating to maintain crispness and flavor. The beef can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days, and the sauce lasts about 5 days.
4. Can I substitute ground beef?
Definitely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives can work well. Just season them the same way you would for the classic recipe to retain the Big Mac flavor profile.
5. Can I make the salad dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the shredded cheddar cheese for a dairy-free cheese alternative and use a vegan mayo in the special sauce. The salad will still taste creamy and delicious while being friendly for lactose-intolerant or vegan diets.
6. What’s the best way to make the Big Mac sauce?
The special sauce is key. Mix mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, and seasonings like garlic powder and onion powder. For best flavor, let the sauce chill in the fridge for 20–30 minutes before using — this allows all the flavors to meld perfectly.
7. Can I add extra toppings?
Yes! This salad is highly customizable. Some popular add-ons include:
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Crispy bacon
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Avocado
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Cherry tomatoes
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Hard-boiled eggs
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Extra pickles or shredded cheese
These extras enhance flavor and texture while keeping it low carb and keto-friendly.
8. Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely. This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t include a bun. Just double-check that your condiments (ketchup, mustard, relish) are certified gluten-free to ensure there’s no hidden gluten.
More Low Carb & Keto Salad Recipes
If you love this Big Mac Salad recipe, you’re in luck! There are plenty of other low carb and keto-friendly salads that are just as flavorful, satisfying, and easy to make. Exploring these recipes will help you keep your meals healthy, protein-packed, and exciting, without compromising on taste.
🥗 1. Keto Cobb Salad
A classic salad made low carb! Packed with grilled chicken, crispy bacon, avocado, hard-boiled eggs, and blue cheese, this salad is a creamy, protein-rich option for lunch or dinner. Top it with a homemade vinaigrette or ranch dressing for a true keto-friendly meal.
🥗 2. Low Carb Taco Salad
All the flavors of a taco in a salad bowl! Seasoned ground beef, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, cheddar cheese, and sour cream come together for a spicy, filling, and low-carb meal. Skip the tortilla chips to keep it keto.
🥗 3. Chicken Avocado Salad
Perfect for meal prep, this salad combines grilled chicken, creamy avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and fresh greens. Dress with olive oil and lime juice for a refreshing, low-carb option that’s light but protein-packed.
🥗 4. Keto Caesar Salad with Chicken
All the classic Caesar flavors minus the croutons! Toss romaine lettuce with grilled chicken, Parmesan cheese, and a homemade Caesar dressing. Add anchovies for authentic flavor, and you have a creamy, low-carb dinner that satisfies burger cravings without the carbs.
🥗 5. BLT Salad (Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato)
A keto-friendly twist on the classic sandwich. This salad is crunchy, flavorful, and quick to assemble, featuring crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a creamy dressing — all without bread.
This Big Mac Salad Recipe is the perfect low carb, keto-friendly twist on a classic burger you can enjoy anytime. Quick to make, packed with protein, and full of flavor, it’s ideal for meal prep or a healthy weeknight dinner. Try this Big Mac Salad Recipe today and delight your whole family!
Nutrition & Health References
This Big Mac Salad is perfect for keto and low carb diets, which have been shown to support weight management and stable blood sugar levels Healthline – Keto Diet Benefits.