Big Mac Salad is a delicious and healthy twist on the classic burger. The recipe includes fresh lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions, and cheese, and is finished with a tangy dressing that makes this salad out of this world delicious.
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What makes this recipe irresistible
I'm not a huge fast food fan, but every once in a while, I crave a Big Mac. So, I created this salad to satisfy my fast food craving. The best part? It takes just like the classic burger, but in salad form, and it's ready in 20 minutes, and you don't have to leave the house!
Ingredients
This Big Mac Salad is made with seasoned ground beef flavored with salt, pepper, and a dash of Montreal steak seasoning for extra punch. It's layered over crisp, chopped iceberg lettuce and topped with shredded cheddar cheese, finely diced red onion, juicy grape tomatoes, and sliced small dill pickles for that classic burger flavor.
A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds the signature "bun" vibe, and it’s all brought together with a generous drizzle of Thousand Island dressing—or go bold with Smashburger Sauce (it's so good on this salad!). It's everything you love about a Big Mac, minus the bun and with a whole lot more crunch!
Big Mac Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons Montreal steak seasoning
- 1 head iceberg lettuce chopped (or 6 cups of shredded lettuce)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup dill pickles I used small gerkin pickles and sliced them.
- ½ cup diced red onion
- 1 cup grape tomatoes halved
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for that Big Mac bun vibe
- ¾ cup thousand island salad dressing
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with salt, black pepper, and steak seasoning until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large serving bowl, layer the chopped iceberg lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced pickles, diced red onion, and grape tomatoes.
- Add the cooked ground beef on top.
- Drizzle with the dressing and toss to coat.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over the salad or add croutons for crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy the Big Mac experience—minus the bun!
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Nutrition
Frequently asked questions (FAQ’s)
I know you're saying Deb.... pickles in a salad? YES!! Trust me, it not only works here, you must include them, I'm telling you it's tangy and delicious!
Absolutely! While there are some slight differences, Thousand Island dressing is a fantastic substitute for Big Mac sauce. It's creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet, making it the perfect dressing for this salad.
Deb’s top tips
No one loves warm lettuce, so allow the beef to cool a little before you add it to your salad.
- If you are making my Smashburger sauce, make it a little bit in advance and store it in the fridge because the flavors get better with time.
Creative variations
- If you love a bit of heat, add some diced pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha to your salad. It’s the perfect twist for spice lovers!
- Want to reduce the calories? Try using ground turkey or ground chicken instead of the beef!
- Out of cheddar cheese? You can use Colby-Jack, Mexican style, or even some pepper jack instead. Just use whatever cheese you have on hand in the kitchen.
How to store leftovers
Refrigerate - Any leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Make sure to keep the dressing and toppings separate until ready to serve.
More recipes you’ll love
Salads are one of my go-to meals during the warmer months. They are easy to throw together and super refreshing on a hot day. If you love salads, you may also enjoy this BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad, Easy Cheddar's Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad recipe, and Pork Tenderloin Salad with Creamy Vinaigrette.
Delicious pairings: what to serve with
Salads can be a meal all on their own, but if you want to pair it with a few other delicious dishes, try these:
With all this talk of Big Macs, now I've found myself wondering, what is your favorite fast food to make at home?
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