Introduction
I remember the first time I had the idea of turning a Big Mac into a salad. I was craving a Big Mac, but I didn’t want all the heaviness of a fast-food burger. I thought, “Why not take the flavors I love and turn them into something lighter?” And so, the Big Mac salad was born. It was a hit from the moment I first made it—crunchy lettuce, savory beef, pickles, and that signature sauce all in one bowl. It’s a fun and healthier take on a classic, and I’m Lina Vexley, excited to share this recipe with you.
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Big Mac Salad
Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 6 cups romaine lettuce chopped
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup pickles sliced
- 1/4 cup onion finely chopped
Big Mac Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, mustard, pickle relish, vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder to make the Big Mac sauce.
- In a large bowl, toss the chopped romaine lettuce with the cooked beef, shredded cheddar cheese, pickles, and onions.
- Drizzle the Big Mac sauce over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
Nutrition
How to Make the Recipe
Start by cooking the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Stir the beef occasionally, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside to cool slightly.
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder. This is the key to recreating the signature Big Mac sauce that will bring all the flavors together in the salad.
Next, in a large mixing bowl, toss the chopped romaine lettuce with the cooked ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced pickles, and finely chopped red onions. These ingredients add crunch, creaminess, and the perfect balance of flavors.
Drizzle the Big Mac sauce over the salad and toss everything together until well coated. The dressing should generously coat all the ingredients, making each bite as flavorful as the last.
Serve the salad immediately, or refrigerate it for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors meld together. You can enjoy this salad as a standalone dish or pair it with your favorite sides.
To customize, you can swap ground beef for ground turkey, add avocado for extra creaminess, or even sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top for added flavor.
Conclusion
Big Mac salad is the perfect way to enjoy all the flavors of a Big Mac without the bun. The combination of tender beef, fresh vegetables, and creamy dressing makes it a satisfying and healthier alternative to the classic burger. Whether you’re craving a quick meal or need a crowd-pleasing dish for a picnic or party, this salad is always a hit. Simple to make and packed with flavor, Big Mac salad is a fun twist on the traditional salad, perfect for any time you want a delicious, easy-to-prepare meal.