Description
This Big Mac Salad captures all the classic flavors of the iconic Big Mac in a fresh, low-carb salad form. Featuring seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, tangy pickles, cheddar cheese, and a flavorful homemade dressing reminiscent of the famous sauce, it’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 pound ground beef
- Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 8 cups chopped lettuce (a mix of iceberg and romaine)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sliced dill pickles
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish, diced
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and season it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until it is browned and fully cooked. Remove from heat and set aside to cool to room temperature.
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced dill pickles, and thinly sliced red onions.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, honey, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Salad and Beef: Add the cooled ground beef to the salad bowl. Drizzle the dressing over the entire salad and gently toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated and well mixed.
- Garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top of the salad for garnish. Add additional pickles if desired to enhance the flavor and presentation.
- Serve: Serve the Big Mac Salad immediately to enjoy the fresh and vibrant flavors.
Notes
- For a lower fat version, use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure the Worcestershire sauce and ketchup are gluten-free varieties.
- Feel free to add other salad vegetables such as cucumbers or shredded carrots for extra crunch.
- This salad can be prepared ahead of time but toss with dressing just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.
- Optional: Toast the sesame seeds lightly in a dry pan for enhanced flavor before garnishing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
