Keto Big Mac Salad Recipe

If you’re craving all the iconic flavors of a classic burger but want to keep things light and low-carb, the Keto Big Mac Salad Recipe is the perfect dinner game-changer. This vibrant, flavorful salad captures the juicy goodness of seasoned ground beef, the crisp crunch of romaine lettuce, and the tangy punch of a homemade Big Mac-style sauce, all without the carbs of traditional buns. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy that beloved burger taste while sticking to your keto goals, and trust me, it’s packed with so much texture and zest that every bite feels like a celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients often make the most memorable dishes, and this Keto Big Mac Salad Recipe is no exception. Each component plays a vital role: the ground beef brings hearty richness, the fresh lettuce adds crunch, and the signature sauce ties it all together with a tangy, creamy finish.

• 1 lb Ground Beef: Choose good quality, preferably 80/20 for a perfect balance of flavor and juiciness.
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: Used to ensure the beef doesn’t stick and adds a subtle richness during cooking.
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder: A gentle background flavor that warms up the beef.
• 1 teaspoon Onion Powder: Enhances the savory profile without overpowering other flavors.
• 1 teaspoon Paprika: Adds a slight smoky hint that’s essential to the Big Mac vibe.
• Salt and Pepper, to taste: Simple seasoning to bring out the natural flavors.
• 4 cups Romaine Lettuce, chopped: Crisp and refreshing, the perfect base to contrast the beef.
• 1/2 cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded: Adds creaminess and a sharp bite to the salad.
• 1/4 cup Dill Pickles, chopped: Brings that unmistakable tang and crunch iconic to Big Macs.
• 1/4 cup Red Onion, finely chopped (optional): Offers a mild pungency for those who love a bit of kick.
• 1/4 cup Sugar-Free Thousand Island Dressing or Big Mac Sauce: This homemade sauce delivers that signature tang and creamy texture without the carbs.
• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise: Forms the rich base of the Big Mac sauce, providing creamy indulgence.
• 2 tablespoons Sugar-Free Ketchup: Adds subtle sweetness and depth without sugar.
• 1 tablespoon Yellow Mustard: Balances the sauce with a touch of sharpness.
• 1 tablespoon Dill Pickle Relish: Enhances the acidity and pickle notes in the dressing.
• 1 teaspoon White Vinegar: Gives the sauce a bright, tangy lift.
• Salt and Pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning the sauce perfectly.

How to Make Keto Big Mac Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks until it’s nicely browned. This step not only cooks the beef but also develops that deep, savory flavor. Remember to drain excess fat to keep things tidy and lighter. Season the meat with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, mixing well before setting it aside to cool just a little.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad Base

While the beef is resting, it’s time to assemble the fresh components in a large bowl. Toss in the crisp chopped romaine lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped dill pickles. Each element plays a role in texture and flavor—the lettuce adds crunch, cheese brings creamy sharpness, and pickles give that essential tartness reminiscent of the classic burger experience.

Step 3: Make the Big Mac Sauce

This is where the magic happens. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, yellow mustard, dill pickle relish, white vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy. This sauce is the heart of the salad, delivering that authentic Big Mac taste without the bread or carbs.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Pour the cooked ground beef over your salad base, then drizzle the luscious Big Mac sauce on top. Gently toss everything together until all those flavors are harmoniously distributed. This step ensures every bite has that perfect balance of juicy beef, crunchy veggies, melty cheese, and tangy dressing.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Garnish with finely chopped red onions if you’re feeling adventurous or want that extra punch of flavor. Serve right away to enjoy the crisp textures and vibrant tastes at their peak. This Keto Big Mac Salad Recipe is deliciously fresh, fulfilling, and satisfying.

How to Serve Keto Big Mac Salad Recipe

Garnishes

Adding garnishes like thinly sliced red onions, extra pickle slices, or even a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley can elevate your salad’s appearance and flavor. These small touches show off the colorful layers and add a little extra brightness to every bite.

Side Dishes

Though this salad stands strong on its own, pairing it with a simple side like steamed green beans or roasted asparagus will round out the meal beautifully without undermining your keto goals. A crisp dill pickle spear on the side is a classic pairing that can amplify the Big Mac salad vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Keto Big Mac Salad Recipe in individual mason jars for a picnic or grab-and-go lunch. Layer the ingredients so the dressing stays separated until ready to eat, and stir it all together when it’s time. Another idea is to use lettuce cups or endive leaves to make handheld “burgers” for a playful presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover salad in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. To maintain the freshest texture, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving. This way, the lettuce stays crisp and the salad never feels soggy.

Freezing

Freezing the cooked ground beef alone is a great option if you want to prep in advance. Just cool it completely before placing it in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to three months. Avoid freezing the lettuce or sauce, as their textures won’t hold up well after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat the stored ground beef gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Then, toss it with fresh lettuce, cheese, pickles, and dressing for a quick revival of the Keto Big Mac Salad Recipe’s signature flavors without compromising the crispness of the greens.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of lettuce for this salad?

Absolutely! While romaine is classic for its crunch and mild flavor, iceberg or butter lettuce can also work wonderfully. Just choose a variety that holds up well and gives you the crisp texture that complements the hearty beef and creamy sauce.

Is there a vegetarian version of this Keto Big Mac Salad Recipe?

Definitely! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms seasoned in the same spices for a hearty vegetarian alternative. The cheese and sauce keep that familiar taste intact while giving a comforting texture.

How spicy is this salad?

This recipe keeps things flavorful but mild, focusing on smoky and tangy notes rather than heat. If you enjoy spicy food, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper in the beef seasoning or a few dashes of hot sauce to the dressing for a fiery kick.

Can I make the Big Mac sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be made a day or two ahead and stored in the fridge. It often tastes even better after sitting for a while because the flavors meld beautifully. Just give it a quick stir before using.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

It can be! To keep everything fresh, store the cooked beef, chopped veggies, and dressing separately and combine them at mealtime. This ensures the lettuce remains crisp and the flavors are at their best when you’re ready to dig in.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about the Keto Big Mac Salad Recipe that just feels like a little reward after eating something healthy. It’s a scrumptious way to enjoy the nostalgic flavors of a Big Mac without straying from your keto lifestyle. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep favorite, I absolutely encourage you to give this salad a try. Once you do, it could easily become one of your go-to recipes for tasty, low-carb enjoyment.

Keto Big Mac Salad Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.3 from 48 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Carb

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This Keto Big Mac Salad is a low-carb, delicious twist on the classic Big Mac burger. Featuring seasoned ground beef, crisp romaine lettuce, cheddar cheese, and a tangy sugar-free Big Mac sauce, this salad comes together quickly in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for a satisfying keto-friendly meal.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Salad:

• 1 lb Ground Beef
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• Salt and Pepper, to taste
• 4 cups Romaine Lettuce, chopped
• 1/2 cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup Dill Pickles, chopped
• 1/4 cup Red Onion, finely chopped (optional)

For the Big Mac Sauce:

• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Sugar-Free Ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Yellow Mustard
• 1 tablespoon Dill Pickle Relish
• 1 teaspoon White Vinegar
• Salt and Pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles with a spoon. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Season the beef with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped dill pickles. Toss gently to mix.
3. Make the Big Mac Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, yellow mustard, dill pickle relish, white vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
4. Assemble the Salad: Add the cooked ground beef to the bowl with the lettuce mixture. Drizzle the prepared Big Mac sauce over the top, then toss all ingredients together thoroughly to ensure even coating.
5. Serve: Garnish the salad with finely chopped red onion if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy a fresh, flavorful, and keto-friendly meal.

Notes

• You can adjust the seasoning of the beef to your taste preferences, adding more or less garlic and onion powder as desired.
• If you prefer, substitute cheddar cheese with other cheeses like mozzarella or Swiss for variation.
• The red onion is optional; omit if you prefer a milder flavor or want to keep it lower carb.
• Store any leftover salad and sauce separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
• For added texture, consider topping with crushed pork rinds or sesame seeds.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American