If you’re craving all the bold, comforting flavors of a classic burger without the carbs, this Keto Big Mac Salad Recipe is an absolute game changer. Imagine juicy ground beef seasoned to perfection, layered over crisp romaine lettuce, shredded cheddar, and pickles, all brought together with a creamy, tangy dressing that channels that iconic Big Mac taste. It’s fresh, satisfying, and perfect whether you’re meal prepping or need a quick dinner fix that stays keto-friendly without sacrificing flavor. I promise, once you try this salad, it will become a staple in your low-carb rotation.

Keto Big Mac Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but crucial to capturing the authentic Big Mac vibe in salad form. Each one plays a special role: the ground beef gives hearty protein and richness, the fresh veggies bring crunch and brightness, and the homemade dressing ties everything together with that signature tangy, creamy punch.

1 pound ground beef: Choose 80/20 for juicy, flavorful meat that browns beautifully.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in your beef and salad ingredients.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the beef.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the beef with savory aroma without overpowering.
6 cups chopped romaine lettuce: Provides a crisp, refreshing base that balances the richness.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a melty, creamy texture and sharp flavor.
1/2 cup diced pickles: The essential tangy crunch reminiscent of a Big Mac’s distinctive bite.
1/4 cup diced red onion: Offers a mild, sweet sharpness and vibrant color.
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (optional): Adds juicy sweetness and a pop of color if you want extra freshness.
For the Big Mac Dressing: A mix of mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, mustard, dill pickle relish, white vinegar, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder all come together to create that iconic dressing flavor in a low-carb friendly style.

How to Make Keto Big Mac Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

Start by heating your skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Season it with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder as it cooks. Stir occasionally and break it up into bite-sized crumbles until the beef is browned and fully cooked, usually about 6 to 8 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess grease to keep the salad light and clean-tasting.

Step 2: Prepare the Big Mac Dressing

While the beef is cooking, whisk together your mayo, sugar-free ketchup, mustard, dill pickle relish, white vinegar, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder in a small bowl. This creamy dressing is exactly what elevates this salad from simple to unforgettable.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large salad bowl, toss together the chopped romaine lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, diced pickles, red onion, and cherry tomatoes if you’re using them. The combination adds layers of texture and flavor that keep the salad interesting in every bite.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Add the warm, cooked ground beef on top of the veggie mix. Drizzle the homemade Big Mac dressing over everything and gently toss to combine all ingredients evenly. Serve it immediately so you get the perfect contrast of warm beef and crisp salad, or keep the components separate for easy meal prep later on.

How to Serve Keto Big Mac Salad Recipe

Garnishes

To add an extra crunch factor, sprinkle keto-friendly sesame seed crisps or crushed pork rinds on top. These little touches bring a fun texture boost that really mimics the toasted sesame bun crunch you might be missing.

Side Dishes

This salad shines as a complete meal on its own, but if you want to pair it, try a simple side of roasted vegetables or a creamy avocado salad to keep things fresh and low-carb. It also pairs wonderfully with a light broth-based soup on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Keto Big Mac Salad Recipe in mason jars for grab-and-go lunches or layer the ingredients in a large bowl with the dressing on the side for guests to customize. For a fun twist, use large lettuce leaves as “wraps” and spoon the salad filling inside for a handheld delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This salad stores well if you keep the dressing separate from the other ingredients. Store your cooked beef and chopped veggies in airtight containers in the fridge, then add the dressing fresh when ready to serve. This prevents sogginess and keeps everything tasting crisp and fresh.

Freezing

Since the salad components are mostly fresh veggies, freezing is not recommended as it will affect texture severely. However, you can freeze the cooked ground beef seasoned for this recipe and thaw it for quick salad assembly on busy days.

Reheating

Reheat just the cooked ground beef gently in a skillet or microwave before combining with the fresh salad ingredients and chilled dressing. This keeps the salad crisp while ensuring the protein is warm and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use other types of lettuce besides romaine?

Absolutely! While romaine offers a perfect crunch and flavor balance, you can experiment with iceberg for extra crispness or even mixed greens for variety. Just keep in mind the heartiness to hold up against the beef and dressing.

Is the dressing sugar-free and keto-friendly?

Yes, the dressing is made with sugar-free ketchup and no added sugars, making it perfectly keto-friendly while still capturing the classic Big Mac flavor profile.

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian-friendly version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture and umami taste, then follow the rest of the recipe as is.

How long will this salad stay fresh in the fridge?

If stored separately, the beef and salad components will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing in its own container and toss just before serving for the best texture.

What can I add for extra crunch?

Try adding keto-friendly sesame seed crisps or crushed pork rinds to mimic the Big Mac bun crunch and make every bite a delightful contrast of textures.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a satisfying meal that hits all the nostalgic notes of a Big Mac without stepping outside your keto goals, the Keto Big Mac Salad Recipe is your new best friend. It’s easy to make, packed with delicious layers of flavor, and perfectly customizable to suit your tastes. Trust me, this salad will quickly become a go-to meal that makes healthy eating feel like a treat every time.

Keto Big Mac Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 85 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This Keto Big Mac Salad is a delicious low-carb twist on the classic Big Mac burger, featuring seasoned ground beef, fresh romaine lettuce, cheddar cheese, and a creamy Big Mac-style dressing. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for keto and gluten-free diets, offering all the flavors of a cheeseburger without the bun.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad:

1 pound ground beef
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup diced pickles
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)

For the Big Mac Dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sugar-free ketchup
1 tablespoon mustard
1 tablespoon dill pickle relish
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef seasoned with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.
Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, mustard, dill pickle relish, white vinegar, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, diced pickles, diced red onion, and cherry tomatoes if using. Add the warm cooked ground beef on top of the salad.
Add Dressing and Toss: Drizzle the prepared Big Mac dressing over the salad, then gently toss all ingredients together to coat evenly.
Serve: Serve the salad immediately for best freshness. For meal prep, keep the dressing separate until ready to eat to maintain crispness.

Notes

For added crunch, top the salad with keto-friendly sesame seed crisps or crushed pork rinds.
This salad stores well if the dressing is kept separate until serving to prevent sogginess.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American