Name: Keto Big Mac Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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); 1/4 cup Sugar-Free Thousand Island Dressing or Big Mac Sauce (recipe below); 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

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Craving the flavors of a Big Mac but want to keep it low-carb? Enter the Keto Big Mac Salad! All the delicious, savory goodness of your favorite fast-food burger, minus the bun. Imagine crunchy lettuce, juicy seasoned beef, tangy pickles, and that iconic Big Mac sauce—now all served up in a big, satisfying salad. This is the ultimate way to enjoy a guilt-free version of a fast-food classic, with all the flavors you know and love. Trust me, this is a game-changer for your low-carb meals!

Why You’ll Love Keto Big Mac Salad

Big Mac Flavors Without the Carbs: If you’re missing the taste of a Big Mac, this salad is the perfect way to satisfy your cravings without the carbs.
Loaded with Flavor: From the perfectly seasoned ground beef to the creamy Big Mac sauce, this salad is bursting with all the flavors of the original burger.
Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in a flash, making it a perfect meal for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without a lot of effort.
Filling & Satisfying: Thanks to the beef, cheese, and avocado, this salad is hearty and will keep you full for hours. No more feeling hungry an hour after lunch!
Perfect for Meal Prep: Whether you’re making it for the week or just need a meal that’s ready to go, this salad is great for prepping ahead. Just keep the sauce separate and assemble when you’re ready to eat.

Ingredients in Keto Big Mac Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering salad:

Ground Beef: The star of the show! Seasoned perfectly with salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder for that classic burger flavor.
Lettuce: A crunchy base to hold all those tasty toppings. Romaine or iceberg works best for that satisfying crunch.
Cheese: Shredded cheddar or American cheese adds that creamy, melty texture you crave.
Pickles: Because what’s a Big Mac without pickles? They add the perfect tang to balance out the richness of the beef and sauce.
Avocado: For creaminess and a touch of healthy fats that take this salad to the next level.
Big Mac Sauce: A homemade, low-carb version of the iconic sauce made with mayonnaise, mustard, and a few secret ingredients. Trust me, this sauce will make the salad!

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s make this Big Mac salad happen!

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Prepare the Big Mac Sauce

While the beef is cooking, prepare the Big Mac sauce. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard, sugar-free ketchup, dill pickle relish, garlic powder, and a little vinegar. Stir until smooth and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, layer your lettuce. Add the cooked ground beef on top. Then, add the shredded cheese, pickles, and sliced avocado.

Step 4: Add the Sauce

Drizzle the homemade Big Mac sauce over the top of the salad, tossing gently to combine, or leave the sauce on top for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy!

How to Serve Keto Big Mac Salad

This salad is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with some keto-friendly sides or can be served as part of a larger spread. Here are some ideas for what to serve alongside:

Keto Garlic Bread: Serve with a slice of low-carb, keto-friendly garlic bread for the ultimate burger salad experience.

Roasted Vegetables: Pair it with some roasted zucchini or asparagus for extra veggies without the carbs.
Pickled Veggies: For a little extra tang, serve with pickled onions, jalapeños, or more dill pickles.

Additional Tips

Add More Toppings: Want to make it even more indulgent? Top with crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or a soft-boiled egg for extra protein and flavor.

Meal Prep Friendly: To save time, cook the beef in advance and store it in the fridge. Keep the salad ingredients and sauce separate until ready to serve.
Customize the Sauce: If you love a little kick, add a touch of hot sauce or chili flakes to the Big Mac sauce to spice things up.
Make It Vegan: Use a plant-based ground beef substitute and swap out the cheese and sauce for dairy-free versions to make this a vegan-friendly dish.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of meat?
A1: Absolutely! You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative.

Q2: How can I make this salad spicier?
A2: Add some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the Big Mac sauce for a spicy twist.

Q3: Can I use a store-bought Big Mac sauce?
A3: You can, but homemade is always better! Plus, this version is keto-friendly and free of any added sugars or preservatives.

Q4: How long does the salad keep?
A4: The salad is best when fresh, but you can store leftovers (without the sauce) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Add the sauce just before serving.

Q5: Can I prep this salad in advance?
A5: Yes! You can cook the ground beef and chop the veggies ahead of time. Keep the Big Mac sauce and salad components separate until you’re ready to eat.

Q6: How do I store the leftover Big Mac sauce?
A6: Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Q7: Can I make the sauce without relish?
A7: Yes, you can omit the relish and just use extra pickle juice or finely chopped pickles for that tangy flavor.

Q8: How do I make this salad more filling?
A8: Add some extra protein like grilled chicken or a hard-boiled egg, or pile on more avocado for added richness and healthy fats.

Q9: Can I use a different lettuce?
A9: Absolutely! You can use any leafy greens you prefer, such as spinach, arugula, or butter lettuce.

Q10: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A10: Yes! Simply use dairy-free cheese and mayonnaise alternatives to make this salad fully dairy-free.

Conclusion

With this Keto Big Mac Salad, you get all the flavors of a Big Mac without any of the carbs, making it the perfect low-carb meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. Packed with savory beef, crispy veggies, melty cheese, and that irresistible Big Mac sauce, this salad is sure to become a new favorite in your meal rotation. Whether you’re craving something quick and easy or a keto-friendly version of a classic, this recipe checks all the boxes. Enjoy the Big Mac experience—without the bun!