Big Mac Salad

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Big mac salad bowls are super simple and super easy. This can be thrown together quickly and is surprisingly satisfying. Everything you love about a big mac burger, the meat, cheese, toppings, and sauce all come together in a salad that eats like a meal!

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Why You Should Make This

An incredibly fast yet satisfying meal for quick lunches, and last minute dinners.
Everything you love about a Big Mac, but without the bun! A healthy low carb, gluten free meal.
A very easy recipe with hardly any cooking.
Easily customizable so everyone can have their own bowl.

Try my Big Mac French Toast!

About this Recipe

This salad bowl is based on the Big Mac, from McDonalds. Much like the Big Mac, this salad has shredded lettuce, seasoned ground beef, pickles, onions, and cheese. The dressing for the salad resembles the classic Mac sauce and it brings everything together into a delicious and healthy meal.

What is in a Big Mac Salad

In order to replicate the Big Mac as closely as possible, this simple recipe uses the following ingredients.

ground beef
worcestershire sauce
seasoned salt and pepper
romaine lettuce
red onion
cheddar cheese
Roma tomatoes,
dill pickles
mayonnaise
French dressing
distilled white vinegar

Variations

The beauty of a salad bowl is how customizable it is. By providing a variety of toppings, everyone can dress their own for a fun family dinner. Here are some of our favorite toppings:

Bacon
Jalapenos
Feta cheese
Shallots
Tomatoes
Hot peppers
Sausage
Ground chicken
Hard boiled eggs

Cheeseburger Salad Pro Tips

When frying the beef, allow it to sit in the pan undisturbed until it brown. This creates little crispy bits that are perfect for this salad bowl.
Let the beef cool slightly before adding it to the salad to prevent the lettuce from wilting.
Instead of French dressing you can use ketchup in the dressing.
Make a variety of different burger toppings and let everyone dress their own bowl as a fun group activity.

Try my Traditional Mac and Cheese!

Storage and Leftovers

If you know you are making this ahead of time for a healthy meal prepped lunch, store the dressing, salad, and ground beef in separate containers.

When you are ready to eat, heat the ground beef and add to the salad, add desired amount of dressing and toss to coat.

Leftover salad will only last in the fridge for 1-2 days before becoming soggy.

FAQs

Can I change up the type of meat used in this salad?

This salad can be made using ground chicken, turkey, veal, pork, even venison.

What is the best lettuce for this salad?

Romaine and iceberg lettuce has the best crunch however any lettuce you prefer can be used.

What is the dressing to use for this Big Mac dressing?

The dressing in this salad is a homemade version of Mac sauce. Its mayo and French dressing based.

What are the toppings for this salad?

The topping choices for this salad are endless! You can add anything you like to have on your burger, from bacon to blue cheese.

Can I meal prep this Big Mac Salad?

To meal prep this salad, assemble the salad store separately from the ground beef and dressing. Once ready to eat, heat up the ground beef and add it to the salad along with your desired amount of dressing.

Can I use a sugar free salad dressing?

Using a sugar free French dressing or ketchup is a great way to make this recipe healthier.

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Big Mac Salad

Servings:

Big mac salad bowls are super simple and super easy. This can be thrown together quickly and is surprisingly satisfying. Everything you love about a big mac burger, the meat, cheese, toppings, and sauce all come together in a salad that eats like a meal!

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Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
worcestershire sauce
homemade seasoned salt and pepper
3 heads romaine lettuce, chopped
1 red onion, thinly sliced
freshly shredded cheddar cheese
3 Roma tomatoes, chopped 1/2 cup chopped dill pickles

For the Mac Sauce Dressing:

1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup French dressing
2 Tablespoons minced pickles
2 Tablespoons minced onion, red or white
1 Tablespoon distilled white vinegar

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Instructions

Combine the ingredients for the salad dressing in a small bowl and set aside until needed.
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until cooked through. Add the worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper and mix to combine. Remove from the heat to cool slightly.
Add some lettuce to each salad bowl and top with ground beef, sliced onion, cheese, tomato, and sliced dill pickles. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and enjoy!