Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Big Mac Salad is a must-try for salad lovers and burger enthusiasts alike. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
- All the Big Mac flavors: Enjoy the iconic Big Mac taste without the bun, making it a healthier alternative.
- Quick and easy: This salad is ready in just 25 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or lunch.
- Customizable: You can adjust the toppings and dressing to your preference, making it your own.
- Satisfying and filling: Packed with protein and fresh vegetables, this salad is both nutritious and filling.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Big Mac Salad:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 1/2 cup pickles, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Cook the beef: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the salad base: In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and finely chopped red onion.
- Add the beef: Once the beef is cooked and slightly cooled, add it to the salad mixture.
- Mix in the cheese and pickles: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and sliced pickles over the salad. Adjust the amounts based on your preference.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle the Thousand Island dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until well combined.
- Add sesame seeds: For an extra crunch, sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving, if desired.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 5-7 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Make it low-carb: Skip the sesame seeds and use a low-carb dressing to make it keto-friendly.
- Swap the cheese: You can substitute cheddar with American cheese, mozzarella, or even blue cheese for a different flavor.
- Vegetarian version: Use plant-based ground beef for a vegetarian version of this Big Mac Salad.
Storage/Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftover Big Mac Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to avoid soggy lettuce.
- Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat the beef if needed before adding it to the salad.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad base and cook the beef ahead of time. Just store the components separately and combine them when you’re ready to serve. Add the dressing and toppings just before serving.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken will work well as a leaner alternative to beef.
How can I make this salad spicier?
Add a bit of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños to the salad for an extra kick of heat.
Can I use a different dressing?
Yes! If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute Thousand Island dressing with ranch, French, or even a simple vinaigrette.
How can I make the salad more filling?
Add more protein by incorporating a boiled egg, grilled chicken, or even some chickpeas for added texture and nutrition.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes! Just store the salad components separately (dressing, beef, and veggies) and assemble when you’re ready to eat.
Can I make this Big Mac Salad without pickles?
If you’re not a fan of pickles, you can skip them or substitute with other pickled vegetables like pickled red onions or cucumbers.
Conclusion
This Big Mac Salad is a fun and flavorful twist on the classic Big Mac, making it a healthier, lighter option while still delivering all the great tastes. With fresh veggies, seasoned beef, tangy pickles, and creamy dressing, it’s a satisfying meal that comes together quickly and easily. Perfect for a quick dinner, a packed lunch, or a fun family meal, this salad is sure to be a hit!
Big Mac Salad: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe for Salad Lovers
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A healthy and fun twist on the classic Big Mac, this Big Mac Salad combines seasoned ground beef, fresh veggies, pickles, and Thousand Island dressing, all without the bun! A satisfying and customizable dish that’s perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 large cucumber, diced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
1/2 cup pickles, sliced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the beef: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the salad base: In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and finely chopped red onion.
- Add the beef: Once the beef is cooked and slightly cooled, add it to the salad mixture.
- Mix in the cheese and pickles: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and sliced pickles over the salad. Adjust the amounts based on your preference.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle the Thousand Island dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until well combined.
- Add sesame seeds: For an extra crunch, sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving, if desired.
Notes
Make it low-carb: Skip the sesame seeds and use a low-carb dressing to make it keto-friendly.
Swap the cheese: You can substitute cheddar with American cheese, mozzarella, or even blue cheese for a different flavor.
Vegetarian version: Use plant-based ground beef for a vegetarian version of this Big Mac Salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 400 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
