Offering all of the flavors of the classic big mac sandwich, this Big Mac Salad is comfort in a bowl.
If you enjoy a meaty and flavorful salad try our Grinder Salad.
For more ideas, check out our list of easy keto meals with ground beef.
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Why You’ll Love it
This dish feels like a splurge with hearty ground beef, creamy big mac dressing, and tangy cheese.
Easy to make and satisfying, it will curb your fast food cravings.
It is packed with protein and ready in just 15 minutes.
At only 5 net carbs per serving, it's a perfect meal for your keto lifestyle.
Also, try our keto taco salad or our Philly cheesesteak casserole.
Key salad ingredients
Ground beef – Juicy and flavorful, this is the “burger” in this dish.
Cheddar cheese – We use shredded cheddar cheese in this recipe to create the cheeseburger flavors.
Fresh Lettuce – Crisp lettuce works best in this recipe; we like iceberg lettuce or romaine hearts for a satisfying crunch.
Onion – Chopped white onions give this recipe a zing. You can also use red onion if you prefer.
Pickle – Chopped dill pickles create a tangy flavor. You can also use sweet pickle relish if you prefer.
Ketchup – Adds a rich sweetness and complements the other flavors in the special sauce.
If you have any questions about the ingredients in this recipe, please leave a comment below and we will get back to you.
Our cheeseburger casserole and keto taco pie are also delicious!
Substitutions
You can substitute darker leafy greens like baby spinach or baby kale.
For a low calorie option, try drizzling our Sugar Free Salad Dressing.
You can also replace the ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken.
Variations
To add an extra layer of savory flavor sprinkle chopped bacon over this salad.
For a little spice, add some chopped jalapeño peppers, sprinkle on red pepper flakes, or add spicy pepper jack cheese.
After this protein packed meal, don’t forget dessert. Try our Keto Chocolate Chip Cookies or our Easy Keto Mug Cake.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Add the mayo, mustard, ketchup, relish, paprika and vinegar to a small bowl.
Step 2: Make the big mac sauce by whisking all the ingredients together.
Step 3: Brown the beef in a large nonstick pan set over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through with no pink. Drain off excess fat, then season with salt and black pepper. Allow it to cool slightly.
Step 4: Divide the crisp lettuce between 4 salad bowls, then top evenly with ground beef, cheese, onions, pickles, and tomato (if desired). Drizzle the salad with the dressing, garnish with sesame seeds, and serve.
If you have any questions about the steps in how to make this recipe, please leave a comment below and we will get back to you.
For the complete list of ingredients and instructions, please see the printable recipe card below.
For more ground beef recipes, give our keto chili or keto taco soup a try!
Expert Tips
Dry your lettuce using a salad spinner before assembling the salad.
Be sure to drain the ground beef after cooking, as the excess fat may congeal when mixed with the chilled salad ingredients.
You can also use lean ground beef to reduce the amount of fat.
FAQs
The cooked ground beef that has been drained and seasoned (with salt and pepper) can be frozen for quick meal prep.
To freeze cooked ground beef, drain the beef and allow it to fully cool before transferring into a Ziplock freezer bag or freezer safe container.
Remove as much air as possible from the storage container and label your container with the date and the amount of ground beef it contains.
When reheating the beef, for best results, add 1 tablespoon of oil or butter to the pan. Reheat over medium low heat.
The copycat Big Mac Sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days before serving.
Storage and make ahead Instructions
Store the dressing, cooked beef, and fresh ingredients in separate containers and assemble just before serving.
Heat the cooked ground beef in a large skillet before serving.
Once the salad is assembled you can store it in an airtight container for up to one day in the refrigerator. The lettuce and other ingredients may not maintain a crisp texture, but the flavor will still be delicious.
More Keto recipes with ground beef
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📖 Recipe
Big Mac Salad
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon sugar free ketchup
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 pound ground beef
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 6 cups lettuce chopped
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- ⅓ cup onion chopped
- ¼ cup dill pickles chopped
- ⅓ cup tomato chopped (optional)
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Make the sauce by whisking all the ingredients together in a small bowl until well combined. Set aside in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Brown the beef in a large nonstick pan set over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through with no pink. Drain off excess fat, then season with salt and black pepper. Allow it to cool slightly.
- Divide the lettuce between salad bowls, then top evenly with ground beef, cheese, onions, pickles, and tomato. Drizzle the salad with the Big Mac sauce, garnish with sesame seeds, and serve.
Notes
- Drain the meat after it is cooked through with no pink. Dry the lettuce after it is rinsed.
- If you plan to store a portion of this low carb Big Mac Salad, it is recommended to store the dressing, cooked beef, and fresh ingredients in separate containers and assemble just before serving. For best results, prior to serving heat the cooked ground beef in a large skillet.
- For an already assembled salad, store for up to one day in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
- The copycat Big Mac Sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days before serving.
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