BIG MAC SALAD invites you to dive fork-first into a playful twist on a fast-food classic. Imagine crisp lettuce dancing with juicy beef seasoned to golden perfection, sprinkled with shredded cheese and chopped pickles for that signature tang. A creamy, zesty dressing—where mayo meets a splash of apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard—binds everything in a flavor party. Toasted sesame seeds mimic that iconic bun crunch, while a hint of garlic and onion powder ties it all together. Perfect for a weeknight treat or a backyard barbecue showstopper, this salad delivers big flavors with zero guilt and all the fun.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This BIG MAC SALAD
- Enjoy all the classic Big Mac flavors in a healthier, guilt-free way.
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customize with your favorite toppings for a personal touch.
- Great for meal prep, keeping you satisfied all week long.
- A fun twist on a fast-food favorite that the whole family will love!
BIG MAC SALAD
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Cook it in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat and let it cool slightly.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, onion powder, and garlic powder. This will be your delicious Big Mac dressing.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine chopped iceberg lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, and diced pickles. This colorful mix is the base of your salad.
- Step 4: Add the cooled ground beef to the salad mixture. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients together.
- Step 5: Drizzle the Big Mac dressing over the salad. Toss until everything is evenly coated in that tasty sauce.
- Step 6: If desired, garnish with sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Big Mac Salad!
Notes
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 25g |
| Protein | 20g |
| Carbs | 10g |
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to whip up a delicious Big Mac Salad at home!
- 1 lb ground beef – for the protein base
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- 1 head iceberg lettuce – chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese – for that cheesy goodness
- 1/4 cup diced onions – adds flavor and crunch
- 1/4 cup diced pickles – for a tangy kick
- Big Mac dressing – combines: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp ketchup, 1 tbsp mustard, 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish, 1 tsp white vinegar, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp garlic powder
- Optional: sesame seeds – for garnish
How to Make BIG MAC SALAD
This delightful Big Mac Salad is a fun twist on the classic burger. With a preparation time of 15 minutes and a cooking time of 10 minutes, you can enjoy this tasty dish in no time. Let it rest for a few minutes after cooking to enhance the flavors.
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Cook it in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat and let it cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Big Mac Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, onion powder, and garlic powder. This will be your delicious Big Mac dressing.
Step 3: Prepare the Salad Mixture
In a large bowl, combine chopped iceberg lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, and diced pickles. This colorful mix is the base of your salad.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Add the cooled ground beef to the salad mixture. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients together.
Step 5: Dress the Salad
Drizzle the Big Mac dressing over the salad. Toss until everything is evenly coated in that tasty sauce.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
If desired, garnish with sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Big Mac Salad!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Salad |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Extra Time | 5 minutes (resting) |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Dietary | High protein |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Chilled or at room temperature |
Pro Tips for Making BIG MAC SALAD
- Chop your veggies finely for a delightful crunch.
- Use lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier option.
- Mix the dressing separately for even flavor distribution.
- Top with sesame seeds for that authentic Big Mac taste.
- Serve immediately to keep the lettuce crisp and fresh.
How to Serve this BIG MAC SALAD
- Top with crispy fried onions for extra crunch.
- Serve with a side of whole grain pita chips for dipping.
- Pair with a refreshing iced tea or lemonade.
- Add sliced avocado for a creamy twist.
- Drizzle with extra Thousand Island dressing for flavor.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
- Enjoy it as a filling lunch or a light dinner option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing and enjoying your Big Mac Salad later is easy!
Storing BIG MAC SALAD Leftovers
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate within two hours of serving.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing BIG MAC SALAD
- Assemble salad without dressing for freezing.
- Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Label with date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating BIG MAC SALAD
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
- Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Add fresh toppings and dressing after reheating.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What goes in Big Mac Salad?
A Big Mac Salad typically includes romaine lettuce, ground beef (or a plant-based substitute), diced tomatoes, pickles, shredded cheese, and onions. You can also add your favorite toppings like croutons or avocado for extra flavor. The salad is usually topped with a dressing that mimics the iconic Big Mac sauce, which is a blend of mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and relish.
2. Is Thousand Island similar to Big Mac sauce?
Yes, Thousand Island dressing is quite similar to Big Mac sauce. Both have a creamy base and include ingredients like mayonnaise and ketchup. However, Big Mac sauce has a unique flavor profile with added spices and relish that give it a distinct taste. If you don’t have Big Mac sauce on hand, Thousand Island can be a good substitute in a pinch.
3. How to order a poor man’s Big Mac?
To order a poor man’s Big Mac, you can ask for a burger with two patties, lettuce, cheese, pickles, and onions, but without the top bun. This way, you get the essence of a Big Mac without the extra carbs. You can also request a side of Thousand Island dressing to mimic the sauce, making it a budget-friendly alternative to the classic sandwich.
4. What is the difference between Amish mac salad and mac salad?
Amish mac salad is a creamy pasta salad that typically includes elbow macaroni, mayonnaise, and a variety of vegetables like celery and bell peppers. It often has a sweeter taste due to the addition of sugar or sweet pickle relish. In contrast, traditional mac salad can vary widely in ingredients and may not always include the same sweetness or vegetable mix. Amish mac salad is known for its rich, creamy texture and is a popular dish at gatherings and potlucks.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got the scoop on making a Big Mac Salad, it’s time to dig in! This dish is not only a fun twist on a classic but also super easy to whip up. So grab your ingredients, channel your inner chef, and enjoy every delicious bite. You’ll be amazed at how satisfying and rewarding this salad can be!