Imagine if your favorite fast-food indulgence took a spin as a salad—sounds wild, right? This Big Mac Salad recipe is a tantalizing fusion of crispy greens and all those crave-worthy flavors, minus the guilt of the drive-thru. It’s like a nostalgic trip back to those spontaneous late-night burger runs, but with a fresh, crunchy twist that my taste buds can’t resist.
Steps
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the beef is browned and the moisture has evaporated.
- While the beef is cooking, combine mayonnaise, diced pickles, mustard, vinegar, smoked paprika, and sweetener in a blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth. If the dressing is too thick, add water or oil to achieve your desired consistency and refrigerate until needed.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and dill pickles.
- Add the cooked ground beef to the salad mixture. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the top and toss everything together until well coated.
- Optionally, garnish the salad with sesame seeds before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of 85/15 lean ground beef (alternatively, you can use 90/10 for leaner meat or 80/20 for more flavor)
- Romaine lettuce (or substitute with iceberg, spinach, or arugula)
- Chopped Roma tomatoes (can use cherry or grape tomatoes as an alternative)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (omit for a dairy-free option)
- Dill pickles, diced (add red onions for extra crunch, optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
- Sea salt and black pepper for seasoning
- Mayonnaise (preferably homemade with avocado oil, or your favorite store-bought brand)
- Finely diced dill pickles (or sweet pickle relish, noting it may contain added sugar)
- Classic yellow mustard (or substitute with Dijon or keto honey mustard for sweetness)
- White vinegar (apple cider vinegar is also an option)
- Smoked paprika (or regular sweet paprika)
- Besti powdered monk fruit allulose blend (can use regular powdered sugar, but not recommended for a healthier option)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2208 | Fat: 186g | Protein: 108g | Total Carbs: 18g | Net Carbs: 12g | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 6g
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef in the Big Mac salad?
- Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Adjust the seasoning as needed to complement the different meat flavors.
- What can I use as a dairy-free alternative to cheddar cheese in this salad?
- You can simply omit the cheese for a dairy-free version, or use your favorite non-dairy cheese substitute that melts well and pairs nicely with the other salad ingredients.
- How long can I store the Big Mac salad, and should the dressing be stored separately?
- You can store the salad in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. For best results, keep the dressing in a separate container to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
- Can I make the Big Mac sauce ahead of time?
- Yes, the sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge. In fact, the flavors meld and improve over time, so making it a few hours or even a day ahead is recommended.
- What can I do if I don’t have a blender to make the dressing?
- If you don’t have a blender, you can finely mince the pickles and mix all the dressing ingredients with a whisk. This method will result in a slightly chunkier texture but will still taste delicious.
Tips
- Adjust Dressing Consistency: If the dressing seems too thick, thin it out with a bit of water or oil and blend again until you reach your desired consistency.
- Flavor Enhancement: For a more complex dressing flavor, consider adding a quarter teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder.
- Meal Prep Efficiency: Prepare components in advance by chopping vegetables and cooking the ground beef, then store them separately in the fridge. Assemble the salad when ready to eat for a quick meal.
- Dressing Flavor Development: Make the dressing ahead of time and let it chill in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld and become more pronounced after a few hours.
Equipment
- Large Skillet – A good quality skillet is essential for browning the ground beef.
- Blender – Needed to make the salad dressing smooth and well-mixed.
