Description
A delicious and healthy take on the classic Big Mac burger, this Big Mac Salad features lean ground beef, fresh romaine lettuce, cheddar cheese, pickles, red onion, and cherry tomatoes, all tossed in a tangy Thousand Island or homemade Big Mac sauce. Perfect for a low-carb, gluten-free meal that satisfies burger cravings without the bun.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Salad
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced dill pickles
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Dressing and Garnish
- 1/4 cup Thousand Island dressing or homemade Big Mac sauce
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, add the lean ground beef along with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Cook the beef until browned and fully cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to break up the meat. Once done, 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, shredded cheddar cheese, diced dill pickles, diced red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes. These fresh ingredients create a vibrant base for the salad.
- Assemble the Salad: Top the layered salad mixture with the cooked ground beef, spreading it evenly across the top for a balanced distribution of flavors.
- Add Dressing and Toss: Drizzle 1/4 cup of Thousand Island dressing or homemade Big Mac sauce over the salad. Gently toss all the ingredients together to ensure everything is well-coated with the dressing.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top if desired for extra flavor and texture. Serve the Big Mac Salad immediately to enjoy the freshest taste.
Notes
- For homemade Big Mac sauce, mix 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon ketchup, 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish, 1 teaspoon mustard, and a dash of vinegar until smooth.
- To meal prep, store the cooked beef, chopped vegetables, and dressing separately. Assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
- This salad is a great low-carb and gluten-free alternative to traditional burgers.
