Black Beans and Rice Recipe

Introduction

This Big Mac Salad captures all the flavors of the classic burger without the bun. It’s a fresh, satisfying dish with layers of savory beef, crunchy veggies, and a tangy special sauce that’s better than anything from the drive-thru.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (85/15)
• 1 large head iceberg lettuce, chopped
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped dill pickles
• 1/4 cup finely diced white onion
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted

For Special Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sugar-free ketchup
• 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat and let the beef cool slightly.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together all the special sauce ingredients until smooth and well combined.
3. Step 3: Prepare your vegetables by chopping the iceberg lettuce, dicing the white onion finely, and chopping the dill pickles.
4. Step 4: Assemble the salad by layering the chopped lettuce, cooked ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, chopped pickles, and drizzle with the special sauce. Finish by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds on top.
5. Step 5: Serve the salad immediately or store each component separately in the fridge for easy meal prep later.

Tips & Variations

• Use lean ground beef to reduce grease, or substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option.
• For added crunch, toss in some chopped iceberg lettuce just before serving.
• Try swapping cheddar cheese for American cheese for a closer taste to the original Big Mac.
• If you prefer a bit of spice, add a splash of hot sauce to the special sauce mixture.

Storage

Store the salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the special sauce chilled as well. When ready to eat, combine all ingredients and enjoy fresh. Reheating the beef is fine, but it’s best served cool or at room temperature for optimal salad texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the ground beef with cooked plant-based crumbles or seasoned mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly option that still delivers great flavor.

Is the special sauce difficult to make?

Not at all. The special sauce is a simple mix of common pantry ingredients that you whisk together—no cooking required. It’s quick and adds authentic Big Mac flavor to the salad.

Black Beans and Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 219 reviews

This Big Mac Salad recipe is a delicious and healthier twist on the iconic McDonald’s Big Mac. Featuring seasoned ground beef, crisp iceberg lettuce, shredded cheddar, chopped pickles, diced onions, and a tangy homemade special sauce, all topped with toasted sesame seeds, this salad captures the classic flavors of the drive-thru favorite without the bun. Perfect for a low-carb lunch or dinner that satisfies your craving for a classic burger taste.

• Author: Anna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (85/15)
• 1 large head iceberg lettuce, chopped
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped dill pickles
• 1/4 cup finely diced white onion
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted

Special Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sugar-free ketchup
• 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

1. Cook the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until fully browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat and let the beef cool slightly to avoid wilting the lettuce later.
2. Make the Special Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, dill pickle relish, yellow mustard, white wine vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
3. Prepare the Vegetables: Chop the iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces, finely dice the white onion, and chop the dill pickles to ready all the fresh ingredients for layering.
4. Assemble the Salad: In a serving bowl or individual plates, layer the chopped lettuce first, then add the cooked ground beef. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, and chopped pickles evenly over the top. Drizzle with the prepared special sauce and finish by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds on top for that signature Big Mac flavor and crunch.
5. Serve or Store: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste. Alternatively, you can store the beef, vegetables, and sauce separately for meal prep and combine just before eating to keep everything crisp.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef (85/15) for best balance of flavor and fat.
• To toast sesame seeds, dry roast them in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant.
• The special sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated up to 3 days.
• For a low-carb version, avoid adding any bread or croutons.
• Feel free to swap cheddar for American cheese for a more authentic Big Mac taste.
• To keep ingredients fresh for meal prep, store components separately and assemble before serving.

Keywords: Big Mac Salad, Low Carb Salad, Ground Beef Salad, Copycat Big Mac, Healthy Big Mac, Special Sauce, Low Carb Recipe