Big Mac Salad (Cheeseburger Salad)

Name: Big Mac Salad (Cheeseburger Salad) Low Carb
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb Ground beef; 1 tsp Sea salt; 1/4 tsp Black pepper; 8 oz Romaine lettuce ((chopped; or iceberg lettuce if desired)); 1 cup Tomatoes ((chopped)); 3/4 cup Cheddar cheese ((shredded)); 1/2 cup Pickles ((diced)); Sesame seeds ((optional, for garnish)); 1/2 cup Mayonnaise; 2 tbsp Pickles ((diced)); 2 tsp Mustard; 1 tsp White vinegar; 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika; 1 1/2 tbsp Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend

Big Mac salad delivers all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger—seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar, diced pickles, and creamy mayo dressing—over crisp romaine in just 20 minutes. It's a low-carb, protein-packed alternative that skips the bun without sacrificing any taste.

🌍American 🏷️Big mac salad 🏷️Big mac salad recipe 🏷️Cheeseburger salad 🏷️Hamburger salad

Total

20 min

Servings

6

Difficulty

Medium

Est. Cost

$26–$43

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From Wholesomeyum

Ingredients

1 lb Ground beef
1 tsp Sea salt
1/4 tsp Black pepper
8 oz Romaine lettuce ((chopped; or iceberg lettuce if desired))
1 cup Tomatoes ((chopped))
3/4 cup Cheddar cheese ((shredded))
1/2 cup Pickles ((diced))
Sesame seeds ((optional, for garnish))optional
1/2 cup Mayonnaise
2 tbsp Pickles ((diced))
2 tsp Mustard
1 tsp White vinegar
1/2 tsp Smoked paprika
1 1/2 tbsp Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend

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Instructions

1
Add the ground beef to a large skillet over medium-high heat. (You can add a little oil if needed.) Break apart with a spatula and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and moisture has evaporated.
2
Meanwhile, puree all the dressing ingredients in a blender. If dressing is thicker than you like, thin out with water or oil and puree again. Adjust sweetener to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
3
In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, and pickles.
4
Add the ground beef. Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss to coat.
5
Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Cook ground beef in a single layer over medium-high heat and don't stir for 2–3 minutes to build a flavorful crust before breaking it up.
Season the beef while it's still in the pan so the salt can fully penetrate; don't oversalt as pickles add saltiness.
Dice pickles into small, even pieces so they distribute throughout the salad rather than clumping.
Toast sesame seeds lightly in a dry pan for 1–2 minutes before garnishing to intensify their nutty flavor.

Substitutions

Romaine lettuce → Iceberg or butter lettuce (milder flavor, same crunch)
Cheddar cheese → American cheese or Swiss cheese (changes flavor depth)
Mayonnaise → Greek yogurt mixed with mayo (tangier, lighter)
Ground beef → Ground turkey or ground lamb (leaner or different taste profile)

Storage & make-ahead

Store cooked ground beef in an airtight container for up to 3 days; keep lettuce and toppings separate, then assemble just before eating to maintain crispness.

Common Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Cook and season the ground beef up to 2 days ahead; store separately. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep lettuce crisp.

What lettuce works best for this salad?

Romaine holds up well and has a sturdy texture, but iceberg lettuce is equally good if you prefer something milder and crunchier.

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes. American, Swiss, or pepper jack cheese all work well and add different flavor profiles.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes. With ground beef, cheese, mayo, and vegetables, it fits a standard keto macros—just watch portion size on mayo and skip the sesame seeds if tracking carbs strictly.