Do you ever crave the taste of a cheeseburger but want to avoid all those processed ingredients? Look no further! This keto Big Mac salad recipe captures all the flavors of your favorite fast food burger in a fresh and wholesome salad. In just 20 minutes, you can enjoy the satisfying taste of a Big Mac right in the comfort of your own home.
A Childhood Memory Turned Healthy Salad
As a child, rare trips to McDonald’s were always a special treat after gymnastics practice. While my parents preferred home-cooked meals, those unexpected stops for fast food left a lasting impression on me. Now, with this homemade Big Mac salad, I can recreate those flavors without compromising on health. And you can too!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Cheeseburger Salad:
The main ingredients for this salad resemble those of a classic Big Mac:
- Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef or try ground turkey or chicken as a healthier alternative.
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper
- Romaine Lettuce: Feel free to use iceberg lettuce, arugula, or spinach if you prefer.
- Tomatoes: Use chopped Roma tomatoes or try cherry or grape tomatoes for a burst of sweetness. You can even skip them, as a traditional Big Mac doesn’t include tomatoes.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar adds a rich and creamy touch. Omit it for a dairy-free and paleo-friendly option.
- Pickles: Dice up some dill pickles for a delightful crunch and extra flavor. Consider adding diced or sliced red onions for added texture.
- Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for that classic Big Mac bun flavor.
Big Mac Sauce:
The dressing for this hamburger salad is similar to sugar-free Thousand Island dressing:
- Mayonnaise: Homemade avocado oil mayonnaise works best, but store-bought is a convenient option.
- Pickles: Finely dice dill pickles for that special sauce. Alternatively, you can use sweet pickle relish, but it may contain added sugar or corn syrup.
- Mustard: Classic yellow mustard works perfectly, but feel free to use Dijon mustard or keto honey mustard for an extra kick of sweetness.
- Vinegar: Choose between white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, or rice vinegar to add tanginess to the dressing.
- Smoked Paprika: This ingredient brings a subtle smokiness to the dressing and gives it that signature color. Feel free to use regular sweet paprika as a substitute.
- Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend: Use this as a natural sweetener instead of ketchup. It dissolves better and is a healthier alternative. You can also try zero sugar honey or sugar-free ketchup. Regular powdered sugar works in terms of recipe consistency, but for a healthier twist, I recommend the alternatives.
How To Make Big Mac Salad
Here’s a simple guide to making this delicious cheeseburger salad:
- Brown the meat: Cook ground beef in a large skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula and seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until no longer pink.
- Blend the Big Mac salad dressing: Combine mayo, pickles, mustard, vinegar, smoked paprika, and powdered Besti in a blender. Blend until smooth and adjust the sweetness to your taste. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Plate the cheeseburger salad: In a salad bowl, add lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, and pickles.
- Add the beef and dressing: Top the salad with ground beef crumbles and drizzle with the dressing. Toss everything together to coat.
- Garnish: For the finishing touch, sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
Storage Instructions
If you have any leftovers or want to do some meal prep, here’s what you need to know:
- Store: Keep any leftover Big Mac Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. However, if you’ve already added the dressing, it’s best to consume it within a day.
- Meal prep: To prepare ahead of time, chop the pickles, tomatoes, and lettuce, precook the ground beef, and make the sauce. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Assemble the salad just before you’re ready to enjoy it.
More Meal-Worthy Salad Recipes
If you enjoy transforming classic carb-heavy dishes into lighter, healthier salads, you’ll love these other meal-worthy options:
- Taco Salad: This low-carb twist on a classic will satisfy your craving for Mexican flavors.
- Caesar Salad: A timeless favorite with a keto-friendly twist.
- Greek Salad: Refreshing and packed with Mediterranean flavors.
Remember, cooking at home allows you to control the ingredients and make healthier choices without sacrificing taste. Enjoy your homemade Big Mac salad and create a meal that’s satisfying, nutritious, and delicious!
