Big Mac Salad Low is a low-carb, keto-friendly twist on the classic McDonald’s Big Mac. This salad brings together all the iconic flavors of the famous burger, including seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, shredded cheese, pickles, onions, and a creamy homemade Big Mac-style sauce. It’s a delicious and healthier alternative that fits perfectly into a gluten-free and low-calorie meal plan, making it a fantastic option for anyone looking to indulge without the guilt.
Why You’ll Love This Big Mac Salad Low
This Big Mac Salad Low is not only satisfying but also packed with benefits. Here are some reasons why you should try it:
- Low in carbs, perfect for those on a ketogenic diet.
- Quick and easy to prepare, ready in just 20 minutes.
- Full of flavor, satisfying your cravings without the extra calories.
- Customizable with various toppings and dressings for your preference.
- Great for meal prep, making it easy to have healthy lunches ready.
- Offers a delicious way to enjoy ground beef while keeping it healthy.

With its Healthy Big Mac Salad twist, this recipe is not only a great choice for everyday meals but also ideal for those looking to manage their weight.
Ingredients for Big Mac Salad Low
Gather these items:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 4 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup diced dill pickles
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (optional)
- 1/2 cup Big Mac-style sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Big Mac Salad Low Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through (6–8 minutes). Drain excess grease.
- Step 2: Season the beef with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder for flavor.
- Step 3: Prepare the Big Mac sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, mustard, diced pickles, vinegar, and paprika until smooth.
- Step 4: In a large bowl, layer chopped lettuce, shredded cheese, diced pickles, onions, and cherry tomatoes.
- Step 5: Add the warm ground beef over the salad base.
- Step 6: Drizzle the homemade Big Mac sauce on top and toss gently to combine.
- Step 7: Serve immediately or store each component separately for meal prep.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Big Mac Salad Low
Keep these in mind:
- For an extra kick, add some hot sauce to your Big Mac-style sauce.
- Use leaner ground beef for a Low-Calorie Big Mac Salad.
- Feel free to swap out the cheese for a dairy-free option if needed.
Best Ways to Serve Big Mac Salad Low
Here are some serving suggestions:
- Top with avocado slices for a creamy texture.
- Serve with a side of whole-grain crackers for added crunch.
- Pair it with a low-carb tortilla for a wrap-style meal.
How to Store and Reheat Big Mac Salad Low
Store the components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The salad can last for up to 3 days, while the beef and sauce should be consumed within 2 days for optimal freshness. This makes it perfect for Big Mac Salad Meal Prep.
Frequently Asked Questions About Big Mac Salad Low
What’s the secret to perfect Big Mac Salad Low?
The secret lies in the homemade Big Mac sauce! Combining the right balance of flavors makes all the difference, giving you that classic taste without the bun.
Can I make Big Mac Salad Low ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. Assemble the salad just before serving for the freshest taste.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Big Mac Salad Low?
Avoid overcooking the beef, which can make it dry. Also, ensure that the sauce is well-mixed to get an even flavor throughout the salad.
Variations of Big Mac Salad Low You Can Try
Consider these tasty twists:
- Make it vegetarian by using black beans instead of ground beef.
- For a spicy kick, add jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Try it with turkey for a lighter protein option.
For more healthy meal ideas, check out this recipe or this guide on meal prepping. You can also learn about the benefits of a ketogenic diet here.
Print
Big Mac Salad Low: 7 Reasons You Need This Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Big Mac Salad is a low-carb, keto-friendly twist on the classic McDonald’s Big Mac. It features seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, and a creamy homemade Big Mac-style sauce, offering all the iconic flavors in a healthy, gluten-free bowl.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 4 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup diced dill pickles
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (optional)
- 1/2 cup Big Mac-style sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through (6–8 minutes). Drain excess grease.
- Season the beef with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder for flavor.
- Prepare the Big Mac sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, mustard, diced pickles, vinegar, and paprika until smooth.
- In a large bowl, layer chopped lettuce, shredded cheese, diced pickles, onions, and cherry tomatoes.
- Add the warm ground beef over the salad base.
- Drizzle the homemade Big Mac sauce on top and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately or store each component separately for meal prep.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Big Mac Salad, Low Carb, Keto, Healthy Salad