A delectable fusion of iconic flavors without the bun, this Big Mac Salad is a healthier twist on a restaurant classic. Dive into a healthier fast-food delight!
Big Mac Salad Recipe
Y’all know the jingle …. “Two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions – all on a sesame seed bun” … Everyone knows that, right?
Growing up, going to the Golden Arches was a special treat – and I loved getting the Big Mac meal. We didn’t go often, but that sandwich was such a cultural icon, and I wanted to experience it for myself every chance I got.
Now that I’ve grown up, I want a somewhat healthier version of one of America’s favorite sandwiches. Aside from soup, salad is probably one of my favorite meals. Literally, the possibilities are endless.
One of our more recent favorites is this take on a Cheeseburger Salad. It has all the flavor of a Big Mac, with a lot less fat and calories!
My kids think eating these “famous” sandwich salads is kind of neat. They especially love when I use the hamburger buns to make the croutons! Seriously, that scores me “mega cool mom points” every single time! 😎
You could easily make this a Bacon Deluxe …. or Bacon Double Cheeseburger – just add bacon! You just can’t go wrong with any version of a Cheese Burger Salad!
There are many days when I appreciate lighter meals that don’t make you sacrifice flavor or make you feel like you’re starving yourself! I hope you give this cheeseburger salad recipe a try! We think it’s a winner and we hope you do too!
Burger Salad: Ingredients & Substitutions
To make this Big Mac Salad recipe, you will need …
Ingredients
- vegetable oil, lean ground beef, onions, salt, and pepper – this replicates the taste of the two all-beef patties in the famous sandwich. If you prefer, you can also use ground chicken or turkey.
- iceberg head, dill pickles, (and optional tomatoes) – all the yummy veggies of the famous sandwich. Of course, the actual Big Mac doesn’t have tomatoes, but I think they’re a nice addition. I like to use iceberg lettuce in this salad because it gives it that classic Big Mac crunch, but you could use any type of lettuce that you like.
- Cheddar cheese – the actual sandwich uses American cheese. This cheese helps give us that iconic flavor.
- Big Mac Sauce – my homemade version is the perfect copycat recipe! It brings the salad together and gives it that signature taste.
How to make Big Mac Salad
Prepare the ground beef. Cook and crumble the ground beef with the onions, salt, and pepper in a skillet until cooked through. Set aside to cool.
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Assemble the salad. In a large salad bowl, assemble the salad ingredients.
Prepare the salad dressing. In a small bowl, prepare the salad dressing.
Combine the ingredients. Pour the salad dressing over the salad and combine.
Serve. Once combined, serve immediately.
Big Mac Salad: FAQs
It’s best eaten fresh, but if you have leftovers or want to make it ahead of time, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Eat within a day to enjoy the best flavor.
Yes, it is!
– This is a great way to use leftover hamburger patties!
– Try using any leftovers to make Big Mac Salad Wrap!
– Switch out the Big Mac Sauce for a sauce mixture or equal parts of BBQ sauce and mayo. If desired, add a bit of honey.
– While the special sauce gives the signature Big Mac taste, feel free to use Ranch, Thousand Island, or any dressing of your preference. It’s all about what flavors you love!
– Missing the bun but still want a salad? Use the buns to make your own homemade croutons!
– Add bacon for a bacon cheeseburger version.
– While the traditional Big Mac doesn’t have tomatoes, cucumbers, or bell peppers, you can add any of these and more to your homemade version to increase the nutritional value and add more flavors.
Other recipes you may enjoy
Big Mac Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 medium head iceberg lettuce chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes cut in half
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 3 baby dill pickles chopped
- Big Mac Sauce
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the oil. Once hot, add the ground beef, onion, salt, and pepper. Brown and crumble the ground beef until the beef is completely cooked, about 6 to 8 minutes. Set it aside and let it cool.
- In a large salad bowl, mix the iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and pickles.
- Add the cooled beef to the salad.
- Add the Big Mac Sauce to the salad and mix everything until it is coated.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- This is a great way to use leftover hamburger patties!
- Try using any leftovers to make Big Mac Salad Wrap!
- Switch out the Big Mac Sauce for a sauce mixture or equal parts of BBQ sauce and mayo. If desired, add a bit of honey.
- While the special sauce gives the signature Big Mac taste, feel free to use Ranch, Thousand Island, or any dressing of your preference. It's all about what flavors you love!
- Missing the bun but still want a salad? Use the buns to make your own homemade croutons!
- Add bacon for a bacon cheeseburger version.
- While the traditional Big Mac doesn't have tomatoes, cucumbers, or bell peppers, you can add any of these and more to your homemade version to increase the nutritional value and add more flavors.
Nutrition
Please note that the nutritional information listed on this page is an estimation based on the products I used. Ingredients and nutritional information can vary significantly between brands. Always be sure to read labels. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Likewise, recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them.
Originally published on April 25, 2013. Updated on August 9, 2023.
You are clearly in full Spring swing! Delicious looking recipe :-)Pinned !
Delicious look salad with lots of fantastic flavors. Great job 🙂
Happy Blogging!
Happy Valley Chow
Looks yummy. How many calories?
Looks yummy! How many calories?
I can hear the Mc D's song already singing in my head with your lovely, healthy salad! Will now be "on the list" for me
Cheers!
Joanne
What's On The List?
http://www.whatsonthelist
Foodie Friends Friday
SHUT UP! That is GENIUS! Oh and I totally sang the jingle while reading your post. Seriously, what a great idea! And you can make your own "special sauce" with canola mayo to make it even lighter. Pinning this!
I just came over from Michelle's because I couldn't resist not checking out something called the Big Mac Salad! 🙂 It looks fabulous and what a healthy way to eat a Big Mac! Great job and so creative!
oh my gosh this is so fun! love it! If you'd like link this one up too!
This is so creative you ought to sell it to McDonalds. Thanks for sharing this with us on foodie friday.
Hi Jamie,
This is a great salad. Your recipe is fabulous and thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday. Have a great weekend and come back soon!
Miz Helen
This looks delicious! I like to make cheeseburger salads. I always put pieces of dill pickles on it and serve it with honey mustard. Yum. I will have to try this version now!
This is a fabulously inventive idea. I love that you still get all the flavors without all the calories. Thanks for sharing on Thursdays Treasures.
Thanks for linking up, Jamie. McDonald's was a special treat for me growing up too. We rarely got fast food or any kind of take out. Love this creative version of a big mac.
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You are an absolute legend! So making this salad! 🙂 Fllowed you from Memories by the Mile's link party. Also, I've just posted my Tasty Tuesdays link party on my blog & I'd love it if you could stop by & link up some of your recipes! Here's the link: http://anyonitanibbles.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/Tasty-Tuesdays-8-features-ad.html
YUM! I am definitely pinning this!
Hi Jamie,
Just wanted to BUZZ by and let you know this is one of the features at our party.
http://www.thebusybhive.blogspot.com/
Thanks for linking up with us,
The Busy Bee's.
Thank you so much for linking this recipe to the Tasty Tuesdays link party! I’ve pinned this recipe to my Tasty Tuesday’s board. 🙂 This week’s party is live on the blog & I would love for you to come link up with us! Here’s the link: http://anyonitanibbles.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/Tasty-Tuesdays-Link-Party-9.html
Jamie,
This looks so delicious! I'm featuring this recipe on my blog tonight when I Finally get the link party up, lol. I'm so far behind!
Have a great weekend 🙂
Michelle
Yum-o, Jamie. This looks really good! Thanks for sharing at Saturday Dishes. Pinned!
What a fun salad to make and def less calories 🙂 Thanks for sharing on Foodie Friends Friday.
Your co host from Nosh My Way
G'day! Very healthy looking Jamie!
Thanks for sharing as party of Foodie Friends Friday 30 Minute Meals Party!
Cheers! Joanne
http://whatsonthelist.net