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My low carb Big Mac salad recipe is like a healthier version of rare childhood memories stopping at McDonald’s. That’s probably not much of an impression for most people, but we very rarely ate out when I was growing up. This included everything from gourmet restaurants to fast food, my parents much preferring home cooked meals.
For the most part, I loved my mom’s home cooked food, too. I won’t lie, though – as a kid, those rare occasions that I got to have “fast food” were a treat.
I’d beg my dad to take me to Burger King or McDonald’s after gymnastics practice, hoping for that rare “yes”. It only came a few times a year, making it all the more special.
I can’t say I blame my parents for leaving the fast food joints to rare occasions, especially knowing what I know now about fast food. My two-year-old has yet to try any, and I hope to keep it that way for as long as possible.
There’s nothing wrong with a rare exception for most people, but I think the majority would agree that frequent fast food is far from ideal.
All that being said, there’s no reason you can’t make your own healthier, low carb fast food version at home! This low carb Big Mac salad recipe (or simply, cheeseburger salad recipe) is just that.
What healthier way to enjoy a homemade Big Mac than as a big ol’ salad, right? Seriously, I don’t even miss the bread when I make this one.
It’s the classic combination of smoky ground beef, crisp romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, rich shredded cheese, and salty pickles… all finished with a creamy-sweet Big Mac copycat dressing.
Oh, and it happens to be sugar-free, low carb, and gluten-free! Yesssss.
I used powdered erythritol to sweeten the dressing, but you can absolutely use any sweetener you like. This recipe isn’t fussy at all, so seriously any sweetener you like will work, whether it’s liquid or granulated. Just adjust to taste until you reach your desired sweetness.
As usual, I kept the entire recipe under 10 ingredients total. (Granted, one is repeated in both the salad and the dressing, and I’m not counting salt and pepper.)
That can be a challenge with salads, since the dressing in itself is often quite a few ingredients, but I managed to keep this one simple enough. And to me, it still tastes just like the famous sauce on a Big Mac… minus any weird ingredients, of course!
In many ways, this low carb Big Mac salad reminds me of my popular healthy taco salad. It’s another transformation of a carb-heavy classic into a lighter salad that’s still packed with flavor and hearty enough to be a meal on its own. If that’s your thing, another good one to try is bacon cheeseburger salad in the summer or keto cheeseburger casserole in the winter.
With summer approaching, you’ll want to have meal salad recipes like these on hand. It’s the perfect way to serve dinner with minimal cooking!
Disclaimer: Big Mac may be a registered trademark. This recipe is my interpretation of a similar dish, but is not to be construed as an endorsement of the company or having been endorsed by the company. There is no affiliation between myself and the company. Trademark remains the property of its owner and is used here only to describe the product.Tools To Make Keto Big Mac Salad
Tap the links below to see the items used to make this recipe.
- Nonstick Skillet – A nonstick skillet is an essential tool for making this recipe. This set will work great for browning your ground beef.
- Large Salad Bowl – This large salad bowl is the perfect size for this low carb salad.
- Blender – This high-powered blender is one of my favorite kitchen appliances. It will puree the salad dressing ingredients perfectly.
Big Mac Salad Recipe (Low Carb Cheeseburger Salad)
Big Mac Salad (Cheeseburger Salad)
Recipe Video
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Ingredients
Tap underlined ingredients to see where to get them. Please turn Safari reader mode OFF to view ingredients.
Salad:
Dressing:
Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions below to start a kitchen timer while you cook.
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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.
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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.
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In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, and pickles.
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Add the ground beef. Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss to coat.
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Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
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Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 1/2 cups
Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see our nutrition policy.
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363 Comments
Christina
1I randomly came across this recipe over a year ago, and since then it has been a favourite in our house. I make it at least once a month, sometimes more. My kids literally cheer and dance when I say we are having this for dinner, lol. Thank you for such an easy, quick, and delicious recipe!!
Dave
0I used no mayo,but fresh fruit,what a splendid big Mac salad,thank you😘
Cassi
0This salad was SO good!!!! Nothing like a burger without feeling bloated or guilty afterwards!! I will 100% be making this again!
Charles
0I have made this for my wife and daughter both loved it. I have passed the recipe on to others who also reported that it was GREAT.
Thank you for sharing this.
Charles B.
Megan Jones
0Can I use powdered Monkfruit as a sweetener?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Megan, Yes, you could use powdered Besti.
Megan Jones
0What kind of pickles do you use in the salad and/or dressing?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Megan, You will want to use dill pickles.
Wyn
0If I have leftover dressing, how long will it keep in fridge?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Wyn, This will last in the fridge for up to 5 days.
{{first_name}}
0Dear Maya,
This recipe is incredibly delicious. My husband was raving and told me to be sure to make it again soon. We are beginning Keto dieters and have suddenly found food to be tasty again. Who knew – remove the sugar and put back the fat and things just taste great and worth eating. Each new recipe we try is a hit.
Thanks so much for your hard work in creating and updating this website. My Doctor daughter suggested I try KETO as a way to better manage my diabetes and was she ever right. I shared this website with her and some of my friends. This is a great place to find good food.
Melissa Dodson
0Made this over the weekend for a quick lunch, it was so full of flavor! Tastes just like a big mac without the carbs, not missing the bun at all!!!!
Matt
0I have made this 3 times this week. VERY VERY GOOD. Going to try the taco salad next I think. Thank you for the great keto recipes.
Wayne Hatley
0Hi, I plan to try this but was wondering why onions weren’t on the list of ingredients? Thanks!
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Wayne, Onions provide a few extra carbs. Feel free to add them if that is your preference.
Sheila
0I guess I refrigerate the leftovers. Won’t it get bad when heated up?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Sheila, I would eat the leftovers cold.
Aw
0I’ve made this several times now. My family LOVES IT. Tastes just like a Big Mac but better. ❤️.
-A
Diane B
0Oh my goodness. This was so good. And to cut calories and fat, I did the following. I used “light” Miracle Whip and Monk Fruit/Splenda for sweetener in the sauce. I also used Ground Sirloin and Kraft fat free shredded cheddar cheese to cut out the fat. I diced up pickle spears and threw those in with shredded lettuce so to get the pickle taste with each bite. The whole thing really did taste like a Big Mac without the bun. So delicious.
Priscilla Sanchez
0This recipe was delicious. I didn’t even need to make the dressing. It was so good and satisfying without the dressing.
Debbie Welch
0I have been looking for something like this since my doctor suggested no more breads for me. I love Big Macs but this is even better and I can’t wait to try this!
Sarah P
0How big are the servings?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Sarah, A serving size would be 1/6 of the entire recipe.
CJ
0I cannot wait try this salad!!
Joann
0What type of pickles? Dill or bread and butter.
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Joann, This recipe includes dill pickles.
Iamsweet
0Hello cannot wait to try this!! Question tho, are the pickles sweet pickles or dill pickles? Thx
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi, They are dill pickles.
Patricia
0Excellent “McD” Salad. Thank you!! 🙂
Margaret
0This was surprisingly good. So much good flavor despite the few ingredients. Made more than I expected, but so good.
Sophia Mathews
0Very informative and useful tips with excellent presentation. Looking forward to lots more articles about it. Thanks for sharing ideas and such an informative article.
Kristine
0This is so tasty. I am going to have this for tomorrow as well!
Penny
0Excellent recipe! My husband who is a picky eater even liked it.
Jessica jordan
0Can I omit the pickles? I hate pickles 🤢
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Jessica, Yes, you can omit the pickles.
Penny
0Made this tonight and it was awesome! Truely had “big Mac” flavour and was quick to throw together. Will make again
KetoGirl
0Love this
Suzanne Dunlap
0Can Thousand Island dressing be used in place of the sauce?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Suzanne, Yes, you can do that!
Heather Jackson
0Mmmmm!! Delicious salad recipe. A go to favourite!!
Kellie
0This salad deserves a slow clap….soooo yummy!!!!
Carey
0Love this! A biweekly meal for us – delicious!!
Evelyn
0Very tasty! The special sauce is easy and fantastic!! Will include it in my meals often.
Bonnie
0I made this in the afternoon… in refrig now waiting for girls nite out… I tasted it and it did taste like a Big Mac… thanks for a delicious salad.
Natasha
0This salad happens very frequently in our house!!! I just love it!
Lorena
0By far my favorite keto salad is so yummy and delicious I just don’t add pickles because I don’t like them lol
Shirley
0Sounds yummy. I’m wondering how would you reheat any leftovers?
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Shirley, This salad is actually quite delicious cold! If that’s not your thing, then you can quickly sautee it to warm through.
Karen
0I’ve made this before and instead of crumbling the meat, I made half-dollar size burgers. Easy to reheat by taking them out and microwaving for a few seconds.
Donna M
0We have each person individually make their salad like a buffet. Then for leftovers, you only need to reheat the meat if you chose to or you can eat it cold as the last person suggested. I made this twice so far and my husband and I love it.
Dom64
0Delicious recipe. Added a bit of cucumber instead of the pickles in the salad. Upgraded the cheese… I’ll be making it again. For sure it is better than having a big mac. And takes care of any desire for fast food. Thanks, Maya. Love all of your recipes that I have tried so far. You make keto very interesting for me.
SharkBite
0Awesome recipe! So much hate cause Big Macs don’t have tomatoes… But, if they were a salad, then I’m sure they would.
I followed the recipe almost exactly. The only changes I made was thinning the dressing a bit with a couple of splashes of EVOO & Avocado oil, adding some toasted sesame seeds, cut down on the salt in order to add some Montreal steak seasoning to the ground beef, used 1 tbsp monk fruit/erythritol sweetener for the dressing, and added a lil sugar-free ketchup on top the salad for a finishing touch.
So good!!! I ate half the recipe myself, and was stuffed! I know I ate a ton, but this is a super filling salad! I usually never feel full from a salad, but I just kept feeling fuller and fuller after this one. I’ll definitely be adding this recipe to my recipe book. Thank you!!!
SharkBite
0Forgot to mention I also sautéed some diced onion with the ground beef. Onions are a must have for burgers (burger salads) IMHO. <@:)
Aya
0I never EVER comment, but this was just amazing. So quick, so easy, and guiltless. Thank you Maya. You’re a hero!
Gina
0I make this all the time, it’s so delicious! I’ve added a couple tablespoons Montreal steak seasoning and about half an onion to the meat while cooking. Adds a little bit of carbs but it’s next level for sure!
Denise
0This was very good . We will be making this again!
Jason D Miller
0I actually made this for myself but my very picky grandmother said it was better than a big mac. She had two bowls which is amazing because we struggle to get anything down her that is not sweets.
Mickey D
0Looks great!! Thx. Will try.
Sounds A bit like a Whopper with cheese.
Which is what I do. … try this…
By medium size mild Italian, beef, chicken or turkey meatballs from the grocery store. They usually come in packs of six. Flatten them out to a small burger size patty. Fry them on a heated skillet pan. While that’s goin on, in a large pasta bowl, add: garden salad or Romain lettuce mix, shredded cheddar cheese, onion, sliced half tomatoes, chopped tangy dill pickle, swirl in mayo, I also add a bit of blue cheese dressing for some zip!!
When patties are almost done, top with shredded cheddar combo, takeoff pan and slice into finger size. Put two of these (Patties) on top of your salad mixture and finally, swirl in sugar free Heinz ketchup on top of everything. Amazing !! Simple and fast because the fresh meatballs are ready for you.
I’ve been fast food tinkering for decades now. Have a million tricks. It’s all low carb GI.
When you go thru your drive thru. Here’s the rules: no bun (take it off and feed your dog in the back!) No ketchup. No fries. And order water.! Yew ha. Done!!
Anne Ciraulo
0Loved this recipe! The dressing was a very nice compliment. We’re not pickle fans, so I left those out. Will definitely make this again. Thanks for all your wonderful recipes! I’ve tried a bunch of them, and they’re all great!
Geoffry Berryman
0Was not a fan of the dressing. I think following the recipe but just topping with thousand island would work really well though! Not sure what that does for calories/carbs however.
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Geoffry, That sounds great! I have a great recipe for Thousand Island Dressing here. Feel free to enter the recipe into an online recipe calculator to get an accurate view of the nutrition with Thousand Island Dressing.
Lisa
0Hi,
I’m making this recipe right now! I’m just noticing the lack of diced onions in the recipe, and I know that Big Mac’s have onions on them. No one has mwntioned this in the reviews. Were onions omitted on purpose?
Thanks!
Lisa
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Lisa, Onions provide a few extra carbs. Feel free to add them if that is your preference.
JUDY THODAY
0In the original Big Mac…there’s no tomatoes..substitute onion for tomatoes!!
Susan
0Absolutely delicious! Used the dill pickle relish for pickles💕
Rich Hvizdos
0Really Appreciate this article, can I set it up so I get an update sent in an email when there is a fresh post?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Thank you so much, Rich! Yes, definitely! You can sign up for my newsletter here – I’ll send you a free keto food list to start and notifications about my new recipes in my newsletter afterward.
Daphne
0Excellent! I will be making this again!