Big Mac Salad – Cheeseburger Salad Recipe (Low Carb, Gluten-free)

Name: Big Mac Salad (Low Carb, Gluten-free)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Ground beef; 1 tsp Sea salt; 1/4 tsp Black pepper; 8 oz Romaine lettuce ((or iceberg if desired)); 1 cup Tomatoes ((chopped)); 3/4 cup Cheddar cheese ((shredded)); 1/2 cup Pickles ((diced)); 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 Erythritol ((or any sweetener of choice; adjust to taste))

Jump to recipeThis easy low carb Big Mac salad recipe is ready in just 20 minutes! A gluten-free, keto cheeseburger salad like this makes a healthy lunch or dinner.

By Maya Krampf

348 Comments

ThiseasylowcarbBigMacsaladrecipeisreadyinjustminutes!Agluten free,ketocheeseburgersaladlikethismakesahealthylunchordinner.Detail:big mac salad low carb gluten free

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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)

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348 Comments

Sheila
0 November 30, 2022Reply

I guess I refrigerate the leftovers. Won’t it get bad when heated up?
- Wholesome Yum D
  0 December 1, 2022Reply
  
  Hi Sheila, I would eat the leftovers cold.
Aw
0 November 4, 2022Reply

I’ve made this several times now. My family LOVES IT. Tastes just like a Big Mac but better. ❤️.
-A
Diane B
0 October 7, 2022Reply

Oh 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
0 October 7, 2022Reply

This recipe was delicious. I didn’t even need to make the dressing. It was so good and satisfying without the dressing.
Debbie Welch
0 October 6, 2022Reply

I 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!
Christina
0 July 31, 2022Reply

I 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!!
Sarah P
0 July 13, 2022Reply

How big are the servings?
- Wholesome Yum D
  0 July 14, 2022Reply
  
  Hi Sarah, A serving size would be 1/6 of the entire recipe.
Joann
0 June 20, 2022Reply

What type of pickles? Dill or bread and butter.
- Wholesome Yum D
  0 June 21, 2022Reply
  
  Hi Joann, This recipe includes dill pickles.
Iamsweet
0 June 7, 2022Reply

Hello cannot wait to try this!! Question tho, are the pickles sweet pickles or dill pickles? Thx
- Wholesome Yum D
  0 June 8, 2022Reply
  
  Hi, They are dill pickles.
Patricia
0 May 25, 2022Reply

Excellent “McD” Salad. Thank you!! 🙂
Margaret
0 May 2, 2022Reply

This was surprisingly good. So much good flavor despite the few ingredients. Made more than I expected, but so good.
Sophia Mathews
0 April 22, 2022Reply

Very 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
0 April 11, 2022Reply

This is so tasty. I am going to have this for tomorrow as well!
- Penny
  0 August 15, 2022Reply
  
  Excellent recipe! My husband who is a picky eater even liked it.
Jessica jordan
0 March 29, 2022Reply

Can I omit the pickles? I hate pickles 🤢
- Wholesome Yum D
  0 March 30, 2022Reply
  
  Hi Jessica, Yes, you can omit the pickles.
Penny
0 February 22, 2022Reply

Made this tonight and it was awesome! Truely had “big Mac” flavour and was quick to throw together. Will make again
KetoGirl
0 January 19, 2022Reply

Love this
Suzanne Dunlap
0 January 10, 2022Reply

Can Thousand Island dressing be used in place of the sauce?
- Maya | Wholesome Yum
  0 January 10, 2022Reply
  
  Hi Suzanne, Yes, you can do that!
Heather Jackson
0 January 9, 2022Reply

Mmmmm!! Delicious salad recipe. A go to favourite!!
Kellie
0 November 8, 2021Reply

This salad deserves a slow clap….soooo yummy!!!!
Carey
0 November 2, 2021Reply

Love this! A biweekly meal for us – delicious!!
Evelyn
0 October 25, 2021Reply

Very tasty! The special sauce is easy and fantastic!! Will include it in my meals often.
- Bonnie
  0 September 22, 2022Reply
  
  I 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
0 September 26, 2021Reply

This salad happens very frequently in our house!!! I just love it!
Lorena
0 September 22, 2021Reply

By far my favorite keto salad is so yummy and delicious I just don’t add pickles because I don’t like them lol
Shirley
0 September 20, 2021Reply

Sounds yummy. I’m wondering how would you reheat any leftovers?
- Wholesome Yum M
  0 September 20, 2021Reply
  
  Hi Shirley, This salad is actually quite delicious cold! If that’s not your thing, then you can quickly sautee it to warm through.
  - Karen
    0 April 21, 2022Reply
    
    I’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
  0 January 12, 2022Reply
  
  We 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
0 August 24, 2021Reply

Delicious 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
0 August 23, 2021Reply

Awesome 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
  0 August 23, 2021Reply
  
  Forgot to mention I also sautéed some diced onion with the ground beef. Onions are a must have for burgers (burger salads) IMHO. <@:)
Aya
0 August 18, 2021Reply

I never EVER comment, but this was just amazing. So quick, so easy, and guiltless. Thank you Maya. You’re a hero!
Gina
0 July 27, 2021Reply

I 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
0 July 19, 2021Reply

This was very good . We will be making this again!
Jason D Miller
0 June 21, 2021Reply

I 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
0 May 28, 2021Reply

Looks 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
0 May 18, 2021Reply

Loved 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
0 February 16, 2021Reply

Was 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
  0 February 17, 2021Reply
  
  Hi 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
0 January 10, 2021Reply

Hi,
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
  0 January 12, 2021Reply
  
  Hi Lisa, Onions provide a few extra carbs. Feel free to add them if that is your preference.
- JUDY THODAY
  0 February 6, 2021Reply
  
  In the original Big Mac…there’s no tomatoes..substitute onion for tomatoes!!
- Susan
  0 August 19, 2022Reply
  
  Absolutely delicious! Used the dill pickle relish for pickles💕
Rich Hvizdos
0 November 7, 2020Reply

Really 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
  0 November 7, 2020Reply
  
  Thank 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
0 August 12, 2020Reply

Excellent! I will be making this again!