All the flavors of a classic Big Mac reimagined as a fresh, easy-to-make salad. This Big Mac Salad is a family favorite and a simple weeknight winner.
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Easy Big Mac Salad Recipe
If you love the flavor of a classic Big Mac but want something lighter and quicker, this salad combines the same elements—seasoned ground beef, tangy pickles, sharp cheese and that signature special sauce—over crisp romaine. I developed the dressing while experimenting with burger recipes, and the family loved it served as a salad. It’s a great dinner option when you want familiar flavors without buns.
Ingredients
- Ground beef – Use the fat content you prefer. If it’s not lean, drain excess fat after cooking. You can also substitute ground turkey, chicken, or a cooked burger patty cut into pieces.
- Big Mac sauce – Homemade copycat sauce is best for authentic flavor. A Thousand Island-style dressing can also work. My version uses mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, chopped dill pickles (or sweet relish), Worcestershire, lemon juice, garlic and paprika.
- Romaine hearts – Crisp romaine provides a nice crunch; iceberg or mixed greens are fine if you prefer.
- Cheddar cheese – Shredded cheddar adds a bold flavor, though American cheese would echo the original burger more closely.
- Dill pickle chips – Leave whole or chop, depending on your preference.
- Sweet onion – Diced sweet onion, like Vidalia, balances the tangy pickles.
- Sesame seeds – Optional garnish to evoke the sesame bun.
Instructions
1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and crumble as it cooks.
3. Brown the beef until no pink remains, about 8 minutes. Drain if necessary.
4. While the beef cooks, divide the chopped romaine evenly between serving bowls.
5. Top each bowl with about 1/4 cup shredded cheddar, 1/4 cup chopped pickles, and a sprinkle of diced sweet onion.
6. Divide the cooked beef between the bowls, drizzle with Big Mac sauce, and finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Tips, Tricks and Questions
Can I make this ahead? Yes. Cook and store the beef and sauce separately, then assemble just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.
Secret to great Big Mac sauce? Freshly made sauce has the best flavor. Use finely chopped pickles or sweet relish and let it rest a bit for the flavors to meld.
Store-bought sauce? Store-bought Big Mac sauce or Thousand Island dressing works fine if you prefer convenience.
Ingredient swaps? Mix greens, different cheeses (pepper jack, Swiss), or add extras like cherry tomatoes, bacon bits, red onion or avocado to customize the salad.
Vegetarian option? Replace beef with plant-based crumbles, tempeh, or seasoned sautéed mushrooms, and use vegan cheese if desired.
If you like this Big Mac Salad Recipe you might also like:
- Buffalo Chickpea Salad
- Summertime Grilled Peach Caprese Salad
- Easy Antipasto Salad
- Grilled Shrimp Salad with Avocado and Oranges
- Crunchy Asian Chopped Chicken Salad
- Summer Berry Salad
Big Mac Salad
A twist on the familiar fast-food favorite: crispy lettuce topped with seasoned ground beef, cheese, pickles, onions, special sauce, and sesame seeds.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup big mac sauce
- 3 romaine hearts, chopped
- 1 cup (4 oz) cheddar cheese
- 1 cup dill pickle chips, chopped
- 1/4 sweet onion, diced
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, crumble and cook until no pink remains, about 8 minutes. Drain if needed.
- While the beef cooks, divide chopped romaine between bowls. Top each with about 1/4 cup cheese, 1/4 cup chopped pickles, and a sprinkle of diced onion.
- Divide the cooked beef among the bowls, drizzle with Big Mac sauce, and garnish with sesame seeds. Serve and enjoy.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4
Calories: 595
Total Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 929mg
Carbohydrates: 17g
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 11g
Protein: 36g
Nutritional data is automated and may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.