Description
This Big Mac Salad delivers all the classic flavors of the iconic burger in a fresh, low-carb salad form. Featuring seasoned ground beef, crisp iceberg lettuce, sharp cheddar cheese, pickles, onions, fresh tomatoes, and a tangy Thousand Island dressing, this easy 30-minute recipe is perfect for a quick family meal or a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups chopped iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pickles
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onions
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
Ground Beef Seasoning
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Dressing
- 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the salad light and flavorful.
- Season the Beef. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper over the cooked beef. Stir well and cook for another minute until the spices are fragrant, enhancing the savory profile of the meat.
- Prepare the Lettuce. While the beef cooks, chop fresh iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large mixing bowl as the base of the salad.
- Add Fresh Vegetables and Cheese. To the bowl with lettuce, add the diced tomatoes, sliced pickles, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and finely chopped onions. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Dress the Salad. Drizzle the Thousand Island dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss all together until everything is well coated with the creamy, tangy dressing that mimics the classic Big Mac sauce.
- Serve. Serve the salad immediately on individual plates or family-style in a large bowl. Enjoy the flavors of a Big Mac in a fresh and satisfying salad format.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use low-fat or light Thousand Island dressing to reduce calories.
- For extra crunch, add chopped celery or shredded carrots.
- Feel free to customize with additional toppings like shredded lettuce or diced onions based on preference.
- Best served fresh; leftovers should be stored in an airtight container and consumed within 1-2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
