If you love the iconic flavors of a Big Mac but want a lighter, fresher, and low-carb alternative, this Big Mac Salad delivers the best of both worlds. This bowl captures all the crave-worthy elements—seasoned beef, cheese, pickles, and tangy Thousand Island dressing—served on a bed of crisp iceberg lettuce instead of a bun. It’s a creative, satisfying twist on the classic burger that’s ready in just 20 minutes.
The genius of this salad lies in its contrast of textures: the cool crunch of lettuce and pickles, the richness of melted Colby jack cheese, and the hearty bite of browned ground beef. A generous drizzle of Thousand Island dressing ties it all together with that unmistakable sweet-savory kick, reminiscent of your favorite drive-thru burger—but without the heaviness.
Perfect for meal prep or group gatherings, this salad is easy to assemble and even easier to customize. Prep the beef in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer for grab-and-go convenience. You can even turn this into a build-your-own “burger bowl” bar, letting everyone pile on their favorite toppings.
Whether you’re aiming to eat low-carb, gluten-free, or simply want a refreshing spin on comfort food, this Big Mac Salad is a great go-to. It’s colorful, filling, and surprisingly balanced, offering protein, fresh vegetables, and tons of flavor in every bite.
Servings and Timing:
Yield: 8 servings
Total Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 6 cups chopped iceberg lettuce
- 1½ lbs very lean ground beef, browned and drained
- 1½ cups shredded Colby jack cheese
- 1 cup diced Roma tomatoes
- 1 cup sliced red onion
- ½ cup diced dill pickles
- Thousand Island dressing, to taste
Instructions:
- Place the chopped iceberg lettuce into a large serving bowl.
- Evenly distribute the cooked, drained ground beef over the lettuce.
- Add the shredded Colby jack cheese, diced tomatoes, sliced red onion, and dill pickles.
- Gently toss the ingredients together until evenly mixed.
- Right before serving, drizzle with Thousand Island dressing and toss again lightly to coat.
Variations:
- Low-Calorie Option: Use a lighter or homemade version of Thousand Island dressing.
- Cheese Swap: Try cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Add Heat: Top with sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Lettuce Alternatives: Romaine or butter lettuce also work well for added texture.
- Bunless Burger Bowls: Serve ingredients individually so guests can customize their salads.
Tips:
- Brown the beef ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month for easy assembly.
- Let the beef cool slightly before adding to the lettuce to avoid wilting.
- Don’t overdress—start with a small amount of dressing and add more to taste.
- This salad is best served fresh, but leftovers keep well for a day if stored without dressing.
Big Mac Salad is the ultimate answer to cravings for fast food with a fresh, healthy spin. It’s as easy as it is delicious—and perfect for weeknight meals, potlucks, or picnic lunches.
