If you love the classic fast-food cheeseburger taste but want to keep carbs low, this Low-Carb Big Mac Salad is the perfect solution. It combines juicy seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, shredded cheese, tangy pickles, and a creamy homemade special sauce — all without the bun.
This keto-friendly burger salad is ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep lunches, or anyone following a low-carb lifestyle. It’s filling, protein-packed, and incredibly easy to customize.
📝 Ingredients
For the Salad
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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6 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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½ cup diced tomatoes
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½ cup sliced dill pickles
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¼ cup finely chopped onion
Optional Add-Ins
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Cooked bacon crumbles
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Avocado slices
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Sautéed mushrooms
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Sesame seeds (adds burger-style flavor)
🍔 Homemade Low-Carb “Special Sauce”
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½ cup mayonnaise
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2 tbsp sugar-free ketchup
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1 tbsp yellow mustard
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1 tbsp finely chopped sugar-free pickle relish
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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1–2 tsp white vinegar
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Pinch of paprika (optional)
Sauce Instructions
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Add all ingredients to a bowl.
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Whisk until completely smooth.
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Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let flavors blend.
Tip: The longer it chills, the better it tastes.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 — Cook the Beef
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 2 — Cool Slightly
Let the beef rest for about 5 minutes so it stays warm but not steaming hot. This prevents the lettuce from wilting.
Step 3 — Prepare the Salad Base
In a large serving bowl, add chopped lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, pickles, and onion.
Step 4 — Assemble the Salad
Top the vegetables with the warm cooked beef.
Step 5 — Add the Special Sauce
Drizzle the creamy sauce generously over the top. Toss gently or leave layered for a burger-bowl presentation.
Serve immediately and enjoy.
⭐ Expert Tips for the BEST Big Mac Salad
✔ Use fresh crisp lettuce for maximum crunch.
✔ Chop ingredients small so every bite has full burger flavor.
✔ Add sauce in layers instead of only on top for better coating.
✔ Sprinkle sesame seeds just before serving for authentic burger aroma.
✔ If meal-prepping, store sauce separately until serving.
🔄 Delicious Variations
🥓 Bacon Big Mac Salad
Add crispy bacon pieces for extra smoky flavor.
🌶 Spicy Cheeseburger Salad
Mix hot sauce or chili flakes into the dressing.
🥑 California Style
Add avocado slices and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese.
🧀 Extra Cheesy Version
Add sliced American cheese melted into the hot beef before serving.
🥗 Storage & Meal Prep
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Store salad components separately in airtight containers.
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Keeps fresh for 3 days in the refrigerator.
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Always add dressing just before serving.
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Reheat the beef slightly for best texture.
🧾 Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)
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Calories: ~520
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Protein: ~32g
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Net Carbs: ~6g
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Fat: ~40g
(Values vary depending on ingredients used.)
