Big Mac Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’ve ever craved a Big Mac but wanted something a bit lighter, this salad is the answer. It features all the iconic elements of a Big Mac – ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, red onions, and Thousand Island dressing – in a healthy, deconstructed form. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and you can even customize it with your favorite toppings, like sesame seeds or shredded cheese. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or need a quick dinner, this Big Mac Salad is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb ground beef (90/10)

• 1 head of iceberg lettuce

• 2 Roma tomatoes, diced

• 12 pickles, diced (more if desired)

• ½ cup red onion, diced

• 1 bottle Thousand Island dressing

Optional:

• A sprinkle of sesame seeds

• Shredded cheese

Directions

1. Place ground beef into a sauté pan and cook until the meat is browned. Break up any large pieces as you cook. Drain any excess grease.

2. Wash and chop the iceberg lettuce, placing it into a large bowl.

3. Dice the tomatoes and add them to the bowl, tossing to combine.

4. Dice the pickles and add them to the bowl as well.

5. Chop the red onion and add it to the bowl. Toss all the vegetables together.

6. Add the cooked ground beef to the bowl and toss everything together with salad tongs.

7. Serve the salad topped with Thousand Island dressing. Optionally, top with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and/or shredded cheese.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cooking Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The salad is best when freshly made, but you can keep the beef and veggies separate from the dressing if you plan to store it for later to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. To reheat, simply warm the beef in the microwave or on the stovetop, and then toss with the fresh veggies and dressing before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of lettuce for this salad?

You can absolutely substitute iceberg lettuce with other leafy greens such as romaine, spinach, or even mixed greens for a different flavor and texture.

2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad components ahead of time. Keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to maintain the freshness of the vegetables.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Big Mac Salad is naturally gluten-free, especially if you skip any optional bread-related ingredients like sesame seeds or add-ins with gluten.

4. Can I use a different type of dressing?

While Thousand Island is the classic choice for a Big Mac-inspired flavor, you could try other creamy dressings like ranch or a low-fat version of your preferred dressing.

5. How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add some chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes to the salad to give it a spicy kick!

6. Can I use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

Yes, lean turkey or ground chicken are great substitutes for ground beef if you're looking for a leaner option.

7. Can I add more vegetables to this salad?

Feel free to add any of your favorite salad toppings, like cucumbers, avocado, or bell peppers, to increase the variety of vegetables.

8. Can I freeze this salad?

It’s not recommended to freeze the salad because of the freshness of the veggies and the dressing. However, you can freeze the cooked ground beef and thaw it before adding it to the salad.

9. Is this salad keto-friendly?

Yes, this Big Mac Salad is keto-friendly because it’s low in carbs and doesn’t contain any bread or high-carb ingredients.

10. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of this salad.

Conclusion

This Big Mac Salad is a fantastic, healthier take on the beloved Big Mac burger. With its satisfying combination of juicy ground beef, crisp veggies, and creamy Thousand Island dressing, it delivers all the flavors you love without the bun. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep, or anytime you’re craving something hearty but light. Plus, it’s easy to customize, so you can make it your own!

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