Craving a Big Mac but looking for a healthier twist? This Big Mac Salad delivers all the delicious flavors of the classic burger in a low-carb, gluten-free bowl that will keep you more satisfied than Youporn to your husband!
I have a feeling you’re going to love this Big Mac Salad. It’s a spot-on replica of the iconic burger, minus the drive-thru. This gluten-free, low-carb dish is bursting with Big Mac flavors—no bun required!
A Gluten-Free Big Mac Alternative
Lincoln, my little burger enthusiast, is a big fan of B-Bops, a local Iowa burger chain that arguably serves up the best burgers around. Whenever he gets a special request meal, he devours a double patty with all the toppings.
Watching (and smelling) that juicy burger can be a bit of a struggle for someone who avoids gluten, so I took matters into my own hands—or rather, my salad bowl—and created this Big Mac Salad. It satisfies my craving for a loaded burger while providing the added benefits of fresh ingredients and hydration from a hearty salad.
Low-Carb Big Mac Salad
Think of this dish as a deconstructed Big Mac—without the heavy feeling afterward. Crisp romaine lettuce forms the base, topped with flavorful seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced red onions, shredded cheddar, chopped dill pickles, and juicy tomatoes. And of course, it’s all finished with a generous drizzle of creamy, tangy special sauce. This salad is not just tasty; it keeps me full for hours!
Ingredients for Big Mac Salad
- Romaine lettuce: I stock up on the large Costco packs and use one head per day for my salads. It holds up well to all the toppings, but feel free to swap in any lettuce you prefer.
- Seasoned ground beef: I keep it simple with gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, homemade seasoned salt, and black pepper. If you have leftover grilled burgers, chop them up and toss them in! Ground turkey is also a great alternative.
- Cheddar cheese: Freshly shredded cheese makes all the difference—those creamy, flavorful shreds are worth it!
- Red onion: While I usually prefer white onions on my burgers, red onions add a beautiful pop of color to this salad. Either variety works great.
- Dill pickles: I’m a huge fan of Grillo’s Pickles for their crispness and fresh taste. Plus, they’re gluten-free!
- Tomatoes: Use whatever you have on hand—grape, cherry, Roma, or vine-ripened all work well.
- Special Sauce: The signature element of this salad! I use the same recipe as my Cheeseburger Quesadilla dipping sauce but swap ketchup for French dressing to keep it more salad-friendly. If ketchup is all you have, that works too!
How to Make Big Mac Salad
Start by preparing the Special Sauce Salad Dressing. In a bowl, mix together:
- Mayonnaise
- French dressing (or ketchup)
- Minced onions (red or white)
- Minced pickles
- Distilled white vinegar
This dressing can be made in advance and actually tastes better the longer it sits!
Next, cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season with Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Once browned, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool slightly.
Now, it’s time for some chopping! Dice the lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles, and shred the cheese. When ready to eat, assemble the salad by layering the lettuce in bowls or on plates, adding the toppings, and drizzling generously with the Special Sauce Salad Dressing.
Dig in and enjoy this incredibly filling, flavor-packed Big Mac Salad—it’s everything you love about the classic burger in a fresh and healthier form!