If you’re craving all the bold, nostalgic flavors of a classic burger but want to keep things low-carb, this Keto Big Mac Salad is about to become your new obsession. Packed with crispy lettuce, juicy ground beef, tangy pickles, sharp cheddar, and a creamy special sauce, it’s everything you love about a fast food favorite transformed into a vibrant, satisfying salad bowl. Whether you’re keto, gluten-free, or just seeking a fresh twist on dinner, this salad checks all the boxes for taste, comfort, and ease!

Keto Big Mac Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every component of this Keto Big Mac Salad brings something extra to the table, from the rich, savory ground beef to the zippy homemade dressing. The beauty is in the simplicity: these familiar ingredients combine in a way that’s both crave-worthy and effortless to pull together.

Ground Beef (1 pound, 80/20): The heart of the salad; rich, juicy, and full of hearty flavor that mimics a classic burger.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances the beef’s natural savory notes and ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned.
Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle heat and depth to the beef mixture.
Romaine Lettuce (6 cups, chopped): Provides a crisp, refreshing base that holds up well to warm toppings and dressing.
Pickles (1/2 cup, diced): Infuses each forkful with a tangy crunch reminiscent of your favorite burger.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1/2 cup): Melts slightly on the warm beef, bringing gooey, cheesy goodness.
Red Onion (1/4 cup, diced): Offers a sharp, aromatic bite that balances the richness of the beef and cheese.
Cherry Tomatoes (1/2 cup, halved, optional): Adds a pop of sweetness and color—perfect if you like a little freshness in your salad.
Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The creamy base for that signature Big Mac-style dressing.
Sugar-Free Ketchup (2 tablespoons): Brings sweetness and tang without the carbs.
Mustard (1 tablespoon): Delivers a punch of zesty flavor to the dressing.
Dill Pickle Juice (2 teaspoons): Infuses the sauce with extra pickle-y brightness.
Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds savory depth to the dressing.
Onion Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavor of the sauce for that unmistakable burger-shop taste.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): Adjusts the final seasoning of your dressing to perfection.

How to Make Keto Big Mac Salad

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and sprinkle in the salt and black pepper. Let it sizzle until it’s deeply browned and cooked through, about 7 to 8 minutes. Once done, drain off any excess grease and set the beef aside to cool slightly—you want it warm, not piping hot, for the salad.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing

While your beef is cooling, grab a small bowl and whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, mustard, dill pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This creamy, tangy dressing is the magic touch that transforms your salad into a true Keto Big Mac Salad. Taste and adjust the seasoning as you like!

Step 3: Assemble the Salad Base

In a large salad bowl, toss together the chopped romaine lettuce, diced pickles, shredded cheddar cheese, diced red onion, and cherry tomatoes if you’re using them. This mix creates a bed of freshness and flavor that’s ready for all the toppings.

Step 4: Top with Beef and Dress

Spoon the warm ground beef over the salad base, spreading it out so every bite gets a bit of savory goodness. Drizzle the luscious homemade dressing generously over the top. At this point, you can toss everything together for a classic chopped salad feel or leave the layers intact for a pretty presentation.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Your Keto Big Mac Salad is ready to eat! Serve immediately while the beef is still warm and the lettuce is crisp. If you’re meal prepping, keep the salad and dressing separate until you’re ready to enjoy—this keeps everything fresh and crunchy.

How to Serve Keto Big Mac Salad

Garnishes

For that extra-special finish, sprinkle a few more diced pickles or a little extra shredded cheddar on top. A scattering of toasted sesame seeds can give a playful nod to the classic burger bun, while a handful of chopped fresh parsley or chives adds a pop of color and freshness.

Side Dishes

This salad is truly satisfying on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, pair it with a side of crispy keto fries or roasted broccoli. A simple cucumber salad or a batch of crunchy cheese crisps also makes a fantastic low-carb companion.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Keto Big Mac Salad into a true showstopper by serving it in individual mason jars for meal prep or picnics. For parties, arrange the ingredients in a deconstructed platter so everyone can build their own custom bowl. Or, pile everything onto a big wooden board for a dramatic, family-style presentation that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Keeping them apart prevents the lettuce from getting soggy and keeps all the textures just right when you’re ready for round two.

Freezing

While the cooked beef can be frozen for up to 2 months, the fresh veggies and dressing are best enjoyed fresh. If you want to meal prep, freeze the beef in single-serve portions and assemble your Keto Big Mac Salad with fresh toppings when you’re ready to eat.

Reheating

For the best experience, reheat the beef gently in a skillet or microwave until just warmed through—then add it to your fresh salad base and drizzle with dressing. Avoid reheating the salad greens, as they’ll wilt and lose their crunch.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken both work beautifully in this recipe if you prefer a leaner protein. Just be sure to season generously and perhaps add a splash of oil to keep things juicy.

How do I keep the salad keto if I want to add more veggies?

You can easily add extra low-carb veggies like sliced cucumbers, avocado, or even some sautéed mushrooms. Just steer clear of high-carb additions like corn or beans to keep your Keto Big Mac Salad totally keto-friendly.

Is the dressing really like Big Mac sauce?

Yes! The combination of mayo, sugar-free ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, and seasonings creates that iconic, tangy-sweet special sauce flavor. It’s the finishing touch that brings the whole salad together.

Can I meal prep this salad in advance?

Definitely. Prep all your components ahead of time and store them separately—just wait to combine the salad ingredients and add the dressing until you’re ready to eat for the best texture and freshness.

Is Keto Big Mac Salad good for kids?

Kids usually love this salad, especially if they’re burger fans! You can tone down the onion or pickles if your little ones are sensitive to strong flavors, and serve the dressing on the side for dipping.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a quick, flavor-packed meal that’s as fun as it is satisfying, give this Keto Big Mac Salad a try. It’s a playful, guilt-free way to enjoy all the comfort of a burger bowl—without the bun. You might just find yourself coming back for seconds!

Keto Big Mac Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delicious and easy-to-make Keto Big Mac Salad that captures the flavors of a classic Big Mac without the carbs. Perfect for those following a keto, low-carb, or gluten-free diet, this salad combines seasoned ground beef, fresh veggies, and a creamy, tangy dressing for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad

1 pound ground beef (80/20)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1/2 cup diced pickles
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)

For the Dressing

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sugar-free ketchup
1 tablespoon mustard
2 teaspoons dill pickle juice
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess grease and set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, mustard, dill pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and well combined.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, diced pickles, shredded cheddar cheese, diced red onion, and cherry tomatoes if using. Add the warm ground beef on top, then drizzle generously with the prepared dressing.
Serve: Toss the salad gently to combine all ingredients or serve the dressing on the side, according to preference. Enjoy immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

This salad is excellent for meal prep—store the salad and dressing separately and combine just before eating to maintain freshness.
For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.
Omit the cherry tomatoes to keep the salad stricter keto-friendly.
Use sugar-free ketchup to keep carbs low in the dressing.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American