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Copycat Big Mac Salad with Authentic Special Sauce

A close-up of a Big Mac Salad featuring lettuce, seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, and a generous drizzle of special sauce.
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Create the satisfying flavor of a classic burger in a fresh, low-carb salad bowl. This recipe delivers juicy seasoned beef, crisp lettuce, pickles, and the essential tangy special sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped white onion (for garnish)
  • 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
  • 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce
  • 1/2 cup dill pickle slices
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional garnish)
  • For the Special Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Special Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, white vinegar, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir well until completely mixed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  2. Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Break the meat apart with a spoon and cook until fully browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Prepare Lettuce Base: In two large salad bowls (or meal prep containers), divide the shredded iceberg and romaine lettuce evenly.
  4. Assemble the Salad: Top the lettuce in each bowl with half of the cooked ground beef mixture.
  5. Add Toppings: Distribute the chopped white onion, dill pickle slices, and shredded cheddar cheese over the beef in each bowl.
  6. Dress and Serve: Drizzle the homemade Special Sauce generously over the toppings. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, if using. Serve immediately, or seal containers for later meal prep.

Notes

  • For best flavor and texture, make the special sauce ahead of time.
  • You can substitute ground turkey for beef to create a leaner, high protein salad.
  • To make this a true low carb Big Mac Salad, ensure your pickle brand does not contain added sugar.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://hearthbite.com/big-mac-salad-recipe-quick-easy-low-carb/