If you’re craving the nostalgic, mouthwatering flavors of a Big Mac but want to keep things light, fresh, and loaded with healthy fats, you are going to adore this Keto Big Mac Salad | Low Carb Hamburger Salad Recipe. It takes all the iconic elements you love—savory seasoned beef, tangy pickles, sharp cheddar, crisp lettuce—and brings them together in a vibrant, bowl-friendly way that satisfies those burger cravings without the bun. This recipe is not only simple to whip up but also packed with textures and bold tastes that make every bite feel like a little celebration on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this salad is key to nailing its classic flavors while staying true to keto principles. Each item plays a vital role, whether adding creaminess, crunch, or tang that mirrors the original Big Mac experience without the carbs.
- Mayonnaise: Choose a full-fat mayo for rich creaminess that forms the base of your dressing.
- Prepared Mustard: Adds a sharp, zesty kick that balances the richness of the mayo and beef.
- Dill Pickles: Bring crunch and acidity, perfect for mimicking that famous Big Mac tang.
- White Vinegar: Provides brightness to the dressing, lifting all the flavors.
- Chopped Onions: Fresh onions offer a mild sharpness that complements the beef.
- Swerve (or preferred keto sweetener): A touch of sweetness rounds out the dressing beautifully.
- Smoked Paprika: Lends a subtle smoky warmth to the dressing and beef.
- Lean Ground Beef: The hearty protein centerpiece, seasoned simply to enhance its natural flavor.
- Kosher Salt and Ground Black Pepper: Essential to properly season the beef and overall salad.
- Chopped Iceberg Lettuce: Adds a crisp, refreshing crunch—the perfect bed for the toppings.
- Sliced Onions: Adds textural contrast as well as bold onion flavor.
- Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the warm beef, adding richness and depth of flavor.
How to Make Keto Big Mac Salad | Low Carb Hamburger Salad Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up the Classic Big Mac Dressing
Start by combining the mayonnaise, diced dill pickles, prepared mustard, white vinegar, chopped onions, smoked paprika, and a sprinkle of Swerve in a bowl. Stir these ingredients until they meld into a creamy, tangy dressing that will bring all the components of the salad together beautifully. Set this aside while you prepare the other elements.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef to Perfection
Heat a sauté pan over medium heat and add the lean ground beef. Use your spatula to break it apart, cooking until it’s nearly done. Season well with kosher salt and black pepper, then finish cooking the beef until all those meaty bits are juicy and browned. This savory, seasoned beef is what gives the salad its hearty, satisfying backbone.
Step 3: Prep the Fresh and Crunchy Veggies
While the beef is sizzling, chop the iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces and slice the onions. Cutting the onions in half helps them blend smoothly into the salad texture without overwhelming with sharpness. Roughly chop extra dill pickles for crunch and that essential pickle tang that makes this salad scream Big Mac.
Step 4: Assemble Your Keto Big Mac Salad | Low Carb Hamburger Salad Recipe
In four bowls, create a colorful bed with chopped lettuce, sliced onions, fresh pickles, and a generous sprinkle of sharp shredded cheddar cheese. Divide the cooked ground beef evenly across the bowls, then drizzle each salad with your prepared dressing. Serve immediately for the freshest, most vibrant experience.
How to Serve Keto Big Mac Salad | Low Carb Hamburger Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of freshness and contrast, try topping your salad with chopped fresh parsley or a few sesame seeds to mimic that familiar burger bun flavor. Adding a few diced tomato pieces or avocado slices can also boost colors and healthy fats, making each serving even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This salad stands strong as a filling meal, but pairing it with crispy keto-friendly fries made from zucchini or turnips can round out the diner-style experience you are after. Alternatively, a side of crunchy celery sticks with ranch dip complements the salad perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad in hollowed-out avocado halves or mini cast iron skillets. This adds a rustic charm and doubles as portion control. You could also layer the ingredients in a mason jar for meals on the go, keeping the dressing separate until ready to eat so the lettuce stays crisp.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the salad components and dressing separately in airtight containers. Keeping the dressing off the lettuce prevents sogginess, helping you enjoy crunchy, fresh salad even the next day.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. The textures and flavors, especially the fresh lettuce and creamy dressing, don’t hold up well after defrosting.
Reheating
Reheat the cooked ground beef gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling the salad again for a warm, comforting meal. Adding the fresh veggies and dressing after reheating ensures you retain the salad’s signature crispness and tang.
FAQs
Can I use other types of lettuce?
Absolutely! While iceberg lettuce is traditional for its crunch and mild flavor, romaine or butter lettuce can add a slightly different texture and nutrient boost to your salad.
Is this recipe suitable for a strict keto diet?
Yes, this Keto Big Mac Salad | Low Carb Hamburger Salad Recipe is carefully crafted to keep carbs low, making it a perfect choice for anyone following a strict ketogenic lifestyle.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, simply leave out the shredded cheddar cheese or substitute with a dairy-free cheese alternative. The salad will still taste fantastic thanks to the flavorful beef and dressing.
How long does the salad stay fresh once mixed?
For the best texture and flavor, enjoy the salad immediately after assembling. If you need to store it, keep the components separate and mix right before serving.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Definitely! Feel free to include chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, or even bell peppers if you want to increase the veggie variety while keeping the keto-friendly profile intact.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about capturing the essence of a beloved fast-food classic in a fresh, wholesome, and keto-friendly format. This Keto Big Mac Salad | Low Carb Hamburger Salad Recipe lets you savor all those iconic flavors and textures with none of the carb guilt. I encourage you to give it a try and add your own twists—it’s a crowd-pleaser that turns a simple salad into a sensational meal. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Keto Big Mac Salad | Low Carb Hamburger Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Keto Big Mac Salad is a low-carb, flavorful twist on the classic Big Mac burger, featuring a savory ground beef base, crisp iceberg lettuce, sharp cheddar cheese, and a tangy homemade dressing infused with dill pickles and smoked paprika. Ready in just 25 minutes, this salad is perfect for a quick, satisfying keto meal that captures all the iconic flavors without the bun.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 3/4 cup Mayonnaise
- 4 tsp Prepared Mustard
- 2 tbsp Dill Pickles, diced
- 1 tablespoon White Vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Onions, chopped
- 2 teaspoons Swerve (or other low-carb sweetener)
- 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
Salad
- 1 lb Lean Ground Beef
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 4 cups Chopped Iceberg Lettuce
- 1/2 cup Sliced Onions (cut in half)
- 1 cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- 1/4 cup Dill Pickles, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, diced pickles, prepared mustard, white vinegar, chopped onion, smoked paprika, and Swerve. Stir well until the ingredients are fully incorporated. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld while preparing the other components.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a 10-inch sauté pan over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef to the pan and use a spatula to break it up into crumbles. Cook the beef until it is almost fully browned, then season with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Continue cooking until the beef is fully cooked through and browned evenly.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the beef cooks, chop the iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Slice the onions and cut each slice in half to get smaller pieces. Roughly chop the dill pickles for added texture and flavor.
- Assemble the Salad: When ready to serve, mix together the chopped lettuce, halved onion slices, roughly chopped pickles, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese in a large bowl. Divide the mixture into four serving bowls. Evenly distribute the cooked ground beef over each salad bowl.
- Add Dressing and Serve: Drizzle the prepared dressing over each salad just before serving. Toss lightly if desired to combine, and serve immediately for a fresh, flavorful keto-friendly meal.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) to reduce fat while keeping moistness.
- For a spicier dressing, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the dressing mix.
- To keep the salad crisp, add the dressing only right before serving.
- Swerve or other erythritol-based sweeteners are great low-carb options; adjust sweetness to taste.
- This salad is great for meal prep; keep dressing separate until ready to eat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
