The Ultimate Big Mac Salad
Servings: 2 | Prep time: 15 mins | Cook time: 10 mins
Ingredients
The Salad Base:
- 1 lb Lean ground beef (90% or higher)
- 1 tsp Garlic powder & Onion powder
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- 4 cups Romaine lettuce, chopped (shredded iceberg also works for that authentic fast-food crunch)
- 1/2 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup Red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup Dill pickle chips
- 1/2 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Optional: Sesame seeds for garnish
The “Special Sauce” Dressing:
- 1/2 cup Light mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Sugar-free ketchup
- 1 tbsp Yellow mustard
- 2 tbsp Dill pickle relish
- 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp Onion powder
- 1 tsp White vinegar
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain any excess fat. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside to cool slightly (so it doesn’t wilt the lettuce immediately).
- Whisk the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine all dressing ingredients. Whisk until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a teaspoon of water or pickle juice to reach your preferred consistency.
- Assemble: In a large bowl (or individual meal prep containers), layer your chopped lettuce first.
- Add Toppings: Top the lettuce with the seasoned beef, shredded cheese, diced onions, tomatoes, and pickles.
- Finish: Drizzle generously with the special sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds to mimic that iconic bun flavor.
Pro-Tips for the Best Bowl
- The Crunch Factor: If you’re meal prepping this, keep the dressing and the warm beef in separate containers until you’re ready to eat to keep the lettuce crisp.
- Low-Point Hack: To keep the points even lower, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken seasoned with a drop of Worcestershire sauce