Big Mac Salad: Classic Burger Flavors in a Bowl (Print Version)
Big Mac Salad delivers all the iconic burger flavors without the bun seasoned beef, pickles, cheese, and special sauce over crisp lettuce.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ Hearty Burger Base
01 -
1 lb 80/20 ground beef
02 -
1 tsp garlic powder
03 -
1 tsp onion powder
04 -
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
05 -
Salt and pepper to taste
→ Crisp Salad Foundation
06 -
6 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
07 -
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
08 -
1/2 cup dill pickle slices, roughly chopped
09 -
1/4 cup white onion, finely diced
10 -
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
→ Secret Sauce Dressing
11 -
1/2 cup mayonnaise
12 -
2 tbsp French dressing
13 -
1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
14 -
1 tsp white wine vinegar
15 -
1/2 tsp sugar
→ Golden Crunch Toppers
16 -
1 cup sesame croutons or toasted sesame breadcrumbs
17 -
2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
# Instructions:
01 -
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp French dressing, 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish, 1 tsp white wine vinegar, and 1/2 tsp sugar until smooth and creamy. Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the remaining components so the flavors meld beautifully.
02 -
In a large bowl, combine 1 lb 80/20 ground beef with 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix gently until the seasonings are evenly distributed — avoid overworking the meat to keep the texture hearty and satisfying.
03 -
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned ground beef and cook for 8–10 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook until fully browned with no pink remaining. Drain excess fat and set aside to cool slightly before assembling your Big Mac Salad: Classic Burger Flavors in a Bowl.
04 -
While the beef cools, arrange 6 cups shredded iceberg lettuce across a large serving bowl or four individual bowls. Top evenly with 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup roughly chopped dill pickle slices, and 1/4 cup finely diced white onion for that signature Big Mac Salad: Classic Burger Flavors in a Bowl crunch.
05 -
Spoon the warm, seasoned ground beef crumbles evenly over the prepared lettuce base. Immediately sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the hot beef so it melts slightly, creating that irresistible gooey layer that makes this Big Mac Salad: Classic Burger Flavors in a Bowl so satisfying and indulgent.
06 -
Remove the chilled secret sauce dressing from the refrigerator and drizzle it generously over the assembled salad. Use as much or as little as you prefer — the creamy, tangy dressing is the heart of this dish. Toss lightly if serving family-style, or leave layered for individual bowls.
07 -
Finish your Big Mac Salad: Classic Burger Flavors in a Bowl by scattering 1 cup sesame croutons or toasted sesame breadcrumbs evenly over the top. Sprinkle 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds as the final garnish. Add these toppings just before serving to preserve their satisfying crunch and golden texture.
08 -
Serve the salad right away while the beef is still warm and the croutons are crispy. Divide into four equal portions for a complete meal. Offer extra secret sauce dressing on the side for guests who love an extra drizzle of that classic Big Mac-inspired flavor.
# Notes:
01 -
Storage Tip: Store leftover beef, salad components, and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble just before eating to prevent the lettuce from wilting and the croutons from going soggy.
02 -
Substitution Tip: Swap 80/20 ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to make a lighter version. The seasoning blend works equally well with both alternatives, keeping all the bold burger flavors intact.
03 -
Cooking Tip: Let the cooked ground beef cool for 3–5 minutes before adding it to the lettuce. Slightly warm beef melts the cheddar cheese perfectly without wilting the iceberg lettuce too quickly, giving you the ideal texture contrast.
04 -
Serving Tip: For a fun presentation, serve this salad in wide, shallow bowls to showcase all the colorful layers. Set out extra pickle slices, diced onion, and secret sauce dressing on the side so guests can customize their own bowl to taste.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
Mixing bowls
03 -
Whisk
04 -
Chef's knife
05 -
Cutting board
06 -
Salad tongs
07 -
Measuring cups and spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 620 kcal
Total Fat: 47 g
Total Carbohydrate: 18 g
Protein: 31 g