Keto Big Mac Salad

Yield

4 generous servings (or 2 very large meal-size portions)

Ingredients

Salad Base

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred for flavor)

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• 1 large head iceberg lettuce, finely chopped
  (Romaine can be used, but iceberg gives the most authentic Big Mac texture)

• ½ cup dill pickles, chopped

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  (or American-style cheddar blend for classic flavor)

• ¼ cup white onion, very finely diced (optional but authentic)

• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional but traditional)

Keto “Big Mac” Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise (avocado-oil mayo preferred)

• 2 tbsp sugar-free ketchup

• 1 tbsp yellow mustard

• 1½ tbsp dill pickle relish (no sugar added)

• 1 tsp white vinegar

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Make the Big Mac Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients until smooth.

Taste and adjust:

• More vinegar for tang

• More ketchup for sweetness

• More relish for bite

Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes (30–60 minutes is ideal). This resting time deepens the flavor and makes it taste more like the original sauce.

2. Cook the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add ground beef and break it up into small crumbles. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Cook until fully browned and slightly crispy in spots, about 7–9 minutes.

Drain excess grease if needed, but leave a little for flavor. Set aside to cool slightly (hot beef will wilt the lettuce).

3. Prep the Salad Ingredients

• Finely chop iceberg lettuce

• Dice onions very small

• Chop pickles into small pieces

• Shred cheese if not pre-shredded

Keeping everything finely chopped helps mimic the texture of a real Big Mac.

4. Assemble the Salad

For individual bowls (recommended):

1. Add chopped lettuce to bowl

2. Top with warm (not hot) beef

3. Add pickles, onions, and cheese

4. Drizzle generously with Big Mac sauce

5. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top

For a large shared bowl:
Toss lettuce with a portion of sauce first, then layer beef and toppings. Serve extra sauce on the side.

Texture & Flavor Notes

• Crunchy lettuce replaces the bun

• Savory beef mimics the patties

• Pickles and onions provide bite

• Sauce ties everything together with classic Big Mac flavor

Macros (Approximate per serving, 1 of 4)

• Calories: ~450–500

• Fat: 38g

• Protein: 28g

• Net Carbs: ~3–4g

Variations & Tips

Extra Authentic

• Add chopped sugar-free sesame crackers made from almond flour

• Use American cheese slices chopped instead of cheddar

Spicy Version

• Add 1–2 tsp hot sauce or cayenne to the sauce

Meal Prep

• Store beef, lettuce, and sauce separately

• Keeps well for 3–4 days refrigerated

• Reheat beef slightly before serving

Dairy-Free

• Skip cheese or use dairy-free shredded cheese

• Sauce is naturally dairy-free if mayo is compliant