What ingredients do I need to make a Big Mac Salad at home?

To make a Big Mac Salad, you’ll need romaine lettuce, lean ground beef or a substitute like ground turkey, shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, chopped onions, and sliced dill pickles. For the dressing, combine mayonnaise, prepared French dressing or ketchup, minced pickles, minced onion, and a splash of vinegar or pickle juice. These ingredients come together to recreate the flavors of a classic Big Mac without the bun, making it suitable for low-carb and gluten-free diets.

How do I prepare the ground beef for the Big Mac Salad?

Brown the lean ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until seared on the bottom, then break it apart and stir. Add Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, and pepper for extra flavor. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink inside. Drain any excess fat using paper towels before adding the beef to your salad. Properly cooked beef adds protein and the familiar taste that defines the Big Mac Salad.

Can I make the Big Mac Salad dressing ahead of time, and how long does it keep?

Yes, you can prepare the special sauce dressing several days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The dressing’s flavors tend to meld and improve with time. Just give it a good stir before using. Keeping the dressing separate from the salad until serving preserves the salad’s crisp texture.

What are some good substitutions for the cheese and meat in a Big Mac Salad?

If you prefer not to use cheddar cheese, alternatives like Swiss, Monterey Jack, or crumbled blue cheese work well. For meat, you can swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based options like tofu or tempeh. Adjust cooking times depending on your choice to maintain proper texture and flavor. These swaps allow customization while keeping the salad nutritious and satisfying.

How should I assemble and store Big Mac Salads for meal prep during the week?

Start with a base of chopped romaine lettuce in meal prep containers. Add cooked ground beef, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, onions, and pickles. Keep the special sauce dressing in separate small containers to avoid sogginess. Store salads covered in the refrigerator and add the dressing just before eating. This method keeps salads fresh and convenient for lunches or quick meals throughout the week.

Big Mac Salad Recipe with Steak and Shrimp for Low Carb

Name: big mac salad recipe
Prep time: PT-486805H29M21S
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef for protein base; 3 heads romaine lettuce, chopped and washed for freshness; 1/2 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese for creamy texture; 1/2 cup red onion; 3 Roma tomatoes, chopped; 1/2 cup dill pickles; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish; Salt and pepper for seasoning; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce for beef; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder for beef; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder for beef; seasoned salt or regular salt for beef

Description

🥗 Enjoy a high-protein, low-carb meal inspired by the classic Big Mac, without the bun.
🍤 This Big Mac Salad with steak and shrimp adds flavorful variety and a satisfying mix of textures for a nutritious dinner option.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb lean ground beef for protein base

3 heads romaine lettuce, chopped and washed for freshness

1/2 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese for creamy texture

1/2 cup red onion

3 Roma tomatoes, chopped

1/2 cup dill pickles

1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish

Salt and pepper for seasoning

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce for beef

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder for beef

1/2 teaspoon onion powder for beef

seasoned salt or regular salt for beef

Instructions

First Step: Prepare Ingredients Start by washing and chopping 3 heads of romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Slice the red onion thinly or finely dice about ½ cup for even distribution. Chop 3 Roma tomatoes into small chunks. Slice or mince ½ cup of dill pickles. Shred ½ cup of cheddar cheese freshly to enhance flavor and texture.

Second Step: Cook the Ground Beef Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef with an optional tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Let the meat sear without stirring for a few minutes to develop a brown crust, then break it apart with a spatula. Season with 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Continue cooking until fully browned with no pink inside, about 8–10 minutes. Drain excess fat and let it cool slightly to prevent wilting the lettuce when assembling.

Third Step: Make the Special Sauce In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup prepared French dressing or ketchup (or half and half), 2 tablespoons minced pickles, 2 tablespoons minced onion, and 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar. Add 1 tablespoon yellow mustard if desired, and salt to taste. For best results, make the sauce a few hours ahead or the day before and refrigerate to let flavors meld.

Fourth Step: Assemble the Salad In a large bowl or individual plates, layer the chopped romaine lettuce. Add the cooked ground beef on top, followed by the thinly sliced red onion, freshly shredded cheddar cheese, chopped tomatoes, and dill pickles. Drizzle the prepared special sauce over the salad evenly.

Final Step: Garnish and Serve Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds over the salad for added crunch and presentation if using. Toss gently to combine all ingredients or serve the dressing on the side for guests to add as they prefer. Serve immediately for peak freshness. To keep salads crisp for meal prep, layer ingredients in containers placing toppings below the lettuce and keep the special sauce separate until serving.

Notes

🧀 Freshly grate the cheddar cheese for richer flavor and smoother texture.
🥩 Use Worcestershire sauce and seasonings like garlic and onion powder to boost the beef’s taste.
🥗 For meal prep, store dressing separately to keep lettuce crisp until serving.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Dressing Chill Time: 2 hrs
Cook Time: 15 mins
Category: Salad, Low-Carb, High-Protein
Method: Sautéing and Assembling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 medium bowl
Calories: 525 kcal
Sugar: 6.5 g
Sodium: 954 mg
Fat: 41 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 29 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 13 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 23 g
Cholesterol: 78 mg

Keywords: Big Mac Salad, Steak and Shrimp, Low-Carb Meal, High-Protein