Big Mac Salad is a delightful twist on a fast-food favorite, offering all the iconic flavors of a Big Mac without the bun. This salad is not only simple to make but also customizable, making it perfect for busy days when you crave something tasty yet satisfying. With fresh ingredients and a delicious homemade dressing, this salad brings the classic Big Mac taste right to your table.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 450
Protein: 30 grams
Carbohydrates: 15 grams
Fat: 30 grams
Fiber: 3 grams
Sugar: 2 grams
Sodium: 800 mg
Why Make Big Mac Salad
Big Mac Salad is a wonderful way to enjoy the beloved flavors of the classic burger while keeping it light and healthy. It’s packed with fresh vegetables, protein-rich beef, and a creamy dressing that uses halal-certified ingredients, making it a great option for those adhering to halal dietary guidelines. This salad is versatile too—you can easily swap out ingredients based on your preferences, making it suitable for everyone at the table.
How to Make Big Mac Salad Step by Step
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (halal) – Choose lean beef for a healthier option, or use ground chicken or turkey as an alternative.
4 cups chopped Romaine lettuce – For a crisp base that’s similar to the Big Mac’s lettuce.
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese – Adds that creamy, cheesy flavor that complements the beef.
¼ cup pickles, chopped – The signature tang of pickles is essential in making this salad taste just like a Big Mac.
½ small red onion, thinly sliced – Adds a bit of crunch and mild sweetness to balance the flavors.
2 tablespoons olive oil – For cooking the beef.
1 tablespoon mustard – A key flavor in the Big Mac sauce.
2 tablespoons mayonnaise (halal-certified) – Use a good quality mayo for the best texture and taste.
1 tablespoon ketchup (halal-certified) – Adds a touch of sweetness to the sauce.
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar – For acidity and depth of flavor in the dressing.
1 teaspoon garlic powder – For that extra kick of flavor.
1 teaspoon onion powder – To enhance the savory taste of the sauce.
Salt and pepper to taste – Season according to your preference.
Fresh parsley (optional) – For garnishing the salad for a fresh pop of color.
Directions
Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat and season with salt and pepper to taste. Set the cooked beef aside to cool slightly.
Chop the Vegetables: While the beef is cooking, chop the Romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large salad bowl. Thinly slice the red onion and chop the pickles into small pieces. Set the vegetables aside.
Shred the Cheese: If you’re using a block of cheddar cheese, shred it using a box grater or food processor. You’ll need about ½ cup of shredded cheese for the salad.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir everything together until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
Combine the Salad Ingredients: In the large salad bowl with the chopped lettuce, add the cooked ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped pickles, and sliced red onion. Toss everything gently to combine.
Dress the Salad: Drizzle the Big Mac sauce over the salad and toss everything again to ensure the salad is evenly coated with the sauce. You can add more sauce if you like it extra creamy!
Garnish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle some fresh parsley over the top of the salad for added color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy your Big Mac Salad with all its Big Mac-inspired flavors!
How to Serve Big Mac Salad
This Big Mac Salad pairs wonderfully with a side of crispy sweet potato fries for a satisfying meal. You can also serve it alongside homemade garlic bread or a light fruit salad to balance the savory flavors. For an extra kick, consider adding some spicy sriracha sauce as a dressing option.
How to Store Big Mac Salad
If you have leftovers, store the salad components separately in the fridge. Keep the beef and the sauce in airtight containers, and the chopped vegetables in another container to retain their crunch. This salad doesn’t freeze well, so it’s best to consume it within a couple of days.
Expert Tips for Cooking Big Mac Salad
- Choose lean ground beef to keep your salad light and healthy. Ground turkey or chicken also work well.
- For an extra crunch, try adding croutons or crispy fried onions on top.
- Taste the Big Mac sauce as you mix to ensure it’s seasoned to your liking.
Delicious Variations of Big Mac Salad
- Make it spicy by adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the dressing.
- For a herbed twist, mix in fresh dill or parsley for an aromatic flavor.
- Transform it into a vegetarian version by replacing the meat with black beans or chickpeas.
Conclusion
Big Mac Salad is a fantastic option for anyone craving the deliciousness of a classic Big Mac while enjoying a healthier meal. With its rich flavors, easy preparation, and ability to cater to various dietary preferences, it’s a recipe worth trying. Bring this salad to your table today, and indulge in its burst of flavor!
Big Mac Salad
Ingredients
For the salad
- 1 lb ground beef (halal) Choose lean beef for a healthier option, or use ground chicken or turkey as an alternative.
- 4 cups chopped Romaine lettuce Provides a crisp base similar to the Big Mac’s lettuce.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese Adds a creamy, cheesy flavor that complements the beef.
- ¼ cup pickles, chopped Essential for the signature tang of the Big Mac.
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced Adds a bit of crunch and mild sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For cooking the beef.
For the sauce
- 1 tablespoon mustard A key flavor in the Big Mac sauce.
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (halal-certified) Use a good quality mayo for the best texture and taste.
- 1 tablespoon ketchup (halal-certified) Adds a touch of sweetness to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar For acidity and depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder For extra flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder Enhances the savory taste of the sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste Season according to your preference.
- Fresh parsley (optional) For garnishing the salad.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat and season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to cool slightly.
- While the beef is cooking, chop the Romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large salad bowl. Thinly slice the red onion and chop the pickles.
- If using a block, shred the cheddar cheese using a box grater or food processor.
Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until smooth and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper if needed.
Combine the Salad
- In the large salad bowl with the lettuce, add the cooked beef, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped pickles, and sliced red onion. Toss gently to combine.
- Drizzle the Big Mac sauce over the salad and toss again to coat evenly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.
