Updated: August 1, 2026
If you’ve been craving all the flavors of your favorite burger without the bun, this copycat Big Mac Salad recipe is the perfect dish. I first started making this salad for my family during the COVID-19 lockdowns when we weren’t eating out much but still wanted the familiar taste of a traditional Big Mac. Nearly six years later, it’s still one of our favorite meals, and it’s become a go-to recipe that many of my friends now make for quick lunches and easy weeknight dinners too.
NOTE: Big Mac is a registered trademark of McDonald’s. This recipe is an independent, homemade copycat recipe and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by McDonald’s.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- You can enjoy all the classic Big Mac flavors, but in a healthier, low-carb salad.
- This recipe is quick and easy. You can make this salad in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- This recipe is packed with protein, especially when you use lean ground beef.
- Perfect for meal prep with the dressing stored separately.
- The homemade Big Mac salad dressing tastes just like the famous special sauce.
Big Mac Salad Dressing Ingredients
You can use thousand island dressing, or make your own special sauce at home! Below you will find the copycat Big Mac salad dressing recipe comes together in just a few minutes and delivers the signature tangy, creamy flavor everyone loves. Detailed measurements can be found in the recipe card below:
- Mayonnaise – Creates the rich, creamy base that gives the dressing its classic texture.
- Yellow Mustard – Adds brightness and that signature tang found in traditional Big Mac sauce.
- Sweet Pickle Relish – Brings sweetness, texture, and the unmistakable burger flavor.
- White Vinegar – Balances the richness with a little acidity.
- Paprika – Adds mild smokiness and beautiful color.
- Onion Powder – Adds subtle onion flavor while keeping the dressing smooth.
- Garlic Powder – Gives the dressing savory depth without overpowering it.
Big Mac Salad Ingredients
Below you will find a list of ingredients used to make a basic Big Mac Salad. Detailed measurements can be found in the recipe card below:
- Lean Ground Beef – The hearty protein that makes this salad filling enough for lunch or dinner.
- Onion Powder – Enhances the beef with mild onion flavor.
- Garlic Powder – Seasons the beef with savory flavor.
- Kosher Salt – Brings out the flavors of every ingredient.
- Black Pepper – Adds just a touch of spice.
- Iceberg Lettuce – Creates the crisp, refreshing bed of lettuce that mimics the crunch of shredded lettuce on a Big Mac.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Adds rich, cheesy flavor in every bite.
- Dill Pickles – Provide the tangy crunch that’s essential to the iconic flavors of a Big Mac.
- White Onion – Adds freshness and a little bite.
- Big Mac Sauce – Mixed into the ground beef for even more burger flavor. If you do not want to make the Big mac salad dressing from scratch, you can substitute with Thousand Island dressing.
- Roma Tomatoes (Optional) – Add freshness, color, and a juicy bite.
- Sesame Seeds (Optional) – A fun garnish that reminds you of a sesame seed bun.
How to Make a Big Mac Salad
Below you’ll find an overview of how to make this easy Big Mac salad. Step-by-step photos are included to help guide you through the process, and you’ll find detailed measurements and complete instructions in the printable recipe card below.
STEP 1: Make the Homemade Special Sauce – Whisk together mayonnaise, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a mason jar until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate while preparing the rest of the salad so the flavors have time to meld together.
STEP 2: Cook the Ground Beef – Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and season with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir in some of the Big Mac sauce and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking the meat into crumbles until fully browned. Drain any excess grease and allow the beef to cool for a few minutes.
STEP 3: Assemble the Salad – Add the chopped iceberg lettuce to a large salad bowl. Top with the seasoned ground beef mixture, cheddar cheese, diced pickles, white onion, and tomatoes if using.
STEP 4: Add the Dressing & Garnish – Drizzle the homemade Big Mac salad dressing over the whole salad or serve it on the side so everyone can add their own amount. Finish with sesame seeds if desired and serve immediately while the beef is still slightly warm.
Substitutions & Variations
One of the best things about this cheeseburger salad is how easy it is to customize.
- Replace the lean ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version.
- Swap the iceberg lettuce for romaine lettuce if you prefer a heartier crunch.
- Use American cheese, pepper jack, Colby Jack, or your favorite shredded cheese.
- Add crispy bacon for even more burger flavor.
- Include avocado for healthy fats and extra creaminess.
- Top with homemade croutons if you’re not following a low-carb or gluten-free diet.
- Love spice? Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Turn it into a Big Mac salad bowl by layering everything individually for serving.
- Substitute the Big Mac Salad Dressing for Thousand Island Dressing
Leftover Storage & Make Ahead
- For the freshest results, store the salad ingredients and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
- The homemade dressing will keep for up to 5 days.
- The cooked ground beef can be refrigerated for 3 to 4 days and reheated before serving or enjoyed cold.
- The chopped lettuce, onions, cheese, and pickles can all be prepared a day ahead, making this recipe an excellent option for meal prep lunches.
- TIP: If you’re assembling individual lunches, layer the ingredients in a mason jar or meal prep container and keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat.
More Salad Recipes
If you enjoyed this ground beef salad, here are a few more fresh favorites to try next:
Big Mac Salad FAQs
Can I make Big Mac salad ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the dressing, cook the beef, and chop the vegetables ahead of time. Store everything separately and assemble just before serving.
Can I use Thousand Island dressing instead?
You can, but homemade Big Mac dressing has a tangier flavor that's much closer to the famous copycat Big Mac sauce.
What protein can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey and ground chicken are both delicious alternatives if you're looking for a lighter option.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes. Since there's no sesame seed bun, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your condiments if you have dietary restrictions.
Recipe Card
Big Mac Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Copycat Big Mac Salad Dressing
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- ½ tbsp Yellow Mustard
- 2 tbsp Sweet Pickle Relish
- ½ tsp White Vinegar
- ½ tsp Paprika
- ½ tsp Onion Powder
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
Big Mac Salad
- 1 lb Lean Ground Beef
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- t tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Fine Kosher Salt
- ¼ tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 1 head Iceberg Lettuce , (chopped)
- 1 cup Cheddar, (shredded)
- ½ cup Dill Pickles, (chopped)
- ½ cup White Onions, (diced)
- 2 tbsp Big Mac Sauce
- 1 cup Roma Tomatoes, (diced)
Instructions
- Whisk together mayonnaise, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a mason jar until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate while preparing the rest of the salad so the flavors have time to meld together.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and season with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir in some of the Big Mac sauce and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking the meat into crumbles until fully browned. Drain any excess grease and allow the beef to cool for a few minutes.
- Add the chopped iceberg lettuce to a large salad bowl. Top with the seasoned ground beef mixture, cheddar cheese, diced pickles, white onion, and tomatoes if using.
- Drizzle the homemade Big Mac salad dressing over the whole salad or serve it on the side so everyone can add their own amount. Finish with sesame seeds if desired and serve immediately while the beef is still slightly warm. Enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t overcook the beef. Cook just until browned to keep it tender and juicy.
- Drain the grease well. This helps keep the salad crisp and prevents the lettuce from becoming soggy.
- Cool the beef slightly before assembling the salad so the lettuce stays fresh and crunchy.
- Customize your toppings. Add crispy bacon, avocado, jalapeños, or swap cheddar for American, Colby Jack, or pepper jack cheese.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for the best flavor and texture, as it melts slightly into the warm beef.
- For a keto-friendly version, use a sugar-free sweet pickle relish and check the ingredients in your mayonnaise and mustard.
- Make the dressing ahead of time. It tastes even better after chilling for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Store leftovers separately. Keep the dressing, beef, and salad ingredients in separate airtight containers for the freshest leftovers.
- Garnish with sesame seeds just before serving for the look and flavor reminiscent of a classic sesame seed bun.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Craving More?
If you make this Big Mac Salad Recipe, I’d love to see it! Tag @elicitfolio on Instagram so I can see your delicious creation. Don’t forget to follow along on Pinterest for even more easy recipes, and leave a comment below to let me know what salad recipe you’d like to see me make next.
