Print

Ultimate Low-Carb Copycat Big Mac Salad with Homemade Special Sauce

A close-up of a big mac salad featuring shredded lettuce, ground beef, melted cheese, pickles, and a generous drizzle of special sauce.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make the classic burger flavors you crave in a satisfying, low-carb salad bowl. This recipe includes a simple, homemade special sauce that tastes just like the original.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon butter or oil
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion
  • 1/4 cup dill pickle relish (sugar-free if strictly low-carb)
  • 1/2 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
  • 1/2 cup shredded romaine lettuce
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons dill pickle slices, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
  • For the Homemade Special Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon sugar substitute (optional, for keto)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Special Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, pickle relish, mustard, vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Whisk until smooth. If you are using a sugar substitute, mix it in now. Cover and chill the sauce while you prepare the rest of the salad.
  2. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter or oil. Add the ground beef, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Break the beef apart with a spoon and cook until fully browned. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
  3. Add Onions: Stir the finely chopped white onion into the cooked beef. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions soften slightly. Remove the skillet from the heat.
  4. Prepare the Lettuce Base: In a large bowl, combine the shredded iceberg lettuce and romaine lettuce. This forms the base for your healthy burger salad.
  5. Assemble the Salad: Top the lettuce mixture evenly with the cooked seasoned ground beef and onions.
  6. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped dill pickles, and pickle relish over the beef layer.
  7. Dress and Serve: Drizzle the chilled homemade special sauce generously over the salad. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, if using. Toss gently just before serving, or keep components separate for meal prep.

Notes

  • For a high protein salad, use lean ground beef or substitute half the beef with ground turkey.
  • If you are making this for meal prep, store the sauce separately and add it right before you eat to keep the lettuce crisp.
  • This recipe works well as a low carb cheeseburger bowl; simply layer the ingredients in a bowl instead of tossing them in a large salad container.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbycarla.com/big-mac-salad-recipe-copycat-sauce/