Big Mac Salad packs all the flavors of a classic burger into a fresh, hearty bowl. With seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, tangy pickles, and a creamy homemade dressing, it comes together in about 30 minutes.
Flavor and Approach
The salad is savory and well-seasoned, balanced with crisp lettuce, tangy pickles, and a creamy, sweet, and zesty dressing. For the fastest version, use prepared croutons, store-bought Thousand Island dressing, pre-shredded cheese, and pre-washed lettuce. To serve a crowd, double the beef and dressing and set everything out buffet-style so guests can build their own bowls.
Ingredient Notes
- Buns: Sesame buns toasted into croutons deliver the most authentic flavor. Regular croutons are the quickest shortcut.
- Beef: Lean ground beef keeps the salad hearty without getting greasy. Drain it well before adding to the bowl. Turkey can be substituted, but beef delivers the classic burger flavor.
- Dressing: The sauce combines mayo, ketchup, dill pickles, onion flakes, vinegar, and a touch of sugar. A splash of milk thins it to a drizzleable consistency.
- Lettuce: Iceberg adds crispness and a classic burger-style shred. Romaine brings more body and holds the dressing well.
- Pickles: Crunchy refrigerator dill pickles work best as a topping. Relish can be used in the dressing.
- Onion: Rehydrated onion flakes give a softer, classic Big Mac-style flavor. Fresh red onion adds sharper bite and crunch.
Variations
- Add tomatoes for a fresh cheeseburger feel
- Add bacon for a bacon cheeseburger twist
- Mix in a splash of BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor
- Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a burger-shop look
How to Make It
- Mix the dressing: Combine all dressing ingredients and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes so the onion flakes soften and the flavors mellow.
- Bake the croutons: Cut burger buns into small pieces and bake until crispy.
- Cook the beef: Season and brown the ground beef, then drain.
- Assemble: Let the beef cool for about 5 minutes before building the salad so it doesn’t wilt the lettuce. Keep croutons and dressing separate until serving to preserve the crunch.
Storing Leftovers
Store cooked beef, chopped toppings, croutons, and dressing separately in airtight containers. Ground beef keeps in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months. Dressing keeps for up to 4 days. Assemble just before serving and reheat the beef in a microwave or on the stovetop.
Basic Recipe
- Serves: 4
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Key ingredients: 2 hamburger buns (or 1 cup prepared croutons), 1 pound lean ground beef, onion powder, garlic powder, 1 head iceberg or romaine lettuce, 3 sliced dill pickles, 1 cup shredded cheddar or cubed processed cheese, and homemade burger sauce.