Big Mac Cheeseburger Salad delivers all the fast-food flavor you crave without the bun. Juicy seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, shredded cheese, crunchy pickles, fresh onions, and tomatoes come together under a creamy special burger sauce, served chilled for a refreshing, lighter take on the classic. It is weeknight-easy, endlessly customizable, and seriously satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 large head romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup dill pickles, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 1 large tomato, diced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon dill pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbles, until browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Drain any excess fat and let cool slightly.
- Make the special sauce: Whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, vinegar, and paprika until smooth and creamy.
- Build the salad base: Divide the chopped lettuce among serving bowls and top with the warm beef, shredded cheese, pickles, onion, and tomato.
- Dress and chill: Drizzle generously with the special sauce, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and chill for 10 to 15 minutes before serving so the flavors meld.
- Serve: Toss lightly at the table and serve chilled.
Pro tip: Chill the beef just enough to take the heat off — warm beef wilts the lettuce, but slightly cooled beef keeps every bite crisp.
Advertisement
Estimated nutrition per serving: about 430 calories, 30g protein, 12g carbohydrates, 29g fat.
