If you’re craving the flavors of a Big Mac but want to keep things keto-friendly, this Keto Big Mac Salad is just what you need! Packed with the classic flavors you love—juicy ground beef, tangy pickles, creamy dressing, and cheddar cheese—this low-carb salad is a satisfying and delicious meal. It’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for a quick lunch or a busy weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Easy to make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep.
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Meal-prep friendly – Prep the components ahead for effortless meals.
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Big Mac flavors – All the flavors of a classic burger without the bun!
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Customizable – Adjust the toppings to suit your taste.
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
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½ cup mayonnaise (check for sugar-free options)
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2 tbsp chopped dill pickles
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1 tbsp keto-friendly ketchup (Primal Kitchen or homemade)
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½ tsp onion powder (or 1 tbsp finely minced onion)
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1 tsp confectioners’ sweetener (Swerve, monk fruit, or allulose)
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1 tbsp red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp dry mustard (or 1 tbsp yellow mustard)
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Salt and pepper to taste
For the Salad:
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1 lb ground beef (lean, drained after cooking)
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1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
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1 tsp onion powder (optional)
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8 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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¼ cup diced red onion (optional)
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½ cup sliced dill pickles
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½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
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1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
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Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, chopped pickles, keto ketchup, onion powder, sweetener, vinegar, smoked paprika, mustard, salt, and pepper. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
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Cook the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess grease. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let cool slightly.
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Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine chopped lettuce, shredded cheese, diced red onion, sliced pickles, and cherry tomatoes.
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Add the Beef: Top the salad with the seasoned ground beef.
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Drizzle and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad, toss to combine, and garnish with sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy immediately!
Tips & Variations
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Use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner option.
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Swap lettuce for cauliflower rice to make a Big Mac Bowl.
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Store dressing separately and assemble fresh for the best texture.
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Soak red onions in cold water for 30 minutes to mellow their flavor.
Storage
Store the dressing and salad ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If pre-mixed, consume within 2 days.
Enjoy your Keto Big Mac Salad—healthy, delicious, and packed with flavor!
Keto Big Mac Salad
Enjoy all the flavors of a classic Big Mac without the carbs! This easy keto Big Mac salad is loaded with seasoned beef, cheddar, pickles, and a creamy special sauce.
Servings: 6
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Dressing
- ½ cup sugar-free mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped dill pickle
- 1 tablespoon keto ketchup
- 1 tablespoon minced onion
- 1 tablespoon Swerve confectioners
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon dry mustard
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Salad
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 ounces romaine lettuce, chopped
- ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- 4 dill pickles, sliced
- Optional: Chopped tomatoes
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Cook the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine chopped lettuce, shredded cheese, and diced red onion. Toss with half of the dressing.
- Add the Toppings: Top the salad with cooked beef and sliced dill pickles. Drizzle with the remaining dressing.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately!
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate for the best texture.
- Meal Prep: Cook the beef and make the dressing in advance. Assemble the salad just before serving.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 435
- Fat: 39g
- Carbs: 6g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Net Carbs: 4.5g
- Protein: 18g