Since its introduction in 1967, McDonald’s has sold over 550 billion Big Macs worldwide. You can now enjoy those same classic flavors without the carb-heavy buns through a creative keto-friendly adaptation. This Big Mac-inspired salad maintains the signature taste combinations you’ve come to love while fitting perfectly into your low-carb lifestyle. Whether you’re missing fast food or simply seeking a fresh spin on dinner, this clever reinvention offers a compelling solution.
History
While the original Big Mac debuted at McDonald’s in 1967, the Keto Big Mac Salad emerged during the low-carb diet movement of the early 2010s.
As ketogenic diets gained popularity, health-conscious food bloggers and home cooks began creating bun-free versions of classic fast-food items. You’ll find that this salad adaptation maintains the iconic flavors of McDonald’s signature sandwich while eliminating the carbohydrates.
The dish gained traction through social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram, where users shared their keto-friendly recipe variations.
Food websites and keto cookbooks quickly embraced this creative alternative, helping it become a staple in the low-carb community.
Today, you can find numerous versions of the Keto Big Mac Salad, each offering its own spin on the beloved burger’s components.
Recipe
A Keto Big Mac Salad captures all the iconic flavors of McDonald’s signature burger while keeping carbs low and staying true to ketogenic dietary principles. This deconstructed version transforms the classic sandwich into a fresh, crisp salad that satisfies those fast-food cravings without derailing your health goals.
The key to achieving authentic Big Mac flavor lies in the special sauce, which combines mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, and pickle relish with specific seasonings. When paired with seasoned ground beef, fresh lettuce, and traditional Big Mac toppings, this salad creates an experience that rivals the original sandwich.
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 1 large head iceberg lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup diced onions
- 2 dill pickles, diced
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sugar-free ketchup
- 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, seasoning with salt and pepper. While the meat cools, prepare the special sauce by mixing mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, pickle relish, vinegar, and seasonings in a bowl.
Assemble the salad by laying a bed of chopped lettuce, topping with the cooled ground beef, cheese, diced onions, and pickles. Drizzle with the prepared special sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for beef or use Greek yogurt in place of some of the mayonnaise in the special sauce. The salad can be meal-prepped for the week, but store the sauce separately and add it just before serving to maintain optimal freshness.
For extra crunch, consider adding chopped bacon or crushed pork rinds as a keto-friendly alternative to the missing bun texture.
Final Thoughts
This Keto Big Mac Salad lets you indulge in the classic flavors you love while staying committed to your low-carb lifestyle.
You’ll find that this salad makes an excellent lunch or dinner option, especially when you’re craving fast food but want to stick to your dietary goals.
You can easily prep the ingredients ahead of time and assemble them when you’re ready to eat.
Feel free to adjust the portions or ingredients to match your macros and preferences.
If you’re meal prepping, store the sauce separately and add it just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.
Don’t forget to give the sauce time to chill – it tastes even better after the flavors have had a chance to meld together.