Classic Keto Big Mac Salad (Sauce & All! – Low-Carb & Flavorful!)
Craving that iconic fast-food flavor without the carbs? This Classic Keto Big Mac Salad is your answer! It features perfectly seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, and a creamy, tangy “special sauce” that tastes just like the real deal. It’s a quick, easy, low-carb, high-protein, and naturally gluten-free meal that’s a truly delightful addition to your health journey!
Yields: 2-3 servings Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 10-12 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 recommended)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon minced dried onion (or onion flakes)
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 4-5 cups chopped romaine lettuce or baby spinach
For the Keto Big Mac Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise (full-fat, check for no added sugar)
- 2 tablespoons sugar-free ketchup (KETO NOTE: Crucial to choose a sugar-free variety)
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
Optional Toppings (for extra authenticity and flavor):
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup dill pickles, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (for garnish)
Equipment:
- Large skillet
- Medium mixing bowl (for sauce)
- Whisk
- Individual serving plates or bowls
Instructions:
- Brown the Hamburger: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.
- Once the beef is mostly browned, add the garlic powder, minced dried onion, salt, and black pepper. Continue to cook until the beef is fully browned and the seasonings are fragrant.
- Drain any excess grease from the pan and set the seasoned ground beef aside.
- Make the Big Mac Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, yellow mustard, white vinegar, paprika, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk until the sauce is completely smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Assemble the Salad:
- Divide the chopped romaine lettuce (or baby spinach) among individual plates or bowls.
- Top the lettuce generously with the seasoned ground hamburger.
- If using, sprinkle with shredded sharp cheddar cheese and finely diced dill pickles.
- Drizzle a generous amount of the prepared Keto Big Mac Sauce over the entire salad.
- For an authentic touch, sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve & Enjoy! Serve immediately and savor every delicious bite of this keto twist on a classic!
Tips for Success:
- Sugar-Free Ketchup is Essential: Regular ketchup is loaded with sugar. You absolutely must use a sugar-free, low-carb ketchup for this recipe to be keto-compliant. Brands like G Hughes or Heinz No Sugar Added are good options.
- Drain Grease Well: Ensure you drain all the excess grease from the ground beef for a cleaner salad.
- Fresh Lettuce: Use crisp, fresh lettuce like romaine for the best texture.
- Meal Prep Friendly: You can cook the ground beef and make the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the salad just before serving.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add other keto-friendly toppings like sliced red onion, extra pickles, or even a sprinkle of crushed pork rinds for crunch.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification:
This Keto Big Mac Salad is a delicious addition to your health journey!
- High Protein: Yes, from the ground beef.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is very low-carb, as it uses low-carb ingredients and a sugar-free sauce.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly, provided the sugar-free ketchup is used. All other ingredients are naturally suitable for a ketogenic diet.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Read on how to prepare Keto Lemon Fat Bombs.
