If you’ve ever daydreamed about cheeseburgers while attempting to eat a bit healthier, this Keto Big Mac Salad is basically your new best friend. Think crunchy lettuce, juicy ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, tangy dill pickles, and that classic “special sauce” drizzle—minus the bun. Trust me, it’s a quick way to satisfy that fast-food craving without leaving you snoozing on the couch afterward.
When I decided to turn this classic cheeseburger into a salad, I wanted it to be as simple as possible while still delivering all the flavor we know and love. The key? Crisp lettuce, juicy beef, and a sauce that tastes just like the real thing without any added sugar.
I kept the ingredients minimal because let’s be honest, no one has time for a long grocery list. Once I found the right sugar-free thousand island dressing and added plenty of cheddar, the salad came together perfectly. It’s everything you want in a cheeseburger, just lighter and fresher.
The sesame seeds were a last-minute idea, but they pull the whole thing together. They’re like a little wink to the iconic bun—just without the carbs. This salad is fast, easy, and so good you’ll forget you’re eating a salad!
How to Make Keto Big Mac Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need For This Recipe
- 1 head of lettuce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup sandwich dill pickle slices
- ½ of a small red onion, sliced
- ½ cup sugar-free thousand island dressing
- ½ teaspoon sesame seeds
Step By Step Instructions
- Brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it cooks, until no longer pink.
- Chop the lettuce into chunks. Slice red onion.
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- Layer lettuce in a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Add ground beef on top of the lettuce, then sprinkle on cheese.
- Arrange pickle and onion slices across the top of the salad.
- Drizzle dressing over the top of the salad, then sprinkle sesame seeds.
- Serve or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips and Tricks
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Crisp lettuce and fresh ground beef make all the difference. Avoid pre-shredded lettuce if you can—it tends to wilt quickly. Chop your own for maximum crunch!
- Customize the Sauce – If you’re feeling adventurous, make your own sugar-free thousand island dressing by mixing mayo, sugar-free ketchup, and a little pickle relish. It’s super easy and lets you control the flavor.
- Serve It Fresh – This salad is best served immediately after assembling so the lettuce stays crisp. If you’re meal-prepping, keep the dressing and toppings separate and mix them together just before eating.
PIN FOR LATER!
Keto Big Mac Salad
Ingredients
- 1 head of lettuce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup sandwich dill pickle slices
- ½ of a small red onion sliced
- ½ cup sugar-free thousand island dressing
- ½ teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it cooks, until no longer pink.
- Chop the lettuce into chunks. Slice red onion.
- Layer lettuce in a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Add ground beef on top of the lettuce, then sprinkle on cheese.
- Arrange pickle and onion slices across the top of the salad.
- Drizzle dressing over the top of the salad, then sprinkle sesame seeds.
- Serve or refrigerate until ready to serve.
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