Recipes

Big Mac Salad

I have to admit, back in the day when I didn't know I had celiac disease, I was very fond of the occasional Big Mac. I know that people love to hate McDonald's but come on, as far as fast food burgers go, the Big Mac is one of the best. So, a few weeks ago, I was cruising the internet, and I found a few recipes for a Big Mac salad. Well, I knew right away that I had to make my version. This is my version and I'm very happy with it. This Big Mac Salad is the closest I've had to the real thing in years. I am so excited to share this recipe with you. So, let's get to it.


"Burger" Meat

Most of us know the song that goes along with the iconic burger. If you don't, it starts with, "Two all-beef patties...". So it makes sense that's where we will begin to too. However, since we're making a salad and not a burger, I don't see the point in making patties. So instead, I seasoned some ground beef with onion powder, garlic powder, and salt then browned it in a hot pan. Once cooked, I drained the oil off the meat. Like that, the "patties" are ready to go.


How To Make Big Mac Sauce

After "two all-beef patties" comes the "special sauce." Big Mac sauce is essentially a version of Thousand Island Dressing, which itself is a version of Russian Dressing. In all honesty, the difference between the two dressings isn't obvious. The main difference that I can see is that Russian Dressing has a bit of horseradish in it, making it a bit more pungent than Thousand Island. For my money, I think Russian Dressing makes a better Big Mac sauce than Thousand Island.

To make Russian Dressing combine mayonnaise, minced onion, relish, ketchup, vinegar, horseradish, paprika, salt, and hot sauce. You can find all the measurements in the recipe above. You can use the sauce immediately after mixing all the ingredients, but I think it's better to let it rest in the fridge for at least thirty minutes. This resting time gives the dressing a more full flavour. After that, you can store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to five days.


Croutons

After "special sauce" comes "...lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions..." We'll worry about all that next. For now, our focus is on the "...sesame seed bun.". You can't have a Big Mac Salad without some bread element. So, I decided to make some croutons. Take two pieces of bread, drizzle with olive oil, season lightly with salt and pepper, then bake at 400°f for about eight to ten minutes. Let the toasted bread cool, then cut it into small bite-sized cubes. I made the croutons this way rather than cutting the bread first because I wanted the croutons to be a bit soft in the middle.


Making The Big Mac Salad

Okay, we've got the beef, special sauce, and bun. It's time for the "...lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions...". Take a head of iceberg lettuce remove and discard the outer leaves. Cut the lettuce into bite-sized pieces, then wash and dry well. Put the lettuce in four bowls. Top with the Dressing, then the beef. Next, add a tablespoon or two of minced white onions and grated cheddar cheese. I used a good quality cheddar, but if you want to through some processed American cheese on here, I'm not going to judge you. Next up, pickles. I find that Vlasic garlic dill pickles taste the most like the pickles on a Big Mac. Whatever dill pickles you want to use will be fine. Cut the pickles thin and spread them around the salad. Add the croutons to the salad and finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds. It's a Big Mac in a bowl!


The Wrap-Up

I GIGGLED when I took my first bite of this Big Mac Salad because it tasted so much like the original burger. I am so happy with how this turned out. Whether you can't eat a Big Mac like me or love a Big Mac but are trying to stay on the healthy side of things, this Big Mac Salad is for you. Honestly, though, if you just wanted a delicious salad, this Big Mac Salad is for you too. Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoyed this post. Remember to leave a comment below, a rating on the recipe, and share. Sharing is caring. Have a great day! I'll see you back here next Thursday.

Have you signed up for the Chef's Notes Monthly Newsletter? No? Why Not? Don't miss exclusive recipes, cooking tips, and behind-the-scenes pictures and stories.

Print

Big Mac Salad

Everything you love about a Big Mac in a salad. You won't believe how much this tastes like the original.
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Salad
Cuisine American, Canadian
Keyword Big Mac Sauce, creamy salad dressing, Salad, salad dressing
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Resting Time for the dressing 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 2 minutes
Servings 4
Author Chef Ben Kelly
Cost 10

Ingredients

"Burger" Meat

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ¾ teaspoon salt

Big Mac Dressing

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp minced onion
  • 2 tablespoon ketchup
  • 2 tbsp relish
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon horseradish
  • 4 drops hot sacue
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Croutons

  • 2 pieces White Bread I used Promise Gluten-Free Bread
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
  • Salt and Pepper

Big Mac Salad

  • 1 head iceberg lettuce
  • 1 batch "burger" meat"
  • 1 batch Big Mac Dressing
  • 2 sliced garlic dill pickles
  • ¼ cup minced onions
  • ½ cup grated cheddar cheese
  • 1 batch croutons
  • 4 teaspoon sesame seeds

Instructions

"Burger" Meat

  • In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, onion and garlic powder, and salt. Mix well.
  • Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned using a wooden spoon to break the meat into small pieces.
  • Drain the fat off the meat and serve.

Big Mac Dressing

  • In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix well.
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and put the dressing in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving.

Croutons

  • Drizzle the bread with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  • Toast the bread in a 400°f oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until crisp. Let the bread cool on a rack then cut into small cubes and serve.

Big Mac Salad

  • Cut the lettuce into bit-sized pieces. Wash and dry it.
  • Divide the lettuce between four salad bowls.
  • Divide the "Burger" meat among the four bowls putting it on top of the lettuce.
  • Top the "Burger" meat with the Big Mac Dressing.
  • Finish dressing the salad with the pickles, onion, cheese, and croutons. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve.

Chef Ben Kelly

View Comments

Recent Posts

The top five 3 Ring Recipe Binder On Amazon

Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook perfecting family favourites, keeping your recipes…

1 month ago

Pasta Con Broccoli (Pasta with Broccoli)

I love pasta, and I love broccoli. Putting them together in this Pasta Con Broccoli…

2 years ago

The Best Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe

The first bite of a great sandwich is one of the most magical experiences you…

2 years ago

How to Make Teriyaki Beef Jerky: A Step-by-Step Guide

I travel a lot for work. Teriyaki Beef Jerky is one of my all-time favourite…

2 years ago

Deviled Egg Salad Sandwiches

Imagine everything you love about Deviled Eggs but in an Egg Salad Sandwich. Is there…

2 years ago

Curried Cucumber and Salad

If you are looking for a delicious and refreshing summer salad that you'll want to…

2 years ago

This website uses cookies.