Browned beef, crunchy lettuce, cheddar and pickles get tossed with a tangy burger-style dressing, with sesame seeds in place of a bun.
Warm beef against cold lettuce gives Big Mac Salad the contrast of a burger without the bread. Finely chopped pickles and onion run through the dressing so the creamy sauce tastes sharp rather than heavy.
Drain excess beef fat and let the meat stop steaming before it meets the greens. Keep everything separate until serving; crisp lettuce is the part that makes the bowl work.
Method
Brown ground beef with salt and black pepper in a large skillet over medium-high heat for , breaking it into small crumbles, until it reaches 160°F. Drain excess fat and spread on a plate to cool for .
Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, white wine vinegar and paprika with half the dill pickles and half the onion.
Divide iceberg lettuce and cherry tomatoes among bowls. Add the warm beef, cheddar, remaining pickles and remaining onion.
Spoon the dressing over the bowls, scatter with sesame seeds and toss just before eating.
Forkue tips
- Chop the lettuce into bite-size pieces and dry it well so the dressing coats instead of sliding off.
Storing and reheating
Refrigerate beef and dressing separately for 3 days, with dry lettuce in another container. Warm the beef gently and assemble just before serving.
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Kitchen gear
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Image: AI-generated picture of the finished dish, made by Forkue. Yours will look like home cooking.
Big Mac Salad: FAQ
Can I use ground turkey?
Yes. Brown it the same way and cook to 165°F. A little oil in the pan helps lean turkey color without sticking.
Can I pack it for lunch?
Yes. Pack the dressing and cooked beef apart from the lettuce. Combine when ready to eat so the greens stay crisp.
How do I store and reheat Big Mac Salad?
Refrigerate beef and dressing separately for 3 days, with dry lettuce in another container. Warm the beef gently and assemble just before serving.
How long does Big Mac Salad take?
About 30 min in total: 20 min prep and 10 min cooking.
What do I need to make Big Mac Salad?
The key ingredients are ground beef, iceberg lettuce, cherry tomatoes, dill pickles, onion and cheddar, plus pantry basics.
Any tips for Big Mac Salad?
Chop the lettuce into bite-size pieces and dry it well so the dressing coats instead of sliding off.
