Craving the iconic Big Mac flavors without the carbs? This Keto Big Mac Burger Salad delivers all the deliciousness in a healthy, low-carb package! Featuring juicy ground beef, crisp romaine lettuce, sharp cheddar cheese, tangy dill pickles, and a creamy keto-friendly Big Mac sauce, this salad is perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or meal prep. It’s packed with protein, easy to customize, and ideal for keto, low-carb, and gluten-free diets. Skip the bun and enjoy this fresh, flavorful salad that’s a hit with the whole family!

Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese (see Notes)
- ½ cup dill pickle chips
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
For the Keto Big Mac Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon keto ketchup (store-bought or homemade, see Notes)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickles
- 2 teaspoons dried minced onion (rehydrated in a little hot water, then drained, or 1 tablespoon fresh minced white onion)
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Swerve Granular (see Notes)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef:
Heat the avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the ground beef, salt, and pepper. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked, about 7–10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. - Prepare the Sauce:
While the beef cooks, mix all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste. Set the sauce aside or refrigerate until ready to serve. - Assemble the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, layer the romaine lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, dill pickle chips, red onion slices, and cooked ground beef. Drizzle with the Big Mac sauce or serve it on the side. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for garnish, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Keto Big Mac Burger Salad has all the delicious flavors of the iconic burger without the carbs! It’s a satisfying, protein-packed dish perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. The tangy, creamy Big Mac sauce ties everything together, creating a flavor explosion with every bite. Plus, it’s low-carb, keto-friendly, and customizable for any preference.

Tips
- Choose quality beef: Opt for grass-fed ground beef for a richer flavor and healthier option.
- Shred your cheese: Use freshly shredded cheddar for the best texture and taste—it melts better than pre-packaged shredded cheese.
- Make it ahead: Prepare the sauce and cook the beef ahead of time for easy assembly when you’re ready to eat.
Variations and Substitutions
- Protein swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles instead of beef.
- Add veggies: Include diced tomatoes, cucumbers, or avocado for extra freshness.
- Cheese options: Swap cheddar for Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or your favorite cheese.
- Dairy-free version: Use a dairy-free cheese alternative and avocado-based mayo for the sauce.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare all the components separately and store them in airtight containers. Assemble the salad just before serving for optimal freshness.
What can I use instead of Swerve?
You can substitute Swerve Granular with any keto-friendly sweetener, like erythritol or monk fruit.
Is the sesame seed garnish necessary?
No, but it adds a nice touch reminiscent of the sesame seed bun from a traditional Big Mac.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this salad as a main course with a side of keto-friendly garlic bread or roasted vegetables.
- Pair it with sparkling water or iced tea for a refreshing meal.
- Double the recipe for meal prep—this salad keeps well and makes for easy grab-and-go lunches.
Enjoy all the flavors of a classic Big Mac in a healthy, low-carb way with this Keto Big Mac Burger Salad!
Keto Big Mac Burger Salad Recipe
4
servings15
minutes10
minutesIngredients
For the Salad:
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 pound ground beef
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese (see Notes)
½ cup dill pickle chips
½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
For the Keto Big Mac Sauce:
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon keto ketchup (store-bought or homemade, see Notes)
2 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickles
2 teaspoons dried minced onion (rehydrated in a little hot water, then drained, or 1 tablespoon fresh minced white onion)
1 teaspoon white vinegar
2 teaspoons Swerve Granular (see Notes)
¼ teaspoon salt
Directions
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- Heat the avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the ground beef, salt, and pepper. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked, about 7–10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- While the beef cooks, mix all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste. Set the sauce aside or refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, layer the romaine lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, dill pickle chips, red onion slices, and cooked ground beef. Drizzle with the Big Mac sauce or serve it on the side. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for garnish, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

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