To be honest, I used to adore Big Macs. My guilty-pleasure drive-thru order was that special sauce with the layers of cheese and beef. However, after I started following a ketogenic diet, the bun and sugary dressing were unacceptable. I felt for a time that I had to give it up altogether. Then I came upon the keto Big Mac salad, which allowed me to satisfy my craving for burgers without going over my macros.
In essence, this recipe is a burger in a bowl: shredded lettuce, melted cheddar, crunchy pickles, onions, seasoned ground beef, and a drizzle of sugar-free Thousand Island-style sauce. Even my kids request it on “burger night” because it tastes just like the real thing. It’s the kind of comfort you also get from the Keto Cobb Salad with Ranch Dressing, another protein-packed classic that feels indulgent but keeps you on track.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why Big Mac Salad Works on Keto
The problem with keto isn’t burgers; rather, it’s the bun and the sweetened condiments. After removing those, you’re left with lettuce, pickles, onions, cheese, and ground beef. All keto-friendly and low in carbohydrates.
The sauce is the key. Sugar or sweet relish is typically used in traditional Thousand Island or Big Mac-style dressings. You can get all the flavor without the carbohydrates by making a homemade, sugar-free version with mayo, mustard, and a keto-friendly sweetener. That same creamy kick shows up in the Keto Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing, where rich garlic and parmesan deliver restaurant-level taste without the carbs.
To be honest, I was dubious when I first made this salad. How could a bun be substituted with lettuce? However, the richness of the cheese and beef is actually counterbalanced by the crunch of the lettuce. It truly does feel like the classic burger once the creamy dressing is on top.
How to Make Keto Big Mac Salad with Special Sauce
Keto Big Mac Salad
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20 for flavor
- 1 packet keto taco or burger seasoning or mix chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper
- 6 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup dill pickles chopped
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- Optional: sliced tomatoes black olives, or jalapeños
Special Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sugar-free ketchup
- 2 tsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp diced dill pickles or sugar-free relish
- 1/2 tsp white vinegar
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp keto-friendly sweetener erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain if necessary, then stir in seasoning with a splash of water. Simmer until thickened.
- Whisk together all special sauce ingredients until smooth. Adjust seasoning or sweetness as needed.
- Assemble each salad: divide lettuce into bowls, top with warm beef, cheese, pickles, and onions.
- Drizzle generously with special sauce and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use sugar-free ketchup to keep the sauce keto-friendly—regular ketchup adds hidden carbs.
- For crunch, top with parmesan crisps or crushed pork rinds instead of croutons.
- Make ahead by storing beef and sauce separately. Assemble just before eating for the freshest taste.
- You can swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even pork.
Mistakes I’ve Made (So You Don’t Have To)
I used ordinary ketchup when I made this for the first time. It increased the carbohydrates and added hidden sugar, which was a big mistake. I now only use sugar-free brands or quickly make my own ketchup with vinegar and tomato paste.
One more slip? leaving out the sauce’s sweetener. It tastes like a real Big Mac because of that slight sweetness, which may not seem like much. The sauce feels flat without it.
Additionally, don’t use too many onions. A small amount enhances flavor, but too much raises your carb count more quickly than you might expect.
FAQs About Keto Big Mac Salad
1. Is Big Mac salad keto-friendly?
Yes! By skipping the bun and using a sugar-free special sauce, you get all the Big Mac flavors in a keto-approved meal.
2. What’s in keto Big Mac special sauce?
A mix of mayo, sugar-free ketchup, mustard, pickles or relish, vinegar, paprika, and a keto sweetener. It’s creamy, tangy, and almost identical to the original.
3. Can I meal prep Big Mac salad?
Absolutely. Cook the beef ahead of time and store it separately. Assemble the salad and add the sauce just before eating for the freshest taste.
4. What can I serve with keto Big Mac salad?
It’s filling on its own, but you can pair it with cauliflower fries, zucchini chips, or a side of avocado for extra healthy fats.
Conclusion
You don’t have to give up your favorite fast food items in order to maintain a low-carb diet, as demonstrated by a keto Big Mac salad with special sauce. Without the bun or sugar, it’s cheesy, beefy, crunchy, and topped with a sauce that appeals to all the nostalgic senses.
This salad is great for meal planning lunches or for satisfying a Friday night Big Mac craving. Try it out, adjust the sauce to your preference, and see if your family even realizes it’s keto.
For more low-carb comfort ideas, explore The Ultimate Guide to Keto Salad Recipes, a full collection of recipes that turn everyday ingredients into keto favorites, from chicken and egg salads to fresh veggie sides.