Easy Big Mac Salad Recipe with Special Sauce
When I was pregnant with Moose, I craved Big Macs constantly. There was something about that combination of savory beef, crunchy lettuce, and that unmistakable special sauce that just wouldn’t leave me alone. But as tempting as it was, I knew a daily trip to McDonald’s wasn’t doing me, the baby, or our grocery budget any favors.
So I did what any determined, craving-driven mom would do—I figured out how to make it at home. This Big Mac Salad has all the classic Big Mac flavor, made completely from scratch, without the preservatives, mystery ingredients, or drive-thru guilt. It’s hearty, satisfying, and easy enough for a weeknight dinner, while still scratching that fast-food itch in a way that feels a whole lot better. If you love Big Macs but want a homemade, wholesome alternative, this recipe is for you.
How To Make A Big Mac Salad
1. Brown 1 lb ground beef in a skillet with 1.5 Tablespoons Penzey’s Seasoned Salt (this is my secret ingredient. The flavor that it adds to this recipe is off the chain) and 1/4 teaspoon pepper over medium heat. When cooked through, drain the grease from the beef and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons pickle juice, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon of Penzey’s Seasoned Salt, 8 Tablespoons mayonnaise, 4 Tablespoons ketchup, 4 teaspoons mustard, and 4 teaspoons of water. Mix well. Set aside.
3. Trim and discard the roots from 4 small heads of lettuce. Roughly chop the lettuce and add to a large bowl.
4. Chop 2 beefsteak tomatoes and 4 dill pickle spears. Add chopped tomatoes, pickles, beef, and dressing to the lettuce. Toss to combine.
What To Serve With Big Mac Salad
I like to serve my Big Mac Salad with homemade french fries seasoned with the Penzey’s Seasoned Salt.
Little Cooks Corner
Salad recipes are fantastic for including your tiny sous chef. Let your little helper assist with chopping the lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles with a Montessori knife, mix the ingredients for the homemade Big Mac sauce dressing, and toss the salad ingredients together in a large serving bowl. Helping in the kitchen builds practical life skills, fine motor skills, and autonomy. Learn more about cooking with littles here.
Feedback
Did you make this Big Mac Salad at home? Did it hit that fast food craving just right? Let me know in the comments below!
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Easy Big Mac Salad Recipe With Special Sauce
This Big Mac Salad has all of the fast food flavor with none of the guilt.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons Penzey's Seasoned Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Big Mac Sauce Dressing
- 2 teaspoons pickle juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon Penzey's Seasoned Salt
- 8 Tablespoons mayonnaise
- 4 Tablespoons ketchup
- 4 teaspoons mustard
- 4 teaspoons water
Veggies
- 4 small heads of lettuce
- 2 beefsteak tomatoes
- 4 dill pickle spears
Instructions
1. Brown 1 lb ground beef in a skillet with 1.5 Tablespoons Penzey's Seasoned Salt (this is my secret ingredient. The flavor that it adds to this recipe is off the chain) and 1/4 teaspoon pepper over medium heat. When cooked through, drain the grease from the beef and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons pickle juice, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon of Penzey's Seasoned Salt, 8 Tablespoons mayonnaise, 4 Tablespoons ketchup, 4 teaspoons mustard, and 4 teaspoons of water. Mix well. Set aside.
3. Trim and discard the roots from 4 small heads of lettuce. Roughly chop the lettuce and add to a large bowl.
4. Chop 2 beefsteak tomatoes and 4 dill pickle spears. Add chopped tomatoes, pickles, beef, and dressing to the lettuce. Toss to combine.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 581Total Fat: 41gSaturated Fat: 13gUnsaturated Fat: 28gCholesterol: 148mgSodium: 2004mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 2gSugar: 5gProtein: 41g
Accurately tastes like big mac in salad form. Definitely something ill be making all the time!!