Cheeseburger Salad (Big Mac Salad)
User Reviews
5
Cheeseburger Salad (Big Mac Salad)
Description
The salad assembles chopped iceberg or romaine lettuce layered with spiced and browned lean ground beef, sliced dill pickles, shredded cheddar cheese, and thinly sliced or rehydrated red onions. Sesame seed bun slices or cubes are toasted in the oven to create croutons that mimic burger buns, adding crunch and a slight sesame flavor. The dressing combines common condiments and flavors—mayonnaise, ketchup, French dressing, diced pickles, vinegar, sugar, and dried onion—that chill to meld and soften the onions.
The combination of savory beef, crisp lettuce, sharp cheddar, tangy pickles, and creamy, slightly sweet dressing recreates the experience of a cheeseburger in a fresh salad format. The sesame croutons contribute texture and aroma associated with burger buns. This preparation allows enjoying Big Mac flavors without bread and offers a hearty yet fresh meal option.
While original onions can be substituted with dehydrated flakes for a flavor closer to a classic Big Mac, fresh onions work as well. Croutons can be regular or sesame seed types. The recipe can be expedited by using pre-shredded cheese and washed lettuce. A store-bought Thousand Island dressing substitute can replace the homemade dressing for convenience.
Ingredients
- 2 Hamburger Bun or 1 cup prepared croutons
- 1 pound ground beef lean
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 head iceberg lettuce or romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
- 3 dill pickles sliced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese or cubed processed cheese, shredded
- ½ cup red onion or 2 tablespoons dehydrated onion flakes soaked in hot water to rehydrate, thinly sliced
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons french dressing or Heinz Chili Sauce or ketchup
- 2 tablespoons dill pickles chopped
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 ½ teaspoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons onion dried minced
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Mix all dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Refrigerate at least 20 minutes (so the dehydrated onion can soften).
Sesame Croutons
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cut small 1" circles out of a sesame seed bun (or cut into cubes). Lightly spray with cooking spray and sprinkle with little bit of seasoned salt.
- Place the "croutons" on a baking sheet and bake about 8 minutes or until crisp.
Salad Preparation
- Brown ground beef with onion powder and garlic powder until no pink remains. Drain fat and season with seasoned salt and pepper to taste.
- Place ¼ of the lettuce in each bowl. Top with beef, pickles, onions, cheese, and croutons.
- Drizzle with dressing and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Notes
- Using dehydrated onion flakes rehydrated in the dressing mimics the classic Big Mac onion flavor, but fresh onions are acceptable.
- Sesame seed croutons provide the sandwich bun flavor, but regular croutons can be used as a substitute.
- Pre-shredded cheese and pre-washed lettuce can speed up prep time.
- Thousand Island dressing purchased from the store may be substituted for the homemade dressing.
- Optional additions include BBQ sauce, diced tomatoes, or crumbled bacon to customize flavors.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4salads
Amount Per Serving
Calories 557 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 557 | 28% |
| Carbohydrates | 30g | 10% |
| Protein | 33g | 66% |
| Fat | 34g | 52% |
| Saturated Fat | 14g | 70% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 112mg | 37% |
| Sodium | 1076mg | 45% |
| Potassium | 804mg | 17% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 13g | 26% |
| Vitamin A | 1145IU | 23% |
| Vitamin C | 11mg | 12% |
| Calcium | 332mg | 33% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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