Get ready to transform your favorite fast-food burger into a mouthwatering, guilt-free salad that delivers all the classic Big Mac flavors without the extra calories! This Cheeseburger Salad is the ultimate low-carb solution for burger lovers who want to enjoy their favorite meal in a fresh, exciting way. Imagine crisp romaine lettuce, juicy seasoned ground beef, tangy pickles, and that iconic Thousand Island dressing – all combined in one incredible dish that takes just 25 minutes to prepare!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup pickles, sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup Thousand Island dressing
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large salad bowl.
- Next, wash the cherry tomatoes thoroughly and slice them in half. Add the halved tomatoes to the bowl with the lettuce.
- Slice the pickles into thin rounds or spears, depending on your preference, and add them to the salad bowl.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Cook the beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is browned and fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat.
- While the beef is cooking, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, measure out the Thousand Island dressing. You can adjust the amount based on your taste preference.
- Once the ground beef is cooked, remove it from heat and let it cool for a few minutes before adding it to the salad bowl.
- After the beef has cooled slightly, add it to the bowl with the lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles. Gently toss the ingredients together to combine.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the salad for added flavor and texture.
- Drizzle the Thousand Island dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Serve the Cheeseburger Salad Big Mac Salad immediately, garnishing with additional pickles or cheese if desired. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- Choose lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) to keep the salad lighter while maintaining great flavor.
- Make sure to drain excess fat after cooking the beef to prevent a greasy salad.
- For extra crunch, consider adding some diced onions or crispy bacon bits.
- Use fresh, crisp romaine lettuce and chop it just before serving to maintain maximum crispness.
- If you want to make this dish ahead of time, keep the beef and dressing separate and combine just before serving to prevent the lettuce from getting soggy.
- Customize your salad by adding additional toppings like sliced red onions or extra pickles for more Big Mac authenticity.
- For a low-carb version, ensure all ingredients are keto-friendly and use a sugar-free dressing.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 90mg
