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Low Carb Keto Big Mac Salad - All the Burger Flavor Without the Bun

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Ground beef: 80/20 for the juiciest flavor, but leaner works too.
  • Romaine or iceberg lettuce: Shredded for that classic burger-salad crunch.
  • Cheddar or American cheese: Sliced or shredded. American gives that fast-food vibe.
  • Dill pickles: Chopped or sliced. Look for no-sugar-added.
  • Red or white onion: Diced fine for bite without overpowering.
  • Tomatoes (optional): Cherry or Roma, diced. Skip if you want ultra-low carbs.
  • Sesame seeds (optional): For a “sesame bun” nod and light crunch.
  • Avocado (optional): Adds healthy fats and extra creaminess.
  • Salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika: Simple seasoning for the beef.
  • Olive oil or butter: For cooking the beef, if needed.
  • Mayonnaise: Full-fat for the best texture.
  • Sugar-free ketchup: Check labels for hidden carbs.
  • Dill pickle relish or finely chopped dill pickles
  • Yellow mustard
  • Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
  • Onion powder and garlic powder
  • Smoked paprika (optional) and a pinch of sweetener (erythritol or allulose), to taste
  • Salt and pepper

Method
 

  1. Brown the beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high. Add the ground beef, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed, but leave a little for flavor.
  2. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, dill pickle relish, mustard, vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, a pinch of sweetener, and a touch of smoked paprika. Adjust salt and pepper. The sauce should be tangy, slightly sweet, and creamy.
  3. Prep the veggies: Shred the lettuce. Dice the onions and tomatoes. Slice or chop the pickles. Cube or shred the cheese.
  4. Warm the beef with cheese (optional): If you like, sprinkle cheese over the hot beef in the pan and let it melt slightly for a gooey effect.
  5. Assemble the bowls: Start with a generous bed of lettuce. Add a scoop of beef, a handful of cheese, pickles, onions, and tomatoes if using. Drizzle with the special sauce.
  6. Finish and serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and add avocado slices if you want extra richness. Serve immediately while the beef is warm.