Description
This Big Mac Salad is a flavorful, deconstructed take on the classic burger, featuring seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, cheddar cheese, and a tangy homemade dressing reminiscent of the iconic Big Mac sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a delicious and easy way to enjoy all the flavors you love without the bun.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon dehydrated minced onions (see note)
- 1 head chopped/shredded iceberg lettuce (or romaine lettuce)
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or to taste)
- 1 pound ground beef
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1.5 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Seasonings for Beef
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt (or more, to taste)
Instructions
- Rehydrate the onions: Place the dehydrated minced onions in a small bowl and add 1/4 cup of water. Let them soak for 30 minutes until they soften and rehydrate.
- Prepare salad and dressing: While the onions rehydrate, chop or shred the lettuce and shred the cheddar cheese. In a medium bowl, combine the mayo, sweet pickle relish, ketchup, yellow mustard, white vinegar, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to make the dressing.
- Cook the beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef along with garlic powder, onion powder, and seasoning salt. Cook the beef until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Remove the pan from heat and drain any excess fat.
- Combine beef with rehydrated onions: Drain the water from the soaked onions and stir them into the cooked beef. Allow the beef mixture to cool for a few minutes.
- Assemble the salad: Divide the chopped lettuce between 4 individual bowls. Top each with the beef and onion mixture, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Drizzle the prepared dressing over each salad. Serve as is or toss gently before eating, according to your preference.
Notes
- To rehydrate dehydrated minced onions properly, ensure they soak in water for at least 30 minutes to regain texture and flavor.
- You can substitute iceberg lettuce with romaine or your preferred leafy greens for different texture and nutrition.
- Feel free to adjust seasoning salt or add extra spices to suit your taste when cooking the beef.
- The salad can be served immediately after assembling or chilled briefly for a cooler option.
