Big Mac Salad

 A Big Mac Salad is a low-carb, keto-friendly version of the classic McDonald's Big Mac. It includes all the delicious ingredients of a Big Mac (minus the bun) in a hearty salad form. The flavors of seasoned beef, pickles, lettuce, cheese, and special sauce combine for a tasty and satisfying dish.

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)

1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 head romaine lettuce, chopped (or a mix of iceberg and romaine)

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or American cheese slices, chopped)

1/4 cup sliced pickles (dill or sweet pickles, your choice)

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

1/4 cup tomatoes, diced (optional)

For the Big Mac Special Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons French dressing (or Thousand Island dressing)

1 tablespoon mustard

1 tablespoon white vinegar

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon sweet relish (optional, for a tangy kick)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Ground Beef:

1. Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the beef is browned and fully cooked.

2. Season the Beef: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Prepare the Special Sauce:

1. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, French dressing, mustard, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, relish (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth and combined.

3. Assemble the Salad:

1. Layer the Salad: In a large bowl or individual bowls, layer the chopped lettuce as the base.

2. Add the Toppings: Top the lettuce with the cooked ground beef, shredded cheese, pickles, red onions, and tomatoes (if using).

3. Drizzle the Sauce: Drizzle the Big Mac special sauce generously over the salad.

4. Serve:

1. Toss and Serve: Toss everything together to combine, or serve the salad with the sauce on top for a more layered presentation.

Tips:

For Extra Flavor: Add some crispy bacon crumbles for a smoky, savory twist.

Make it Low-Carb: This recipe is already low-carb, but if you want to reduce carbs further, skip the tomatoes and use sugar-free ketchup in the sauce.

Customize the Veggies: You can add shredded carrots, cucumbers, or any other veggies you prefer to enhance the salad.

This Big Mac Salad is a fun, healthier take on the fast food classic, full of flavor and crunch, with the added bonus of being quick and easy to prepare. Enjoy!