Introduction
When Lina Vexley first created her Big Mac Salad, it was born out of a craving for her favorite fast-food burger — but with a healthier twist. One busy afternoon, instead of heading to the drive-thru, she opened her fridge and realized she had all the ingredients to recreate that same flavor in a bowl. Crisp lettuce, juicy beef, tangy pickles, and that signature creamy sauce — all the indulgence, none of the guilt. From that moment, her Big Mac Salad became a household favorite, combining comfort food nostalgia with fresh, wholesome ingredients that taste like pure satisfaction.
Healthy Big Mac Salad
Equipment
- Frying Pan
- Mixing Bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
Salad Base
- 1 lb ground beef lean
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 cups chopped lettuce
- 1/2 cup grape tomatoes halved
- 1/4 cup pickles sliced
- 1/4 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
Special Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1 tsp pickle juice
- 1/2 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and add ground beef. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook until browned and fully cooked through. Drain excess fat and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, and paprika to make the special sauce.
- In a large bowl, add chopped lettuce, halved tomatoes, sliced pickles, red onions, and shredded cheese.
- Top the salad with cooked ground beef and drizzle with the special sauce.
- Toss lightly before serving or enjoy as is for a deconstructed burger experience.
Notes
Nutrition
How to Make the Recipe
To make Lina Vexley’s Big Mac Salad, start by preparing the beef. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add lean ground beef, and season it with salt and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside to cool slightly — this helps keep the salad crisp and fresh.
Next, make the star of the dish — the special sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, and a dash of paprika. The sauce should be creamy and tangy, perfectly mimicking the iconic burger flavor we all love.
In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, halved grape tomatoes, sliced pickles, red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese. Add the cooled beef on top. Drizzle the special sauce generously over the salad, making sure every bite gets that delicious burger-style taste. You can lightly toss the ingredients or serve it deconstructed for a fun presentation.
For extra flavor, sprinkle sesame seeds on top or add sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick. If you prefer a lighter option, replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt without sacrificing creaminess. This salad captures everything you love about a Big Mac — the crunch, the tang, the savoriness — all in a fresh, satisfying, low-carb meal that’s ready in minutes.
Conclusion
The Big Mac Salad is the ultimate comfort food makeover. Lina Vexley has turned a classic fast-food favorite into a wholesome, flavor-packed dish that fits perfectly into a healthy lifestyle. It’s proof that eating better doesn’t mean giving up the foods you crave — just reimagining them. Whether served for lunch, dinner, or a quick meal prep option, this salad brings the taste of your favorite burger bowl-style, keeping it delicious, nourishing, and guilt-free.