We adore this Big Mac Salad, it’s one of our family favorites. It is exactly what you’d assume it to be, a deconstructed cheeseburger in a salad form with french fries on the side, hold the bun.
As you assemble the ingredients for this salad approach it like you’re making a big mac, chopping pickles, lettuce, and all the other ingredients you’d typically find piled on top of a hamburger at a restaurant. Then, make the fries accordingly.
Sometimes I buy oven fries because they’re super easy to pop into the oven and make according to package directions. Other times, however, I make the fries by hand. I’ve shared my grandmother’s recipe for homemade Greek fries before. These would be phenomenal served on the side of this dish! You can also make them in the oven by slicing up a potato, tossing them with a little olive oil and salt, and then roasting them until crispy and golden. No matter how you choose to do it, they will taste great.
Sometimes I make a big salad then portion it out on individual plates before adding the grilled burgers on the top of each one. This makes it easier for serving when there are a lot of people at the table. Then, I’ll serve the fries in little cones of parchment paper on the side with ramekins of ketchup for dipping. So yummy!
To finish off this meal I’d highly recommend serving milkshakes for the kids, they’ll absolutely love them. If you’d prefer something lighter, then a classic found soda would easily fit the bill. This is a really fun way to revisit a well-loved dish. It contains all the flavors of a big mac and is served in a whole new way. Of course, if you want to add more flavors or toppings you can go right ahead and do so. Enjoy!
Big Mac Salad
This is a fun one for both the kids and adults. Is there anything more satisfying than a great burger in the summer?! I love to make this for my family when the grill is on and we’re all hungry after a long day in the sun.
Makes 2 servings
1 head Romaine lettuce
½ cup grape Tomatoes, halved
¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
¼ cup chopped cucumbers
¼ cup chopped pickles
¼ cup Shredded cheese
8 oz burger patty
1/2 bag of frozen french fries of your choice, or 1 potato for making homemade fries
¼ cup Thousand Island dressing
For the salad:
Wash the romaine lettuce and tear it into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a large salad bowl.
To the bowl, add the tomatoes, red onion, cucumbers, and pickles. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Set aside.
Grill the burger patties until they reach your desired level of doneness.
Remove the patties from the grill and allow them to cool until comfortable to touch, then slice them into smaller pieces.
Cook the fries according to package directions, or wash and peel the potato. Cut it into thin, uniform strips to make fries.
If you’re making homemade fries, toss the potato strips into a little bit of oil and salt, then cook them in the oven preheated to 400 degrees F until golden and crispy.
To assemble the salad, drizzle the dressing over of the top of the ingredients in the bowl. Then, add the sliced burger on top of the salad. Serve with freshly baked fries on the side!
Nikki Glekas is the owner of Nikki Glekas Events, a full-service catering and events company located in Stamford, CT.. To discuss further please contact team@nikkiglekascollective.com or call 203.658.8659.