This Big Mac Salad tastes just like a Big Mac from Mcdonalds-without the high calories and fat. This Big Mac Salad is a keeper!
PREP TIME10 minutes
COOK TIME10 minutes
TOTAL TIME20 minutes
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 pound 96% extra lean ground beef or 99% fat free ground turkey
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp onion salt
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 large head Romaine or Iceberg lettuce, chopped
- 1 large tomato or 12 grape tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 small red or white onion, diced
- 1 cup light cheddar cheese ( I use Trader Joe’s 3 Lite Cheese Blend)
- 12 dill pickles, diced
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp Light Mayo Best Foods or Light Kraft Mayo
- 2 Tbsp non fat Greek or plain yogurt
- 2 Tbsp No Sugar Added Ketchup Heinz
- 1/2 Tbsp water
- 1 Tbsp minced white onion
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp sweet pickle relish
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- dash of salt
Instructions
- Spray a large skillet with non stick cooking spray. Add the lean ground beef and onion salt and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Use a fork to crumble the meat.
- Add Worcestershire sauce and mined garlic. Stir until garlic is incorporated. Cook meat until it is no longer be pink. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Using a food scale, measure out 4 ounces of ground beef and divide evenly among the salads. Divide the romaine, tomatoes evenly among four servings.
- To assemble 1 serving: Place 4 ounces of meat over the top of lettuce, 1/4 cup cheese, add tomatoes, 2 Tbsp of dressing, and top with diced pickles.
Dressing Directions:
- In a small bowl or in a food processor, whisk or blend the light mayonnaise, white vinegar, fat plain or Greek yogurt, no added sugar ketchup, salt, water, sweet pickle relish, minced white onion, and sugar. Pour into a an airtight container. Place dressing in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Make 4 large servings ( Serving: 4 ounces of meat over the top of lettuce, 1/4 cup cheese, add tomatoes, 2 Tbsp of dressing, and top with diced pickles)
6 Points® per serving
Introduction: Elevate your salad experience with our Weight Watchers Big Mac Salad, a flavorful and health-conscious alternative inspired by the iconic fast-food classic. This creative recipe captures the essence of the beloved Big Mac while aligning with the principles of mindful eating on your Weight Watchers journey. Join us on a culinary adventure as we explore the intricacies of this salad, offering detailed instructions, nutritional insights, and precise measurements to ensure a satisfying and guilt-free dining experience.
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 1 pound lean ground beef (93% lean)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 cups shredded lettuce (iceberg or Romaine)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup dill pickles, sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
For the Special Sauce:
- 1/2 cup light mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon sugar substitute (optional)
Instructions:
- Ground Beef Preparation:
- Begin by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add lean ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
- Special Sauce Creation:
- In a bowl, whisk together light mayonnaise, dill pickle relish, yellow mustard, white wine vinegar, onion powder, paprika, and optional sugar substitute. This special sauce forms the distinctive flavor profile reminiscent of the Big Mac dressing.
- Salad Assembly:
- Create a culinary canvas by layering shredded lettuce as the base of the salad. Top with the cooked ground beef, cherry tomatoes, reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese, dill pickles, and finely chopped red onion.
- Special Sauce Drizzle:
- Drizzle the prepared special sauce over the layered ingredients. This adds a burst of flavor and ties the elements together, creating a harmonious salad reminiscent of the iconic Big Mac.
- Garnish Grandeur (Optional):
- Elevate the presentation with garnish grandeur by sprinkling sesame seeds over the top of the salad. This optional touch adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal to your Big Mac Salad.
- Tossing Technique:
- Master the tossing technique by gently mixing the salad components, ensuring an even distribution of flavors. This step allows each bite to capture the essence of a deconstructed Big Mac.
- Portion Control Wisdom:
- Emphasize the wisdom of portion control by recommending reasonable serving sizes. This allows for a satisfying meal while staying mindful of dietary goals.
- SmartPoints Calculation:
- Embrace SmartPoints transparency by calculating the nutritional values and SmartPoints for the entire salad as well as per serving. This information empowers individuals to make informed choices within their Weight Watchers plan.
- Nutritional Insights:
- Offer nutritional insights by highlighting the benefits of lean ground beef, reduced-fat cheese, and the abundance of fresh vegetables. This creates a nutrient-rich salad that aligns with health-conscious choices.
- Ingredient Substitution Options:
- Provide information on ingredient substitution options, allowing flexibility for individual preferences or dietary needs. Suggest alternatives for those with vegetarian or gluten-free preferences.
- Serving Presentation Panache:
- Showcase serving presentation panache by arranging the Big Mac Salad on a platter or individual plates. Consider adding a dollop of the special sauce on the side for those who prefer an extra kick.
- Accompaniment Pairing Suggestions:
- Enhance the dining experience with accompaniment pairing suggestions. Consider serving the Big Mac Salad with a side of sweet potato fries or a refreshing cucumber salad for a well-rounded meal.
- Storage Tips for Leftovers:
- Share storage tips for leftovers, recommending refrigeration in an airtight container for up to two days. This ensures the salad retains its freshness and flavors for enjoyable subsequent meals.
- Health-Conscious Ingredient Benefits:
- Highlight the health-conscious benefits of using lean ground beef, reduced-fat cheese, and a variety of vegetables. This aligns with the Weight Watchers philosophy of making mindful food choices.
- Community Connection Invitation:
- Foster a sense of community by inviting your audience to share their experiences with the Weight Watchers Big Mac Salad. Encourage them to customize the recipe and share their unique twists on this classic-inspired dish.
- Creative Variations Exploration:
- Encourage creative variations exploration by suggesting additional ingredients such as avocado slices, turkey bacon bits, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. This allows individuals to tailor the salad to their taste preferences.
- Seasonal Ingredient Adaptations:
- Offer seasonal ingredient adaptations, providing suggestions for incorporating seasonal vegetables or herbs to keep the salad fresh and exciting throughout the year.
- Occasional Indulgence Reminder:
- Remind your audience that while the Big Mac Salad is a delicious and satisfying option, moderation is key. Emphasize the joy of indulging in flavorful meals that align with overall wellness goals.
- Culinary Conclusion Celebration:
- Conclude the culinary celebration by inviting your audience to savor the delightful experience of the Weight Watchers Big Mac Salad. Emphasize the balance of taste, nutrition, and Weight Watchers mindfulness in every delicious bite.
- Feedback and Community Interaction Encouragement:
- Actively seek feedback and community interaction by inviting individuals to share their thoughts, modifications, and photos of their Big Mac Salad creations. This engagement fosters a supportive online environment for culinary enthusiasts on their wellness journey.