Is a Big Mac Salad on the McDonald's Menu?
For customers hoping for a low-carb or healthier version of the classic burger, the news that there is no official Big Mac salad on the McDonald's menu can be disappointing. The chain's last line of salads was removed from the national menu in 2020 as part of a move to streamline operations during the pandemic. Though some international or franchised locations may have different offerings, a Big Mac salad is not an available option in most markets.
The Rise and Fall of McDonald's Salads
McDonald's has had a long and varied history with salad offerings. From the early '80s to the more recent "premium salads," the company has tried multiple times to appeal to health-conscious diners, with mixed results. The most recent round of salads was discontinued following a sales boom from focusing on core menu items. For many, the desire for a fast and satisfying burger experience outweighs the demand for a salad from a fast-food chain. A previous attempt, the McSalad Shakers introduced in the early 2000s, also failed to gain traction and were discontinued.
Recreating the Big Mac Salad Experience
While you can't order a Big Mac salad directly, you can get creative to satisfy your cravings. This can be done in two ways: with a custom order at the drive-thru or by making your own version at home. Both methods allow you to enjoy the iconic flavors of the special sauce, pickles, and beef in a lighter, salad-based format.
A Do-It-Yourself Approach at the Counter
Ordering a "Big Mac salad" from a McDonald's restaurant involves a simple hack. Since the Big Mac ingredients are standard, you can request them in a deconstructed format. Be aware that the availability of specific items, like shredded lettuce, can vary by location.
- The Order: Request a Big Mac without the bun and without ketchup. Some locations may be able to provide the ingredients in a container or on a bed of lettuce if available, though this is not standard practice. Alternatively, you can order a simple side salad and add the bunless burger and Big Mac sauce to it yourself.
- The Assembly: Once you have your components, simply combine the lettuce, beef patties, cheese, onions, and pickles in a single container. Drizzle the signature Big Mac sauce over the top and enjoy.
The Homemade Big Mac Salad Recipe
For those who prefer a more controlled and potentially healthier version, a homemade Big Mac salad is easy to make. This method lets you control the quality of the ingredients and the amount of sauce, sodium, and fat.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 head iceberg or romaine lettuce, shredded
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pickles
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
For the Special Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp chopped dill pickles
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1/2 tsp sugar
Instructions:
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef with half the chopped onion. Drain any excess fat. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all the special sauce ingredients until smooth.
- Assemble the salad by layering shredded lettuce, cooked ground beef, remaining chopped onion, cheese, and pickles.
- Drizzle generously with the homemade special sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
Comparison: Big Mac vs. Big Mac Salad (DIY)
| Feature | Big Mac (Standard) | Big Mac Salad (Homemade) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 563 (Varies by location) | Varies, can be significantly lower (e.g., ~450 calories) |
| Carbohydrates | High (around 45g) | Low (can be keto-friendly) |
| Fat | High (around 31g) | Variable, depending on beef and sauce |
| Sodium | High (over 1000mg) | Controlled by homemade ingredients |
| Ingredient Control | None | Full control over sourcing and quality |
| Availability | All standard McDonald's locations | Limited to your kitchen or a custom fast-food order |
| Time Commitment | Instant | Requires prep and cooking time |
The Verdict on Health and Demand
The fact that McDonald's removed salads indicates that the demand for them was not as strong as for other menu items. The strategy to simplify their menu proved successful, increasing overall sales by focusing on what customers want most: their core burger and fries products. For those seeking a healthier or lower-carb alternative, the solution is not on the menu but is easily achievable with a bit of creativity or a simple at-home recipe. The flavor profile of a Big Mac, particularly the special sauce, is what many people crave, and that element can be adapted to many dishes, including a salad.
The Secret Menu Big Mac Salad: Fact or Fiction?
While secret menus at fast-food restaurants are a well-known concept, the idea of a standard, pre-defined Big Mac salad is more fiction than fact. The "secret" is simply knowing how to combine existing ingredients in a way that isn't explicitly listed. The Big Mac salad is a prime example of a popular custom order that has gained a reputation as a "secret menu" item, even though it's not a secret at all—just a custom request. As with any custom order, results and willingness to accommodate can vary between employees and locations, so it is best to be specific and polite when ordering.
Sources: CNN Business: Why McDonald’s removed salads from their menu Hip2Keto: What’s Keto at McDonald’s? Here are the Best Low-Carb Menu Items! FatSecret: McDonald's Products, Calories and Nutritional Information
