Craving all the indulgent, bold flavors of a Big Mac but without the bun? This Big Mac Salad Bowl is your fresh, low-carb answer. It takes everything you love—seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, sharp cheddar, tangy pickles, and a creamy “special” sauce—and tosses it into a bowl of crave-worthy goodness. Think of it as a burger transformed into a refreshing, satisfying salad.

Not only does it come together in under 30 minutes, but it’s also endlessly customizable. Whether you’re following keto, watching carbs, or simply looking for a deliciously different lunch idea, this Big Mac Salad brings nostalgic flavor with modern flair.

What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

For this salad, lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) works best. It delivers flavor without making your salad greasy. Be sure to drain any excess fat after cooking to keep things light and crisp. You can also substitute with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives if you prefer.

Ingredients for the Big Mac Salad Bowl

Ground Beef: Provides the savory, juicy foundation of the bowl—seasoned and browned to mimic burger patties.
Romaine Lettuce: Offers a crunchy base that holds up well under warm toppings and dressing.
Cherry Tomatoes: Brings bursts of sweetness and a fresh contrast to the rich beef.
Pickles: Key for that classic tang you expect in a Big Mac.
Red Onion: Adds a bite and sharpness that brightens the entire bowl.
Cheddar Cheese: A shredded sharp cheddar melts slightly over the warm beef, giving a gooey, cheesy element.
Avocado: Adds creamy texture and a hit of healthy fats that pair perfectly with the rest of the ingredients.
Cucumber: Refreshing crunch that balances the heavier flavors.
Sesame Seeds: A fun nod to the classic sesame seed bun—optional, but great for texture.
Special Sauce: A homemade or store-bought Big Mac-style sauce that ties everything together.

How To Make the Big Mac Salad Bowl

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Drain any excess fat and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Special Sauce

Whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, vinegar, onion powder, and paprika. Adjust to taste. Chill in the fridge while assembling the salad.

Step 3: Chop the Vegetables

Rinse and chop the romaine lettuce. Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumbers, dice the pickles, red onions, and avocado.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, create a bed of romaine. Arrange the beef, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, pickles, avocado, and shredded cheddar cheese over top.

Step 5: Drizzle and Serve

Drizzle with special sauce and sprinkle sesame seeds over the top. Serve immediately while the beef is still warm.

Serving and Storing Your Big Mac Salad Bowl

This salad is best served fresh when the beef is still warm and the lettuce is crisp. If prepping in advance, store the ingredients separately and combine just before serving. The ground beef and sauce can be kept in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the beef gently before assembling for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! Keep all components in separate containers and assemble just before eating to maintain freshness and texture.

Is this salad keto-friendly?

Absolutely. Just make sure your sauce is low in sugar or use a keto-approved version.

What can I use instead of ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat crumbles all work well as substitutes.

Can I use iceberg lettuce instead of romaine?

You can! Iceberg offers a similar crunch but less flavor and nutritional value than romaine.

What if I don’t have sesame seeds?

They’re optional! You can skip them or try sunflower seeds for a different kind of crunch.

How long does the sauce last in the fridge?

Stored in a sealed jar, the sauce should stay fresh for up to 1 week.

Want More Salad Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Big Mac Salad Bowl, you’ll probably enjoy these other flavor-packed creations:

Buffalo Chicken Bowl with bold heat and creamy ranch.
Homemade Big Mac Wraps with Secret Sauce if you’re craving a handheld version.
Mexican White Trash Casserole when you want comfort in a dish.
Keto Hamburger and Broccoli Skillet for a low-carb dinner fix.
Avocado Mozzarella and Tomato Grilled Cheese for your next crave-worthy lunch.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest lunch or salad board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you spice up your sauce or add jalapeños? Did you try it with turkey instead of beef?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other eat better, one bowl at a time.

Big Mac Salad Bowl

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Big Mac Salad Bowl is a bunless burger in disguise—perfectly seasoned ground beef, crisp romaine, creamy avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of homemade special sauce all come together in one crave-worthy, low-carb bowl. Quick to prepare and endlessly adaptable, it makes for a flavorful lunch or a light, satisfying dinner.

Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Drain excess fat.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together all the sauce ingredients. Adjust seasoning as desired and refrigerate until ready.
Chop the Vegetables: Prepare lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onion, avocado, and cucumber.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, layer lettuce as the base. Top with ground beef, veggies, cheese, and avocado.
Finish with Sauce: Drizzle special sauce over the top and sprinkle sesame seeds if using. Serve immediately.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dinner