If you’re craving the iconic flavors of a Big Mac but want something lighter, this Big Mac Salad Bowl is your new favorite! Packed with seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy pickles, and drizzled with a creamy, tangy Big Mac-inspired sauce, it’s a low-carb, keto-friendly twist on the fast-food classic.

This salad delivers all the satisfaction of a burger without the bun. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or whipping up a quick weeknight dinner, the Big Mac Salad Bowl is a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s customizable—pile on your favorite toppings and make it your own!

What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

For the best Big Mac Salad Bowl, use lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) so you get all the savory flavor without excess grease. If you want a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works beautifully too. Season it simply with salt, pepper, and a touch of onion or garlic powder for that classic burger taste.

Ingredients for the Big Mac Salad Bowl

Ground Beef: The heart of the salad, giving it that savory burger flavor.
Lettuce: Crisp iceberg or romaine adds freshness and crunch.
Tomatoes: Cherry or Roma tomatoes bring juiciness and a pop of color.
Pickles: Dill pickle slices provide that signature tangy bite.
Red Onion: Adds sharpness and extra crunch.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A cheesy, creamy layer that ties it all together.
Big Mac Sauce: A mix of mayo, ketchup, mustard, relish, and spices to drizzle on top.

How To Make the Big Mac Salad Bowl

Step 1: Cook the Beef

Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and optional garlic or onion powder. Drain any excess fat and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prep the Salad Base

Chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and arrange it in a large salad bowl. Slice the cherry or Roma tomatoes, dice the red onion, and slice the pickles. Have your shredded cheddar ready.

Step 3: Make the Big Mac Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet relish, garlic powder, onion powder, and a splash of vinegar. Adjust seasoning to taste—this sauce is what gives the salad its signature flair!

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Top the bed of lettuce with the cooked ground beef, followed by tomatoes, pickles, red onion, and shredded cheddar. Drizzle generously with the Big Mac sauce or serve it on the side.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

For extra flair, sprinkle on sesame seeds or chopped green onions. Serve immediately while the beef is warm for the best burger-in-a-bowl experience!

How to Serve and Store the Big Mac Salad Bowl

Serve this salad right after assembling so the lettuce stays crisp and the beef stays juicy. It’s perfect as a main dish for lunch or dinner, and you can even set up a DIY salad bar so everyone can customize their toppings.

For storing, keep the components separate in airtight containers in the fridge. The ground beef lasts 3-4 days, and the Big Mac sauce will stay fresh up to a week. When ready to eat, assemble fresh so the greens don’t wilt.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this Big Mac Salad Bowl healthier?

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, opt for light mayo or Greek yogurt in the sauce, and skip the cheese if you’re watching calories.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! Cook the beef and prep the veggies ahead. Store separately and assemble just before serving for the best texture.

Is it keto-friendly?

Absolutely. Skip the ketchup or use sugar-free ketchup in the sauce to keep carbs low.

Can I add extra toppings?

Of course! Bacon crumbles, avocado slices, or jalapeños make great additions.

What’s the best lettuce to use?

Iceberg is classic for that Big Mac crunch, but romaine or a crisp salad blend works just as well.

Want More Salad Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Big Mac Salad Bowl, you’ll probably enjoy these other flavorful dishes:

• Easy Thai Red Curry Dumpling Soup for cozy, spicy comfort.
• Grilled Peach and Honey Mustard Dressing to brighten up your summer meals.
• Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry when you want something fast and satisfying.
• Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod for a light, zesty dinner.

📌 Save this Big Mac Salad Bowl to your Pinterest salad board so you can come back to it anytime.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go classic or add your own twist with extra toppings or a spicy sauce?

I love seeing how you make these recipes your own. Got questions? Drop them below—we’re all here to inspire each other.

For even more fun and fresh recipes, check out my Pinterest page, Life with Jam.

Big Mac Salad Bowl

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

Print Recipe

Description

This Big Mac Salad Bowl is a fresh, low-carb take on the iconic burger, packed with seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, cheese, and drizzled with creamy Big Mac sauce. Perfect for meal prep or quick dinners!

Instructions

1. Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart and seasoning with salt, pepper, garlic or onion powder.
Drain excess fat and let cool slightly.
Chop lettuce, halve the tomatoes, dice the red onion, and slice the pickles.
Set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, garlic powder, onion powder, and vinegar to make the sauce. Assemble the salad by layering lettuce, ground beef, tomatoes, pickles, red onion, and shredded cheddar.
Drizzle generously with Big Mac sauce or serve it on the side.
Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired.
Serve immediately.