Big Mac Salad Bowl

Let me confess something right away – it has always been my pleasure to have a Big Mac. The tangy sauce, crunchy lettuce, juicy meat, and that perfect pickle crunch – the combination is really wonderful, bringing back memories, comforting, and absolutely satisfying. However, no matter how much I want it, there are times when I just don’t want to deal with the bun or the heaviness of the whole thing. So this Big Mac Salad Bowl was born – all the signature flavors you have always liked and known, but just in a lighter, fresher, and honestly, a much more satisfying way.

What Is a Big Mac Salad Bowl?

Basically, this salad is the famous Big Mac’s deconstructed version. You have seasoned ground beef, shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, pickles, and onions, along with a creamy and tangy special sauce that brings it all together. The twist? Instead of putting it between buns, everything is mixed in a salad bowl that is colorful and hits all the same notes — savory, crunchy, tangy, and a bit premium.

Why This Recipe Is Special

The main reason for this salad’s popularity is not just the flavors (although they are very accurate). It’s that you are relishing the nostalgic Big Mac flavor — without the after-fast-food slump. It is low-carb, rich in protein, and adjustable to your cravings. Whether you are on a keto diet, calorie counting, or just trying to incorporate more greens in your diet, this salad allows you to indulge without feeling guilty.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All the Big Mac flavor, none of the guilt – You still get the beef, cheese, pickles, and special sauce, just in a fresher form.
• Quick and easy – Dinner is ready in less than 30 minutes.
• Ideal for meal prep – The ingredients can be prepped and kept in different containers.
• Keto and low-carb friendly – No bun leads to less carbs, yet the flavor remains huge.
• Customizable – Feel free to add what you love — more cheese, turkey instead of beef, or even grilled chicken.

Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need anything fancy — just your kitchen basics:

• Large skillet or frying pan – for browning the beef perfectly.
• Mixing bowls – one for the salad and another for whisking the dressing.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – to break up and stir the meat.
• Sharp knife and cutting board – for chopping lettuce, onions, and pickles.
• Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy, especially with the dressing.
• Salad tongs or a large spoon – for tossing everything together before serving.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 6 cups (about 300 g) chopped iceberg or romaine lettuce
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (75 g) diced dill pickles
• ½ cup (80 g) diced onion (white or yellow)
• 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved (optional, but adds a fresh pop)

For the Big Mac Dressing

• ½ cup (120 g) mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Beef

First, preheat the skillet to medium-high. Once hot, pour in the ground beef and start dividing it using a spatula. Next, sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder on top. Then, fry for approximately 6-8 minutes until darkened and a bit crunchy at the corners.

Trick: For the full flavor let the beef rest for a minute or two and then stir — that’s how you get those tasty dark brown bits.

2. Drain Excess Fat

If your beef is too fatty, then drain the fat but leave about a tablespoon for the beef’s flavor to cool down. Set the beef aside.

3. Make the Big Mac Dressing

Put the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, vinegar, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder into a small bowl and combine them by whisking. Taste and season if necessary — even a little bit more relish can enhance the flavor.

4. Assemble the Salad

Mix the lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, and tomatoes in a large mixing bowl. Put the warm beef on top.

5. Add the Dressing

Pour the Big Mac dressing you made over the salad. Either toss gently so everything gets coated, or keep it drizzled for that “burger look”.

I usually serve the dressing on the side if I’m meal-prepping — it keeps the salad crisp longer.

Serving Ideas

• Top with sesame seeds – for that signature Big Mac touch.
• Add extra crunch – a few crushed keto crackers or toasted seeds make it fun.
• Serve in layers – if you want it to look fancy, layer it like a trifle for a potluck or BBQ.
• Wrap it up – turn leftovers into a lettuce wrap or tortilla wrap for lunch the next day.

Variations & Customizations

• Protein swap – try ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles.
• Cheese options – cheddar is classic, but American or Colby Jack works great too.
• Extra veggies – cucumbers, shredded carrots, or bell peppers add freshness.
• Spicy twist – add a dash of hot sauce.
• Low-fat version – swap mayo for Greek yogurt to lighten it up.

Make-Ahead & Storage

If you’re meal prepping, store the components separately:

• Cooked beef – up to 3 days in the fridge in an airtight container.
• Chopped lettuce and veggies – 2 to 3 days in the fridge.
• Dressing – up to 5 days in a sealed jar.

When ready to eat, just reheat the beef (if you want it warm), toss everything together, and drizzle with the dressing. It’s one of those meals that tastes even better the next day.

Pro Tips & Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t overdress the salad – start with less dressing; you can always add more.
• Let the beef cool slightly before adding – hot meat wilts the lettuce.
• Use crisp lettuce – iceberg or romaine hold up best with heavier toppings.
• Chop ingredients evenly – it makes each bite perfectly balanced.
• Double the sauce – trust me, you’ll want extra for dipping veggies or fries later.

Recipe Details

• Yield: 4 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Calories: ~420 per serving (varies by ingredients)
• Protein: 25 g
• Carbs: 9 g
• Fat: 32 g

Final Thoughts

This Big Mac Salad Bowl is my go-to when I’m craving comfort food but want to keep things light and fresh. It’s fast, flavorful, and feels like a treat every time. I love how it satisfies that burger craving without leaving you sluggish afterward.