Craving all the flavors of a classic Big Mac but want to skip the bun and keep it fresh? The Big Mac Salad Bowl is your answer. It’s a vibrant, satisfying salad packed with seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, fresh veggies, shredded cheddar, and a drizzle of creamy, tangy Big Mac-inspired sauce. This salad hits every craving point while keeping things light and wholesome.

What’s great about this salad is how customizable it is. Want extra pickles? Go for it. Prefer ground turkey over beef? Easy swap. And the magic really happens with the sauce—a mix of mayo, ketchup, mustard, and pickles—that ties everything together into that familiar, beloved fast-food taste, without the drive-thru guilt.

What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

For the Big Mac Salad Bowl, I recommend using lean ground beef, around 85% lean, 15% fat. It gives you great flavor without excessive grease. You can also use ground turkey or chicken if you want a lighter or lower-fat version. Just be sure to season it well with salt, pepper, onion powder, and a touch of paprika to mimic that classic burger flavor.

Ingredients for the Big Mac Salad Bowl

Ground beef: The hearty, savory star of the salad that mimics the Big Mac patty flavor.
Romaine lettuce: Adds crunch and freshness, creating the perfect salad base.
Cherry tomatoes: Bring sweetness and juiciness to every bite.
Cucumber slices: For a cool, crisp texture contrast.
Red onion: Adds sharpness and zing that cuts through the richness.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, salty, and indulgent, just like on a burger.
Diced pickles: Essential for that signature tangy crunch.
Sesame seeds: A fun nod to the sesame seed bun, sprinkled on top.
Big Mac sauce (mayo, ketchup, mustard, diced pickles): The creamy, tangy glue that pulls all the flavors together.

How To Make the Big Mac Salad Bowl

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Once cooked, drain any excess fat and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

Chop the romaine lettuce, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumbers, and dice the red onion. Arrange everything in a large salad bowl or individual serving bowls.

Step 3: Make the Big Mac Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, and diced pickles. Taste and adjust with a bit of pickle juice or vinegar for extra tang if desired.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Top the bed of lettuce and veggies with the cooked ground beef. Sprinkle on shredded cheddar cheese, diced pickles, and a light scattering of sesame seeds.

Step 5: Drizzle and Serve

Generously drizzle the Big Mac sauce over the top, or serve it on the side. Toss lightly if you prefer everything coated. Enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor!

Serving and Storing the Big Mac Salad Bowl

Serve the Big Mac Salad Bowl immediately after assembling for the best combination of crisp lettuce and warm, seasoned beef. If prepping ahead, store the salad components separately and combine just before eating. Leftover beef can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce can also be made ahead and stored separately to keep everything fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this low-carb?

Simply skip the ketchup in the sauce or use a sugar-free version, and ensure your pickles are no-sugar-added. Everything else is naturally low-carb.

Can I meal prep this salad?

Yes! Cook the beef and prepare the sauce in advance. Store the veggies in separate containers and combine when ready to eat.

What can I use instead of ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work great as alternatives.

Is there a dairy-free version?

Skip the cheddar cheese or use a dairy-free alternative, and make sure your sauce ingredients are dairy-free.

Can I make it spicier?

Add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the beef or sauce for a spicy kick.

Want More Salad Bowl Ideas?

You might also like the Italian Grinder Salad, loaded with deli meats, cheese, and zesty dressing. Or check out the California Spaghetti Salad, a chilled pasta option with fresh veggies and a tangy Italian dressing.

For hearty meals, I’d recommend the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta, perfect for a cozy dinner, or the Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup when you want something comforting and warm. And if you love bold flavors, the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe is a must-try.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your salad or dinner boards for later—just hit the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Did you change up the sauce or add extra toppings? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious to see your creative spins on these recipes!

Big Mac Salad Bowl

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A fresh and hearty twist on the classic Big Mac, this salad bowl brings together seasoned ground beef, crisp veggies, cheddar cheese, and a creamy, tangy sauce for a satisfying meal without the bun.

Instructions

Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, seasoning with salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Drain excess fat and let cool slightly.
Prepare the salad vegetables: chop lettuce, halve tomatoes, slice cucumber, and dice red onion.
Make the sauce: mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and diced pickles in a small bowl.
Assemble the salad: layer lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion in a bowl. Top with beef, cheddar, pickles, and sesame seeds.
Drizzle with Big Mac sauce or serve it on the side. Enjoy!

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