What is a Big Mac Salad Bowl?
Craving that classic cheeseburger flavour but want to keep it low-carb? This Big Mac Salad recipe has all the best parts of a Big Mac. Juicy seasoned beef, crisp lettuce, cheese, and a rich, tangy keto special sauce, without the bun. The salad looks really basic, but let me tell you it is so very tasty! Plus, it’s keto-friendly, low-carb, and packed with protein! So, I hope you love my healthy Big Mac in a Bowl low carb recipe of everyone’s favorite fast food burger.
Related Recipes: Keto Taco Salad / Keto Chicken Caesar Salad
Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Salad
- All the flavours of a Big Mac without the carbs and in a bowl
- High-protein and filling – 500g of lean ground beef makes this low carb salad super satisfying
- Quick & easy – Ready in under 20 minutes
- Perfect for meal prep – Stays fresh and delicious for days
The Ingredients
How To Make a Big Mac Salad Bowl
Step 1. Cook the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 2. Prepare the sauce: Mix all the special sauce ingredients in a small bowl until well combined.
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Step 3. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, layer the chopped lettuce, cooked beef, shredded cheese, diced pickles, and red onion.
Step 4. Drizzle with sauce: Pour the special Big Mac sauce over the salad and toss to combine. Sprinkle over some toasted sesame seeds (for that traditional sesame seed bun flavour). Serve & enjoy!
Variations & Flavors
- Spicy Kick – Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- Bacon Lovers – Crumbled crispy bacon makes this even better.
- Cheeseburger Salad Bowl – Swap the lettuce for shredded cabbage for extra crunch.
- Protein Boost – Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Dairy-Free – Skip the cheese or swap it for dairy-free cheddar.
Ways to Cook It
- Air Fryer Beef: Cook the ground beef in an air fryer at 200°C (400°F) for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Grilled Beef Patties: Form the beef into mini patties and grill them instead of crumbling the meat.
- Slow Cooker Meal Prep: Brown the beef, then keep it warm in a slow cooker on low with the sauce for easy meal prepping.
What to Serve with Big Mac Bowl
Spicy Pickle Spears – Extra tangy crunch!
Low-Carb Fries – Air fryer radish fries or zucchini fries
Keto Bread Rolls – A great bun replacement is awesome. We have low carb bread rolls that you can use or my favourite low carb bun is the hemp seed buns for sure! These could even be cooked into little nuggets like mini “tater tots.” Oh, yes, please! Delicious!
Crispy Onion Rings – I am a huge fan of onion rings. These Keto Onion Rings are the perfect low carb side dish to serve with your cheeseburger salad!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! This salad is low in carbs and packed with protein, making it perfect for a keto lifestyle. Just be sure to use sugar-free ketchup in the sauce.
Yes! Prep all the ingredients and store them separately. Add the sauce just before serving for the freshest taste.
You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version.
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s something so satisfying about a cheeseburger salad that has all the flavours of a Big Mac without the heavy carbs. The homemade keto special sauce takes it to the next level, and it’s just so easy to throw together. Whether you’re craving fast food or need a quick, protein-packed meal, this one never disappoints!
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Big Mac Salad Recipe
Equipment
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Ingredients
- 500 g ground beef mince
- 1/2 – 1 tbsp Southwest Seasoning or any of your favourite seasoning
- 1 cup lettuce shredded
- 1/2 cup cheese shredded (50g)
- 2 tbsp onion finely diced
- 3 tbsp dill pickles finely diced
- 4 tbsp Keto Big Mac Sauce click for link to recipe
OPTIONAL
- 1/2 avocado finely diced
- 4 cherry tomatoes quartered
Instructions
CONVENTIONAL COOKING METHOD
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Season to taste with Southwest seasoning or whatever you love. Cook until browned and fully cooked.
- In two large bowls, layer the chopped lettuce, cooked beef, shredded cheese, diced pickles, and red onion. Add the optional avocado and tomatoes if using. Dollop or drizzle with Keto Big Mac Sauce. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- If you prefer to serve this as a cold salad, cool beef mince before adding to salad.
- Also works perfect for a Mason Jar Salad. Just add Keto Big Mac Sauce to the bottom of the jar and top with remaining ingredients and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Ground beef can be substituted for any ground meat or seafood.
- Season to taste.
- Serve with extra homemade sugar-free dill pickles, Mexican Pickled Red Onions, and sugar free ketchup!
Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate until ready to serve.
- Meal Prep: Assemble the salad ingredients without the sauce, then add the sauce just before serving.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as lettuce and sauce do not freeze well.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
14 responses to “Big Mac Salad Recipe”
I made the Big Mac Salad for the first time last night and it was fricken delicious! All the different flavours blend so beautifully in the mouth – YUM!!! Will definitely be making it again. 😋😋😋 Oh, and the Keto Big Mac Sauce is magical stuff. ❤️
Neither of us can remember the last time we had a Big Mac (not a fan of McD’s) but oh my goodness both of us agree this salad bowl was delicious. Mu husband and I both loved it, thank you.
One of my favourites 😍 Hubby gets burger in the bun and I get this beautiful salad! Everyone is happy and cravings for Big Mac are satisfied 👍😀I love it too!
So happy, I can now have a healthy version of a Big Mac all the kids loved thisAwesome
This is such a favourite. I recently bought a couple of books which are fabulous but this recipe is my number 1. It ticks all the boxes. So yummy and easy.Delicious!! Thank you!
My new favorite salad bowl.Simple ingredients and quick easy to make.The special sauce is delicious.It is pretty spesh for something so simple isnt it Debbie. I am so glad you enjoyed it and thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review.
Hi Meg, looks yummy but will substitute beef for protein plant based mince or chicken mince, shouldn’t upset the taste too much as i dont eat red meat including pork
I simply fell in love with this keto big mac salad on the first bite, the keto big mac sauce really made the dish deliciously flavorful and scrumptious. This made my keto diet even more easy!That is so awesome Veronica
Thank you for this awesome looking and healthy recipe
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