Big Mac Salad Bowl
Make a big mac salad bowl next time you’re craving a juicy burger, but need to keep things low carb. This keto-friendly meal is even topped with a delicious homemade special sauce just like a classic big mac sauce!
Big Mac Salad Bowl Recipe
It’s been quite a while since I’ve had a traditional big mac, but I have never gotten over that nostalgic flavor. There’s a reason those big mac flavors are so popular! So, I figured I’d capture the classic taste but make it healthier — and so the Big Mac salad bowl was born.
This Keto-friendly big mac salad recipe is topped with homemade special sauce which is really just the perfect finishing touch. Every bite of this protein-packed, leafy green salad is just delicious.
It’s a healthier alternative to those fast food burgers, yet it lacks nothing in the flavor department.
From the flavorful burger meat and tart dill pickles, to the crispy bacon and homemade big mac sauce, this easy recipe is a winner through and through. The whole family loves this dish and it’s fabulous for a quick weeknight meal, especially when I need to get everyone to eat some more veggies.
Serve this big mac bowl with some parsnip fries as a healthier side and you’ll think you’re digging into that classic big mac with crispy french fries. You just won’t regret the calorie count later!
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
You’re going to love these burger bowls:
- There are no funky ingredients in Big Mac bowls! Fast food is full of so many preservatives, fillers and artificial flavors it’s like it’s not even real food. But this easy salad is made with only real food ingredients and better-for-you options.
- This is the perfect way to meal prep keto diet friendly meals. Just prep all of the elements for these bowls then build the salad whenever you’re ready.
- You can have this meal ready in just a half hour! No more worrying about how to get dinner on the table on busy weeknights.
Ingredients
My favorite things about this recipe is the simple ingredients! Here’s a list of everything you need to make a big mac salad:
Burger Bowl Ingredients
- ground beef
- sugar free bacon
- romaine lettuce
- grated cheddar cheese
- sliced dill pickles
- avocado
- red onion
- special sauce
- sesame seeds, garnish
Big Mac Special Sauce Ingredients
- mayo
- ketchup, sugar free
- pickle relish
- onion flakes
- salt
- pepper
Substitutions and Variations
You can use ground turkey or ground chicken to make a more lean version of these big mac bowls!
Not a fan of these salad route? Serve this tasty burger bowl over rice or cauliflower rice instead. It’d also be great over spaghetti squash!
Both homemade avocado mayo and store-bought mayo will work in the special sauce. I’ve got a list of the best Whole30 compliant mayo brands if you need some ideas to look for!
Feel free to use a different type of cheese or omit it altogether for a dairy-free big mac bowl.
Add any toppings you want and customize your bowl however you so choose! There are an endless amount of delicious topping ideas.
Use any kind of lettuce that you enjoy! Mixed greens, spinach, iceberg lettuce — it’ll all be tasty.
Toppings for a Big Mac Bowl
I’m all for the most pickles and onions that my bowl can fit! However, I want you to have the best burger bowl ever. So feel free to add whatever toppings you want to compliment the juicy ground beef and those classic flavors of a big mac. Here’s a few fun ideas:
- fresh tomatoes
- pepperoncini peppers
- air fryer mushrooms
- pickled onions
- caramelized onions
- pico de gallo
How to Make a Big Mac Bowl
Follow these step by step instructions and before you know it you’ll have a low-carb way to enjoy a tasty Big Mac:
Add the ground beef to a large skillet and then cook over medium heat, breaking it apart and turning often until browned. Season lightly with salt and pepper and continue to cook until cooked through, then drain off some of the rendered fat.
Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, or make some tasty air fryer bacon. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate until you’re ready to serve it.
Chop the lettuce, grate the cheese, cut the bacon into bite sized pieces, and then dice the onion. Once the burger bowl elements are ready, then you can make the special sauce. Mix together all the ingredients for the sauce in a small bowl until well combined.
Divide the lettuce among four large bowls and top with beef and all the toppings, sprinkle with sesame seeds, add some secret sauce and enjoy!
How to Store Leftover Big Mac Bowls
For best results, store the elements of the bowls separately. The crisp romaine lettuce can be stored with the other veggies, but transfer the meat and sauce to separate air tight containers. Store the meat for this cheeseburger salad in the fridge for 3-5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Special sauce will last in the fridge for a few weeks. Just make sure you are storing it in an airtight container for the best results!
What to Serve with Big Mac Bowls
While this hamburger salad is a meal all on its own. I do love to pair it with some yummy side dishes. Air fryer potato slices and roasted air fryer baby potatoes are the perfect side dish.
You could go the french fry route too with some sweet potato fries, air fryer frozen french fries, or even potato wedges! And since this is the perfect summer time meal, I love to serve it with an ice cold glass of peach lemonade.
Tips for Success
Make sure to read these simple tips and tricks to ensure your burger salad turns out perfect:
- I know it may seem like a short cut to use thousand island dressing in place of special sauce, but trust me and make the homemade sauce! The flavor is way different and truly makes this bowl come together perfectly.
- Season the ground beef well when cooking so that flavor is infused into every single bite.
- Make sure you wash your lettuce thoroughly before chopping it up to make this big mac salad bowls.
FAQ
Well, the real big mac sauce is full of preservatives and artificial ingredients. However, the basic sauce is made out of a combination of mayo, ketchup, pickle relish and spices. It is super simple to make yourself and tastes way better!
This recipe is low-carb and packed full of protein — not to mention you get tons of different benefits from all of the veggies. It is much healthier than a big mac burger from the drive-thru!
More Burger Inspired Recipes
- Bacon Cheeseburger Nachos
- Air Fryer Burger Bites
- Whole30 Turkey Burgers
- Aloha Burgers with Homemade Teriyaki
Big Mac Bowl with Big Mac Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 slices bacon sugar free if Whole30
- 1 head romaine lettuce
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pickles
- 1 avocado
- 1/4 red onion
- 1/2 cup special sauce see below
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Special Sauce
- 1/3 cup mayo
- 2 tablespoon ketchup sugar free
- 2-3 tablespoon relish Whole30 compliant, if needed
- 1 tablespoon onion flakes
- 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoons pepper
Video
Instructions
Cook the Beef & Bacon
- Add the ground beef to a large skillet. Cook over medium heat, breaking it apart and turning often as it cooks, until browned.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper and continue to cook until cooked through. Optionally, you can drain off some of the rendered fat.
- Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate until you're ready to serve it.
Prep the Salad Ingredients
- Chop the lettuce, grate the cheese, cut the bacon into bite sized pieces, and dice the onion.
Make the Sauce
- Mix together sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
Assemble & Serve
- Divide the lettuce among four large bowls. Top with beef and all the toppings, and sprinkle with sesame seeds, and enjoy!
