Big Mac Salad Bowl: Classic Burger Taste, Healthier Twist
Are you a fan of the iconic flavors of a Big Mac but looking for a healthier alternative? Look no further than the Big Mac Salad Bowl! This delightful dish takes all the familiar tastes of a Big Mac and transforms them into a fresh and nutritious salad that’s perfect for any meal.
Packed with lean protein, crisp vegetables, and a homemade tangy special Big Mac sauce, this salad is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation!
What is a Big Mac Salad Bowl? The Big Mac Salad Bowl takes inspiration from the beloved McDonald’s burger but swaps out the bun for a bed of crisp lettuce. Instead of traditional burger toppings, this salad features lean ground beef seasoned to perfection, diced onions, tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and tangy dill pickles. Topping it all off is a creamy and flavorful Big Mac-inspired sauce that ties everything together.
What Makes This Big Mac Salad Bowl Healthy?
One of the key reasons why this Big Mac Salad Bowl is a healthier option is its use of fresh, whole ingredients. By replacing the bun with lettuce, you’re cutting down on refined carbohydrates while still enjoying the satisfying flavors of a classic Big Mac. Additionally, opting for lean ground beef reduces the saturated fat content compared to traditional burger patties. This salad is also rich in vitamins and minerals thanks to the abundance of vegetables it contains.
Why You’ll Love This Big Mac Salad Bowl Recipe
Not only is this Big Mac Salad Bowl a healthier alternative to its namesake burger, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in no time. Plus, the customizable nature of this salad allows you to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
RELATED: Low Sodium Turkey Burrito Salad Bowl – This dish offers all the flavors you crave in a burrito bowl but with a heart healthy lower sodium twist.
Ingredients you’ll need
For the Big Mac Salad
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- Salt, black pepper, and garlic powder for seasoning
- 6 cups shredded romaine or iceberg lettuce
- ½ cup finely diced white onions
- ⅓ cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup finely diced dill pickles
For the Big Mac Sauce
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- ¼ cup dill relish or chopped dill pickles
- 1 tablespoon pickle juice
- 1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika
Be sure to check out the full ingredient list and printable recipe in the recipe card below.
Salad making essentials
ALLIGATOR CHOPPER
Cheese grater
SALAD SPINNER
LEMON SQUEEZER
ELEGANT SALAD BOWL
MASON JARS
How to make this easy Big Mac Salad Bowl
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, seasoning it with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder as it browns. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the meat.
- Assemble the salad ingredients in serving bowls, including the cooked ground beef.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the Big Mac Sauce. Drizzle the sauce over the salads before serving.
Make this Big Mac Salad Bowl, then check out my Montreal Steak Salad with Pears, Cranberries and Honey Mustard Dressing, Roasted Asparagus Caesar Salad, and Classic Waldorf Salad and more of my healthy salad dressing recipes.
TIPS AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Read on for tips and substitution ideas on how to make this recipe, such as how to customize this salad, and how to store this salad.
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute lean ground turkey or chicken for the beef to lighten up the dish even further.
Can I make Big Mac Sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the Big Mac sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use. Just give it a good stir before serving.
Can I add additional toppings to a Big Mac salad?
Of course! Get creative and add your favorite burger toppings such as sliced avocado, crispy bacon, or even a fried egg for extra protein.
Is Big Mac salad suitable for meal prep?
es, you can prepare the components of the salad ahead of time and assemble them when ready to eat. Keep the ingredients separate until serving to maintain freshness.
How do I Store leftover Big Mac Salad?
If you have any leftovers, store the salad components and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The salad will stay fresh for up to 2-3 days, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.
This Big Mac Salad Bowl offers all the delicious flavors of a classic Big Mac in a healthier and more nutritious package. With its simple preparation and customizable ingredients, it’s sure to become a staple in your meal planning rotation. So why not give this recipe a try and enjoy the best of both worlds – indulgent flavor and wholesome ingredients – in every bite!
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12+ Easy Fall Salad Recipes
From vibrant harvest quinoa creations to soul-soothing butternut squash medleys, delve into these tasty fall salads that capture the very essence of fall.
Other Salad Bowl recipes to try
- Low Sodium Turkey Burrito Salad Bowl – This dish offers all the flavors you crave in a burrito bowl but with a heart healthy lower sodium twist.
- Healthy Vegetarian Southwestern Quinoa Bowl – This vibrant dish is a symphony of textures and tastes, combining fluffy quinoa with black beans, corn, colorful bell peppers, and zesty spices. Topped with creamy avocado slices and a splash of fresh lime, this bowl is a nutritious and satisfying meal choice that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
- Vegan Buddha Bowl with Peanut Dressing – This colorful and flavorful bowl is packed with fresh veggies, and a creamy, homemade peanut sauce that will have you licking your plate clean. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and sure to satisfy your taste buds and your hunger.
- Autumn Harvest Quinoa Power Bowl with Maple Balsamic Dressing – This hearty bowl is a celebration of seasonal flavors, featuring a wholesome grain base of quinoa cooked to perfection, roasted butternut squash and Brussels sprouts with a hint of thyme, and a vibrant mix of baby spinach, chickpeas, cranberries, pecans, and feta cheese.
Big Mac Salad Bowl Recipe
This Big Mac Salad Bowl offers all the delicious flavors of a classic Big Mac in a healthier and more nutritious package. With its simple preparation and customizable ingredients, it's sure to become a staple in your meal planning rotation. So why not give this recipe a try and enjoy the best of both worlds – indulgent flavor and wholesome ingredients – in every bite!
Ingredients
For the Big Mac Salad:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 6 cups shredded romaine (or iceberg) lettuce
- ½ cup finely diced white onions
- ⅓ cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup finely diced dill pickles
For the Big Mac Sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- ¼ cup dill relish (or ¼ cup chopped dill pickle chips and 1 tablespoon pickle juice)
- 1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, crumbling the beef as it browns. Season the meat with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Drain the meat well.
- Arrange the ingredients for the salads in serving bowls. Add the cooked beef to the bowl.
- For the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the sauce. Serve over the salad.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 416Total Fat: 29gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 109mgSodium: 976mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 1gSugar: 4gProtein: 31g
The provided nutrition information is an estimate and it does not take brands into account. I use an automatic API to calculate this information.
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