High-Protein Big Mac Salad
High-Protein Big Mac Salad
All the burger toppings in a bowl — high protein, low carb, and ready in 25 minutes
This high-protein Big Mac salad skips the bun and keeps the flavor. Seasoned ground beef, shredded lettuce, pickles, tomato, red onion, cheddar, and a creamy special sauce land in one bowl. Each serving delivers 38 g of protein and 7 g net carbs.
High protein, low carb, and faster than a drive-thru run.
Why you’ll love this salad
- 38g protein per serving
- Only 7g net carbs
- No bun and no sesame seeds
- Ready in about 25 minutes
- Classic pickle-and-sauce flavor
- Easy to meal-prep the beef
Health notes
- High protein: Lean ground beef and cheddar carry the bowl.
- Low carb: Lettuce replaces the bun.
- Sauce control: A homemade special sauce skips extra sugar.
- Fresh crunch: Pickles and onion keep it from feeling heavy.
Key element — dress just before serving
The special sauce wilts lettuce if it sits. Build the bowl, then drizzle the sauce at the table so the greens stay crisp.
Ingredients
Salad (4 servings)
- 1½ lb (680g) lean ground beef
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 8 cups chopped iceberg or romaine
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- ¾ cup sliced dill pickles
- 1 cup diced tomato
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
Special sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp sugar-free ketchup
- 1 Tbsp dill pickle relish or finely chopped pickle
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- ½ tsp vinegar
- ½ tsp paprika
- Pinch of salt
Swaps
- Higher protein: Use extra-lean beef and add extra cheddar.
- Turkey: Ground turkey works the same way.
- Lighter sauce: Replace half the mayo with Greek yogurt.
- No tomato: Add extra pickle and onion.
Instructions
| 1 | Cook the beef. Brown the ground beef, drain extra fat, and season with salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cool slightly so it doesn’t wilt the lettuce. |
| 2 | Make the sauce. Whisk mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, mustard, vinegar, paprika, and salt until smooth. |
| 3 | Build the bowl. Add lettuce, then beef, cheddar, pickles, tomato, and red onion. |
| 4 | Dress and serve. Drizzle the special sauce over the top and toss at the table. |
Pro tips
- Chop the lettuce small so every bite has sauce and beef.
- Cool the beef 3–4 minutes before it hits the greens.
- Dill pickles beat sweet pickles for that burger taste.
- Keep sauce on the side if you are packing lunch.
- A pinch of smoked paprika in the sauce deepens the flavor.
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein | 38g |
| Net carbohydrates | 7g |
| Total carbohydrates | 9g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Total fat | 26g |
| Sodium | 780mg |
Estimates based on lean ground beef, cheddar, pickles, and special sauce, divided into 4 servings. Exact numbers vary with beef fat content and how much sauce you use.
Variations
Cheeseburger deluxe
Add extra cheddar and a few slices of cooked bacon.
Spicy
Stir hot sauce into the special sauce.
Bowl meal-prep
Pack lettuce, toppings, beef, and sauce in separate containers.
No-cook leftover
Use leftover cooked burger patties, chopped.
Storage
| Method | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beef | Up to 4 days | Refrigerate separately |
| Sauce | Up to 5 days | Covered in the fridge |
| Assembled salad | Same day | Dress just before eating |
FAQ
Test your knowledge
5 quick questions about this Big Mac salad
1. Protein per serving?
2. Net carbs per serving?
3. When should you add the sauce?
4. About how long does this take?
5. Best way to store leftovers?
