If you’ve ever loved the classic Big Mac but crave something fresher, lighter, and packed with protein, you’re in for a real treat with this Big Mac Salad with High-Protein Burger Sauce Recipe. It captures all the iconic flavors you adore—juicy seasoned beef, tangy pickles, sharp cheddar, and that unmistakable burger sauce—without the bun and extra carbs. Plus, with a creamy high-protein sauce made from Greek yogurt, this salad easily turns into a nourishing, crave-worthy meal perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner. Trust me, once you try this vibrant salad, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to dishes for whenever you want that Big Mac magic in a bowl!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white pan with dark green handles holds a layer of raw ground meat spread unevenly across the bottom. The meat is red with specks of black pepper and salt sprinkled on top. The scene is set on a white marbled surface, with parts of white shredded cabbage and red sauce partially visible at the top edges of the image. A bottle of olive oil is to the right, adding a splash of yellow-green color. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward bringing this delicious, hearty salad to life. Each component plays a vital role, contributing not just flavor, but also texture and color that make this Big Mac Salad with High-Protein Burger Sauce Recipe stand out.

1 pound ground beef: The star protein that gives the salad its meaty, satisfying base packed with flavor.
1 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances the beef’s natural taste and balances the overall seasoning perfectly.
½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and warmth to the beef and sauce alike.
1 small head iceberg lettuce (finely chopped): Provides a crisp, refreshing crunch that lightens the dish wonderfully.
¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Offers creamy, tangy notes that melt into every bite.
¼ white onion (finely diced): Brings a sharp, slightly sweet bite that wakes up your taste buds.
½ cup pickle slices: Adds that unmistakable zesty, briny punch true to the Big Mac spirit.
½ cup Greek yogurt: The creamy, high-protein base for the burger sauce, making it healthier and extra luscious.
¼ cup ketchup: Delivers a touch of sweetness and tang in the signature sauce.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Brings subtle heat and complexity to the sauce’s flavor profile.
2 tablespoons dill relish: Infuses the sauce with briny, savory bursts reminiscent of classic burger sauce.
1 clove garlic (grated or finely minced): Adds aromatic depth and a slight bite to awaken each component.
½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Gives the sauce a smoky warmth that complements the beef beautifully.
1 tablespoon Frank’s RedHot Original Hot Sauce (adjust to taste): Adds a subtle heat that lifts the sauce without overpowering it.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Further seasons the sauce to tie all the flavors together.

How to Make Big Mac Salad with High-Protein Burger Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Cook and Season the Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef, seasoning it with the sea salt and black pepper. As it cooks, break the meat apart with a spatula, letting it brown evenly while bubbling with those irresistible savory aromas. Cooking the beef thoroughly and seasoning well here lays the foundation for the whole salad’s rich and hearty flavor.

Step 2: Whisk Together the High-Protein Burger Sauce

While your beef is cooking or after it’s done, grab a bowl and combine the Greek yogurt, ketchup, Dijon mustard, dill relish, grated garlic, smoked paprika, Frank’s RedHot sauce, and black pepper. Whisk everything until smooth and creamy. This sauce is the true highlight of the Big Mac Salad with High-Protein Burger Sauce Recipe—it’s tangy, creamy, with just the right amount of heat, and packs an impressive protein punch thanks to the Greek yogurt.

Step 3: Prep the Veggies and Cheese

Finely chop the iceberg lettuce for that classic crisp crunch, dice the white onion to add a sharp bite, shred your cheddar cheese for pockets of gooey goodness, and slice the pickles for those zesty hits of flavor. These fresh ingredients bring the salad’s texture and balance to life. Mixing them evenly distributes each flavor you love from the Big Mac experience.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve or Store

If you’re eating right away, divide the chopped lettuce, browned beef, shredded cheese, diced onions, and pickle slices into bowls, then drizzle with your homemade burger sauce. Toss gently or layer as you prefer, then dive right in! For meal prep, separate the components into meal containers and store in the fridge, adding the sauce just before eating to keep everything fresh and crisp.

How to Serve Big Mac Salad with High-Protein Burger Sauce Recipe

A white bowl on a white marbled surface contains a mix of ingredients being stirred with a metal whisk. The ingredients form layers: a reddish sauce on the bottom, a creamy white sauce swirled on top, and small green chopped pieces scattered throughout the mixture. Around the bowl, there are other white bowls and containers holding shredded yellow cheese, chopped white onion, shredded cabbage, and pickle slices. The photo is bright and clear, showing different textures in the mixture and the crispness of the vegetables. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Take your salad up a notch by sprinkling extra shredded cheddar or adding freshly cracked black pepper on top. A few extra pickle slices or a drizzle of hot sauce can also bring fun, bold accents. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives can boost freshness and color, making every bite even more inviting.

Side Dishes

While this salad holds its own as a full meal, pairing it with some crunchy veggie sticks or a light soup can round out your dining experience beautifully. A side of steamed green beans or roasted sweet potato wedges complements the savory, tangy notes of the salad perfectly without overshadowing it.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Big Mac Salad with High-Protein Burger Sauce Recipe in lettuce cups or sturdy endive leaves as handheld bites at parties. Alternatively, arrange it layered in a clear glass bowl to showcase the colorful ingredients, tempting everyone with its vibrant appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover salad components in separate airtight containers in your refrigerator to maintain optimal freshness. The cooked beef, chopped lettuce, and crunchy pickles last for about 3 days, while the sauce stays creamy and delicious for up to a week sealed tightly.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so it’s not ideal to freeze the assembled dish. However, you can freeze the cooked seasoned beef on its own for up to 3 months. Just thaw it completely in the fridge before reheating and assembling your salad to preserve flavor and texture.

Reheating

Warm the cooked ground beef gently in a skillet or microwave until just heated through. Avoid overheating, which can dry out the meat. Once warmed, layer it back with fresh salad ingredients and top with the chilled high-protein burger sauce for the perfect bite.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of lettuce in this Big Mac Salad with High-Protein Burger Sauce Recipe?

Absolutely! While iceberg lettuce provides that classic crunch, romaine or butter lettuce also work wonderfully and bring a slightly different texture and flavor. Just be sure to chop it finely for easy eating.

Is there a vegetarian version of the Big Mac Salad with High-Protein Burger Sauce Recipe?

Yes! You can swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles, grilled mushrooms, or seasoned lentils to keep the savory protein element while accommodating vegetarian diets. The high-protein sauce stays the same and complements these alternatives beautifully.

How spicy is the burger sauce, and can I adjust the heat?

The sauce features a mild to moderate kick from the Frank’s RedHot sauce, which you can adjust up or down depending on your tolerance. Feel free to omit it entirely for a milder flavor or add more if you love heat!

Can I prepare the Big Mac Salad with High-Protein Burger Sauce Recipe for meal prep?

Definitely! This recipe shines as a meal prep option. Just store each component separately in containers and combine with sauce when you’re ready to eat. This keeps everything fresh, crisp, and delicious.

What makes the burger sauce high-protein compared to traditional Big Mac sauce?

The secret is Greek yogurt—unlike mayonnaise, it’s packed with protein and adds a creamy, tangy base that’s lighter but still indulgent. This twist keeps the sauce satisfying while boosting its nutritional value.

Final Thoughts

This Big Mac Salad with High-Protein Burger Sauce Recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy all the flavors of a beloved classic burger in a fresh, lighter form that nourishes your body and pleases your palate. The perfect balance of savory beef, crisp veggies, tangy pickles, and that creamy, protein-rich sauce will have you smiling at every forkful. Give it a try—I promise it will become one of your favorite meals to make and share!

Big Mac Salad with High-Protein Burger Sauce Recipe