Craving a Big Mac but want something healthier? This High Protein Big Mac Cheeseburger Salad Recipe is the answer. It’s packed with juicy beef, cheese, crunchy veggies, and a tangy sauce—everything you love about a Big Mac, minus the carbs. This salad is a protein-packed (with up to 50 grams of protein!), lower-carb twist on a classic favorite that’ll keep you full and satisfied without the guilt. Perfect for a quick lunch or a tasty dinner, it’s a fun way to enjoy all the Big Mac flavors you crave in a fresh, healthier way.

This Big Mac Cheeseburger Salad is a staple in our house. My husband asks me to make it pretty often, and I’ve officially convinced my toddler that he likes it also! (He’s big on pickles these days.)

While not every version of Big Mac Salad (there are a lot out there) are the healthiest or the highest in protein, this version allows you that opportunity! I’ve written this recipe in a way that allows you to prepare it in a more indulgent way or a more health conscious way. You choose how you’d like to try it!

What ingredients are necessary to prepare High Protein Big Mac Cheeseburger Salad?

High Protein Version (45g):

1 lb Lean Ground Turkey
1/2 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Black Pepper
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
1/2 tsp Onion Powder
1/4 tsp Ground Mustard
1 tbsp Low Sugar Ketchup
2 tsp Yellow Mustard
1/2 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese, divided
4-6 cups Green Leaf Lettuce, chopped
1 cup Cherry Tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup Dill Pickles, diced
1/4 cup Yellow Onion, minced
2 tbsp White Sesame Seeds, toasted

Homemade High Protein Big Mac Sauce:

1/2 cup Plain Greek Yogurt
2 tsp White Vinegar
1 tsp Granulated Sugar (or sugar substitute)
2 tsp Low Sugar Ketchup
1 tsp Yellow Mustard
2 tbsp Dill Pickles, minced
2 tbsp Yellow Onion, minced
1 tbsp Dill Pickle Brine (from the jar)
1/2 tsp Paprika
1/4 tsp Black Pepper

Regular Version (still pretty high at 40g):

1 lb Lean Ground Beef
1/2 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Black Pepper
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
1/2 tsp Onion Powder
1/4 tsp Ground Mustard
1 tbsp Ketchup
2 tsp Yellow Mustard
1/2 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese, divided
4-6 cups Green Leaf Lettuce, chopped
1 cup Cherry Tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup Dill Pickles, diced
1/4 cup Yellow Onion, minced
2 tbsp White Sesame Seeds, toasted

Homemade Big Mac Sauce:

1/2 cup Mayonaise
2 tsp White Vinegar
1 tsp Granulated Sugar
2 tsp Ketchup
1 tsp Yellow Mustard
2 tbsp Dill Pickles, minced
2 tbsp Yellow Onion Minced
1 tbsp Dill Pickle Brine (from the jar)
1/2 tsp Paprika
1/4 tsp Black Pepper

Is there any equipment necessary for preparing High Protein Big Mac Cheeseburger Salad?

Just a great big bowl to toss everything in!
You’d also benefit from a cutting board for chopping. This one’s awesome!

How to prepare High Protein Big Mac Cheeseburger Salad?

Start with preparing the Homemade High Protein Big Mac Sauce by combining all of the listed ingredients in a small bowl and stir. Set aside.

Brown the ground meat, seasoning with the salt and pepper. Drain and add the garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, ketchup, and mustard. Stir to combine.
Add half of the shredded cheddar cheese and melt slightly, stirring into the meat. Remove the meat from the heat and prepare the salad.
Combine the lettuce, onions, tomatoes, and pickles in a large bowl.
Pour over browned beef, sprinkle in remaining cheese.
Either dress the serving bowl with the big mac sauce, or let your guests dress their salads themselves.
Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and enjoy!

Storage:

If you are meal prepping this salad, I encourage you to store the salad components, beef, and big mac sauce separately. I enjoy the beef in this salad slightly warm, so storing them separately will allow you to heat the beef and make sure your lettuce doesn’t wilt while stored!

I love these layered salad meal prep containers for taking salads on the go!