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If you love the flavors of a Big Mac but don’t love how it leaves you feeling, this lighter Big Mac salad is a great alternative.
You still get the seasoned beef, crunchy lettuce, pickles, cheese and that tangy “special sauce” — just without the bun.
It comes together in about 20 minutes and makes a satisfying lunch or easy dinner when you’re craving something familiar but want to keep things a little lighter.
Why I Love This Big Mac Salad
• All the classic Big Mac flavors without the bun
• Quick and easy to make
• Satisfying and protein-packed
• Easy to customize
• Works for lunch or dinner
Ingredients and Substitutions
Special Sauce
- Light Thousand Island Dressing – A quick shortcut for that classic “special sauce” flavor.
- Minced Onion – Adds a little bite and authenticity.
- Sugar or No-Calorie Sweetener – Balances the tang. Adjust to taste.
- Vinegar – Adds brightness.
Salad
- Extra-Lean Ground Beef – Keeps it lighter while still delivering flavor. Ground turkey or chicken also work well.
- Onion, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt & Pepper – Simple seasoning for the beef.
- Yellow Mustard – Adds that signature burger flavor.
- Shredded Lettuce – Classic base.
- Reduced-Fat Cheddar Cheese – Adds richness without overdoing it.
- Dill Pickles – Essential for that Big Mac flavor.
- Sesame Seeds – A fun nod to the sesame seed bun.
- Optional Add-Ins – Tomatoes, extra mustard, ketchup or onions
Calories and WW Points
According to my calculations, this salad has 316 calories and 4 WW Points.
To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
(You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)
8 PointsPlus (Old plan)
For comparison, a traditional Big Mac has around 590 calories — making this a much lighter way to enjoy those same flavors.
How To Make Skinny Big Mac Salad in a Bowl Step-by-Step…
Step 1: Make the Special Sauce
In a small bowl (affiliate link) stir together light Thousand Island dressing, finely minced onion, granulated white sugar (or a dash of no-calorie sweetener) and vinegar until blended. Set aside while you make the salad.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Bring a skillet sprayed with nonstick spray to medium-high heat. Add beef, onion, and seasonings. Cook and crumble until beef is fully cooked and onions have softened (about 5 minutes).
Remove from the heat. Add mustard and stir until well mixed.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Place lettuce in a large bowl.
Top with the cooked ground beef mixture.
Tips & Variations
- Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken
- Use a veggie burger crumble for a vegetarian version
- Adjust onions to taste (or use green onions for milder flavor)
- Double or triple the recipe for more servings
If you’ve made this Big Mac Salad in a Bowl, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.
Big Mac Salad (Lightened-Up & WW-Friendly)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 tablespoons light Thousand Island Dressing
- 1-1/2 teaspoons finely minced onion
- 1/8 teaspoons granulated sugar (or dash of no calorie sweetener such as Truvia (affiliate link))
- 1/8 teaspoon vinegar
- 4 ounces raw extra-lean ground beef (5% or less fat)
- 1/3 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 3 cups shredded lettuce
- 2 tablespoons reduced fat cheddar cheese
- 1 dill pickle spear sliced or chopped
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Optional toppings:
- chopped tomato, ketchup, yellow mustard, chopped onion, etc.
Instructions
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl (affiliate link), thoroughly mix together the Thousand Island dressing, onion, sugar and vinegar.
- Bring a skillet sprayed with nonstick spray to medium-high heat. Add beef, onion, and seasonings. Cook and crumble for about 5 minutes, until beef is fully cooked and onions have softened.
- Remove skillet from heat. Add mustard, and stir until well mixed.
- Assemble the salad: Place lettuce in a large bowl. Top with the beef mixture, shredded cheese, dill pickles, sesame seeds and any other optional ingredients you like.
- Top with sauce, or serve it on the side.
Notes
(Must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.) 8 PointsPlus (Old plan) I love to top this salad with plenty of juicy chopped tomatoes and an extra drizzle of ketchup and mustard. Although this recipe is written for one serving you could easily double, triple or quadruple the ingredients to feed your family. While I used extra lean ground beef you could always substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer. To make a vegetarian version simply substitute your favorite cooked and crumbled veggie burger or crumbles for the extra lean beef. Either red onion, white onion or yellow onion can be used interchangeably. For a milder flavor, substitute green onion/scallion.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Source: Hungry Girl
Here’s a video showing how to make this easy, healthy satisfying gluten-free Big Mac Attack Burger Bowl Salad…
More Easy WW-Friendly Salad Recipes
- Taco Salad for One – A quick, flavorful salad with seasoned meat and classic taco toppings.
- Cheeseburger Salad – Another burger-inspired salad with simple ingredients and bold flavor.
- Chicken Sausage & Apple Salad – A sweet and savory combination that’s hearty and satisfying.
- Everything Bagel Salmon Salad – A fresh, low-carb salad inspired by bagel and lox flavors.
- Crunchy Tuna Salad– A simple, protein-packed salad with great texture.
It was hard for me to believe that this salad could taste like a Big Mac but it does. This recipe is great. I added extra pickles and tomatoes. Just one modification, I have a healthy homemade thousand island dressing that is make often. I used this salad dressing and it was perfect. Thank you for sharing the recipe.
I do not even know the way I finished up here, but I believed this publish used to be good.
I do not recognise who you might be but certainly you’re going to a
well-known blogger if you are not already. Cheers!
Great salad!!! Will make again!!!
Amazing flavors. I do not like dill pickle so I substituted chopped hot & spicy jalapeños . ??????
So good Never had a Big Mac in my life but this was so good, made my own dressing because I didn’t have any, will make this again for sure
Wow! Really satisfied my craving for a Big Mac without breaking my healthy eating plan?.
The salad was very good and tasted very much like a Big Mac, but was too much food. If I make it again I’ll cook about 1/2 the amount or share it with someone.
Thanks, Wanda!
Excellent!! Don’t even miss the bun!! Thank you?
Absolutely LOVED it! Will definitely make it again….and again!!
Used dash of artificial liquid sweetener, fat free cheddar cheese & fat free salad dressing…..4 freestyle Pts.
Thanks sooooo much!!
Congrats Lavern!