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High Protein Big Mac Salad Bowls - A Lighter Take on a Fast-Food Favorite

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • For the Salad Base: 6 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage (optional for crunch and color)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup finely diced white or yellow onion
  • 1 cup dill pickles, chopped
  • 1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar or your favorite cheese
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for that “sesame bun” vibe)
  • For the Protein: 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef (90–96% lean)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • For the Special Sauce: 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or nonfat)
  • 1/4 cup light mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sugar-free or reduced-sugar ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons finely minced dill pickles or relish
  • 1 tablespoon pickle juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Pinch of salt and pepper

Method
 

  1. Mix the special sauce. In a bowl, whisk yogurt, light mayo, ketchup, mustard, minced pickles, pickle juice, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Adjust sweetness, tang, and salt to taste. Chill while you prep everything else.
  2. Season the beef. In a separate bowl, combine ground beef with onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Don’t overmix—just fold the spices in until combined.
  3. Cook the beef. Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add the beef and break it up with a spatula. Cook 6–8 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat. Taste and add a pinch more salt if needed.
  4. Prep the veggies. Chop the lettuce, dice the onions, halve the tomatoes, and chop the pickles. Keep pieces bite-sized for easy eating. Rinse and pat dry the greens so the salad stays crisp.
  5. Build the bowls. Divide lettuce and cabbage among bowls. Top with warm beef, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and shredded cheese. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
  6. Dress and serve. Spoon the special sauce over the top or serve it on the side. Toss right before eating so the greens don’t wilt.