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30 Minutes or Less

5-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Pizza Bagels (high-protein & gluten-free!)

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close up image of cottage cheese pizza bagels on a baking sheet.

There’s just something about a pizza bagel that takes me straight back to the year 2003. Fun fact: pizza bagels were the first thing I learned how to “cook.” The frozen ones, of course. My mom showed me how to pop them in the toaster oven, what setting to cook them on, and in just a few minuets I had the most delicious little lunch! These cottage cheese pizza bagels are just as good as I remember the frozen ones being – just a grown-up, higher-protein, & gluten-free version! A simple three-ingredient bagel dough made from blended cottage cheese and flour is baked until golden, then sliced open, topped with pizza sauce, melty cheese, and pepperoni, and broiled until bubbly.

What I love most about this recipe is how insanely simple the bagel dough is. No yeast, no boiling, no rising time, no kneading machine – just cottage cheese, flour, and baking powder mixed into a dough and baked. The cottage cheese melts completely into the dough as it bakes, adding protein and moisture without any detectable cottage cheese flavor. If you’re already a fan of my Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust or Cottage Cheese Wrap, these pizza bagels are going straight to the top of your list!

pulling apart a cottage cheese pizza bagel.

Why You’ll Love These Cottage Cheese Pizza Bagels

  • Just 5 ingredients – and they taste like the real thing. Cottage cheese bagel dough topped with pizza sauce, shredded cheese, and pepperoni. That’s the whole recipe, and it genuinely tastes like the pizza bagels you grew up on, with a serious protein upgrade.
  • Higher in protein than regular bagels. Thanks to the cottage cheese in the dough, these bagels have significantly more protein than anything you’d find at a bakery or grab from a box. It’s an easy, sneaky protein boost that nobody will ever taste.
  • Easily made gluten-free. Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and you’ve got a completely gluten-free pizza bagel that nobody will know the difference on. I used gluten-free all-purpose flour and they came out perfect!

Sam’s Recipe Tips

  • Start with 1½ cups of cottage cheese, then add more if needed. The amount of cottage cheese you need can vary depending on the brand, fat percentage, and how much liquid it contains. Start with 1½ cups, mix it into the flour, and check the dough consistency. If it’s too dry or crumbly, add more cottage cheese a tablespoon at a time until it comes together into a smooth, workable dough.
  • Don’t skip the cooling time after baking. I know it’s tempting to slice right into the fresh-baked bagels, but letting them cool for at least 20 minutes is essential. The interior needs that time to fully set, slicing too early results in a gummy, doughy center that doesn’t hold up to toppings. Trust the process!
  • Watch the broiler closely. The pizza bagels go from perfectly bubbly to burnt very quickly under the broiler. Stay close to the oven and check every 30 seconds after the first minute. The moment the cheese is melted and starting to bubble and brown, pull them out!
  • Make the bagels ahead. The plain baked bagels (before the pizza topping) store beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the freezer for up to 1 month. Toast from frozen, add your toppings, and broil – fresh pizza bagels in minutes!
overhead image of cottage cheese pizza bagels on a baking sheet.

Flavor Variations & Topping Options

The pizza bagel is just the beginning – this cottage cheese bagel dough is endlessly versatile!

🧅 Everything Bagel Before baking, brush the bagels with egg wash and sprinkle generously with everything bagel seasoning. Serve with cream cheese or smoked salmon and capers – a classic!

🧄 Garlic Parmesan Brush the baked bagels with garlic butter (melted butter + garlic powder + a pinch of salt) and sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan. Broil for 1–2 minutes until golden and fragrant.

🫙 White Pizza Swap the pizza sauce for a creamy white sauce (ricotta, olive oil, and garlic), then top with mozzarella, fresh spinach, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Broil until bubbly.

🍕 BBQ Chicken Spread BBQ sauce instead of pizza sauce, then top with shredded rotisserie chicken, mozzarella, and thinly sliced red onion.

🌶️ Spicy Arrabbiata Use a spicy arrabbiata sauce instead of regular pizza sauce, top with mozzarella and Italian sausage crumbles, and finish with fresh basil after broiling.

Sweet Variations:

  • Cinnamon Sugar – Mix cinnamon and sugar and sprinkle over the baked bagels while still warm, then drizzle with a simple glaze.
  • Blueberry & Cream Cheese – Spread with cream cheese and top with fresh blueberries and a drizzle of honey for a sweet bagel option.

Made this recipe? I’d love to see it! Tag me on Instagram @samdoesherbest or TikTok @samdoesherbest – I repost my favorites! And if you loved it, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and written review below. It means the world and helps other readers find this recipe!

close up image of cottage cheese pizza bagels on a baking sheet.
5 from 1 vote

5-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Pizza Bagels

These cottage cheese pizza bagels are a high-protein, easily gluten-free twist on the classic childhood favorite! Made with a simple three-ingredient cottage cheese bagel dough, topped with pizza sauce, melty cheese, and pepperoni, then broiled until perfectly bubbly. No yeast, no boiling, no complicated steps – just blend, mix, bake, and top for a fun, satisfying lunch or snack that comes together in under 30 minutes!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6 bagels

Equipment

  • 1 food processor or high speed blender
  • 1 medium bowl
  • 1 baking sheet

Ingredients

For the bagels:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour I used gluten-free all purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 – 2 cups cottage cheese

For the pizza topping:

  • 1/2 cup pizza sauce
  • 1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend or mozzarella
  • pepperoni optional

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Blend cottage cheese until completely smooth.
  • Mix flour and baking powder together, then add blended cottage cheese and mix until a dough forms. Add more cottage cheese if the dough is too dry.
  • Divide dough into 6 balls, poke holes through each, and shape into bagels. Place on prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake for 20–22 minutes until golden brown. Cool for at least 20 minutes.
  • Slice each bagel open and place cut-side up. Spread pizza sauce on each half, top with cheese and pepperoni.
  • Broil for 1–3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Enjoy!

Notes

Nutritional info is for one whole bagel with toppings.
  • Start with 1½ cups cottage cheese and add more if the dough is too dry.
  • Let the bagels cool at least 20 minutes before slicing — this prevents a gummy interior.
  • Watch the broiler closely — the cheese can go from bubbly to burnt quickly!
  • Store plain baked bagels in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.
  • For gluten-free, use a 1:1 GF flour blend. Avoid almond or coconut flour.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bagel | Calories: 195kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 6g | Fiber: 1g
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Gluten-Free

2-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Wrap (high-protein, low-carb!)

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cottage cheese wrap halves stacked on a plate.

Say hello to your new favorite high-protein, low-carb lunch — the cottage cheese wrap. Two ingredients, a blender, a sheet pan, and 30 minutes in the oven is all that stands between you and a soft, pliable, protein-packed wrap that you’d never guess is made from cottage cheese and eggs. No flour, totally gluten-free, & NO complicated steps. Just blend, pour, bake, and fill with absolutely anything you love. I’ve been making these on repeat and they have completely changed my lunch game.

Just like my Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust and Cottage Cheese Alfredo, the magic here is that once the cottage cheese is blended smooth and baked, you genuinely can’t even taste it! What you get instead is a mild, slightly savory wrap with a soft, flexible texture that holds up beautifully to any filling. It’s one of those viral recipes that actually lives up to the hype. And with how much protein is packed into each wrap, it’s one of the most satisfying lunches you’ll add to your rotation!

Why You’ll Love This 2-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Wrap

  • Just 2 ingredients, and they’re pantry staples. Cottage cheese and eggs. That’s the whole recipe. Season it however you like, fill it with whatever you have, and you’ve got a complete, high-protein meal in under 40 minutes.
  • High-protein, low-carb, and low-calorie. Each wrap packs a serious amount of protein with minimal carbs and calories, making this one of the most macro-friendly lunch options out there. It’s gluten-free too!
  • Incredibly versatile. This wrap works with virtually any filling – savory or sweet, breakfast or lunch, simple or loaded. Once you have the base down, the possibilities are truly endless.
close up image holding half a cottage cheese wrap.

How Much Protein Is In This Wrap?

Each cottage cheese wrap contains approximately 20-25 grams of protein from the cottage cheese and eggs alone, before you even add any fillings! For reference, a standard flour tortilla contains just 3–4 grams of protein and around 25 grams of carbs. This wrap flips that completely. Add a protein-rich filling like turkey, chicken, eggs, or tuna, and you can easily hit 40-50+ grams of protein in a single meal. It’s genuinely one of the most efficient high-protein, low-carb lunches you can make!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cottage cheese – Full-fat (4%) cottage cheese gives the richest flavor and the best texture, but 2% works well too. The cottage cheese is blended completely smooth, so you truly cannot taste it – just a mild, slightly creamy base. Use your favorite brand!
  • 2 eggs – Bind everything together and give the wrap its structure and flexibility. Make sure to blend them thoroughly with the cottage cheese for the smoothest batter possible.
  • ½ teaspoon dried herbs, seasonings, and/or spices – Totally customizable! Everything bagel seasoning, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill. Use whatever matches your planned fillings. This is also optional, the wrap is delicious even with no added seasoning.

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch sheet pan with parchment paper, making sure the parchment goes all the way to the edges.
  2. Add the cottage cheese, eggs, and any dried herbs or seasonings to a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth with no lumps or curds remaining — about 60 seconds on high.
  3. Pour the blended cottage cheese mixture onto the prepared sheet pan and spread it into an even, thin layer, reaching all the way to the edges of the parchment.
  4. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the wrap is set, lightly golden around the edges, and no longer wet-looking in the center.
  5. Remove from the oven and let the wrap cool completely on the pan before carefully lifting it out and peeling the parchment paper off the back. Fill with your chosen fillings, wrap it up, and enjoy!

Sam’s Recipe Tips

  • Let it cool completely before peeling. This is the most important step! If you try to peel the wrap while it’s still warm, it will tear and fall apart. Give it a full 10–15 minutes at room temperature, patience makes all the difference here!
  • Spread the batter thin and even. The thinner and more even the layer, the better the final wrap. A thick, uneven wrap will have patches that are harder to roll and may crack. Take an extra minute to spread all the way to the edges.
  • Match your seasoning to your filling. Italian seasoning or garlic powder works beautifully with a Mediterranean-style filling. Everything bagel seasoning is perfect for a deli-style turkey wrap. Cumin and chili powder pairs well with a taco-style filling. The wrap itself is a blank canvas!
  • Don’t skip the parchment paper. The wrap bakes directly on the parchment – without it, you won’t be able to lift it off the pan cleanly. Use a good quality parchment paper that lies flat to the edges of the pan.
close up image of cottage cheese wrap halves stacked on a plate.

Flavor Variations & Filling Options

Seasoning Variations for the Wrap:

  • Everything Bagel – 1 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning
  • Italian – ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning + ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Taco – 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
  • Dill & Onion – ½ teaspoon dried dill + ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • Plain – no seasoning at all, perfect as a neutral base for any filling!

Savory Filling Ideas:

  • 🥗 Chicken Caesar: 1 cup cooked chopped chicken, 1 cup chopped romaine, 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese, and 3 tablespoons caesar dressing – a complete, high-protein lunch with over 50 grams of protein!
  • 🥙 Classic Deli: sliced turkey, romaine, tomato, cucumber, and avocado
  • 🥗 Mediterranean: roasted red peppers, kalamata olives, cucumber, feta, and tzatziki
  • 🌮 Taco Style: seasoned ground beef or chicken, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, shredded cheese, and sour cream
  • 🥚 Breakfast: scrambled eggs, turkey bacon, cheddar cheese, and avocado
  • 🐟 Tuna Salad: classic tuna salad with celery, red onion, and a squeeze of lemon

Sweet Filling Ideas:

  • 🍓 Berry & Cream: fresh strawberries, blueberries, and a dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream
  • 🍌 Banana PB: sliced banana, natural peanut butter, and a drizzle of honey
  • 🍎 Apple Cinnamon: thinly sliced apple, almond butter, and a sprinkle of cinnamon
cottage cheese wrap halves stacked on a plate.
5 from 1 vote

2-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Wrap (20g+ protein!)

This cottage cheese wrap is a 2-ingredient, high-protein, low-carb alternative to a regular flour tortilla! Each wrap packs over 20 grams of protein and just 5 grams of carbs, making it one of the most macro-friendly lunches you'll ever make. If you're looking for an easy and delicious lunch that'll keep you full for hours, this is it!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 1 serving

Equipment

  • 1 blender or food processor
  • 1 9×13-inch baking sheet

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried herbs seasoning and/or spices (optional)

For the chicken caesar wrap filling:

  • 1 cup cooked chicken chopped
  • 1 cup chopped romaine
  • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
  • 3 tablespoons caesar dressing

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch sheet pan with parchment paper.
  • Blend the cottage cheese, eggs, and seasonings until completely smooth.
  • Pour onto the prepared sheet pan and spread into a thin, even layer.
  • Bake for 30–35 minutes until set and lightly golden around the edges.
  • Let cool completely, then carefully peel off the parchment. Fill, wrap, and enjoy!

To make the chicken caesar wrap:

  • Add the chicken, romaine, parmesan cheese, and caesar dressing to a bowl and toss to coat. Then, pour the filling mixture on top of the wrap, roll it up, and enjoy!

Notes

Nutrition info is just for the wrap, without any filling.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 200kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 11g | Sugar: 3g
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30 Minutes or Less

Meal Prep Turkey Club Chopped Salads

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overhead image of a meal prep turkey club chopped salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This meal prep turkey club chopped salad is high in protein, full of fresh vegetables, and so satisfying. It’s a healthier twist on a classic club sandwich, without the bread, but with all the same delicious flavors. With just a few minutes of prep, you’ll have lunches ready for the whole week.

meal prep turkey club chopped salad in a glass container.

How Do I Meal Prep These Salads?

The key to keeping your salads fresh is layering and storing properly. Place sturdier ingredients like lettuce and tomato on the bottom, and keep softer toppings like avocado separate until you’re ready to eat. Store the salads in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the fridge, and add your favorite dressing just before serving to keep everything crisp.

overhead image of a meal prep turkey club chopped salad.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

  • Swap the protein: Use grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even tuna for variety.
  • Make it vegetarian: Skip the bacon and turkey and add chickpeas or hard-boiled eggs for plant-based protein.
  • Change up the dressing: Ranch, balsamic vinaigrette, honey mustard, or a light Greek yogurt dressing all pair perfectly.
  • Add extra crunch: Toss in cucumbers, bell peppers, or sunflower seeds.
overhead image of a meal prep turkey club chopped salad.
No ratings yet

Meal Prep Turkey Club Chopped Salads

This Turkey Club Chopped Salad is the ultimate high-protein meal prep recipe, made with fresh romaine, turkey, bacon, avocado, and tomato. It’s quick, easy, and customizable, so you’ll have healthy lunches ready for the entire week in just minutes. Skip the takeout and enjoy a satisfying, flavor-packed salad that keeps you full and energized!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • romaine lettuce chopped
  • tomato diced
  • green onion thinly sliced
  • avocado chopped
  • bacon cooked and crumbled
  • deli turkey chopped
  • deli ham chopped, optional

Instructions

  • Wash and chop all salad ingredients, keeping avocado separate until ready to eat to prevent browning.
  • Divide the romaine evenly into 4 airtight meal prep containers.
  • Top each with tomato, green onion, turkey, bacon, and ham if using.
  • When ready to serve, add chopped avocado and your favorite dressing. Toss and enjoy!
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30 Minutes or Less

3-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust

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overhead image of cottage cheese pizza crust with sauce and cheese on top.

The cottage cheese craze finally got to me! It started a few months ago with my 5-ingredient cottage cheese cookie dough which shocked me (and many of you!) with just how GOOD it is. Now we’ve moved onto a savory cottage cheese recipe, in the form of pizza! This cottage cheese pizza crust is just as light and crisp as your favorite pizza crust, but packs in a bonus 20 grams (!!!) of protein per serving. It’s also made with just 3 simple ingredients. Homemade pizza dough has truly never been easier (or healthier)!

a slice of cottage cheese pizza crust being lifted up.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This 3-ingredient cottage cheese pizza crust is soft, slightly chewy, and packs in extra protein with every slice. Made with just cottage cheese, flour, and baking powder, it’s a simple and satisfying base for your favorite pizza toppings. Whether you’re using a pizza oven or a standard oven, this recipe comes together fast and can be made gluten-free too!

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of cottage cheese works best in this recipe?
Use full-fat or low-fat cottage cheese for best results—both blend smoothly and add richness. Make sure to blend it well until completely smooth for the ideal dough texture. I’ve used both the good culture cottage cheese and organic valley cottage cheese to make this pizza, and both turned out great!

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?
Greek yogurt can work in a pinch, but the dough will be slightly more wet and may need additional flour. For best results and structure, stick with cottage cheese.

overhead image of cottage cheese pizza crust ingredients - baking powder, gluten-free all purpose flour, and cottage cheese.

Sam’s Recipe Tips

  • Blend it smooth: Don’t skip blending the cottage cheese. It ensures your dough is cohesive and easier to work with.
  • Grease that surface: Whether using a pizza stone or parchment-lined baking sheet, lightly greasing helps the crust crisp up and prevents sticking.
  • Get creative: Top with your favorite sauces, veggies, or even extra protein like grilled chicken or turkey pepperoni for a balanced meal.
  • Make it gluten-free: Use a high-quality gluten-free 1:1 flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free without compromising texture.
overhead image of cottage cheese pizza crust with sauce and cheese on top.
5 from 4 votes

3-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust

This cottage cheese pizza crust is a higher-protein, healthier alternative to traditional pizza dough! With only three simple ingredients and the option to make it gluten-free, it's the perfect customizable base for your favorite homemade pizza. Whether you're after a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal, this recipe has everything you need to land in your weekly rotation!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 2 servings

Equipment

  • 1 food processor or high speed blender
  • 1 large bowl
  • 1 large baking sheet

Ingredients

For the cottage cheese pizza crust:

  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1 cup all purpose flour (I used gluten-free all purpose flour)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

For topping:

  • 1/4 cup pizza sauce
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese
  • Whatever toppings you'd like!

Instructions

If using a standard oven:

  • Preheat your oven to 450° Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then lightly grease the top of the parchment paper with oil.
  • Add the cottage cheese to a blender or food processor and blend until completely smooth.
  • Mix together the all purpose flour and baking powder in a large bowl, then add in the cottage cheese and mix (you might need to use your hands) until it comes together into a ball of dough.
    Cottage-Cheese-Pizza-Crust-Step-2
  • Transfer the dough to your prepared baking sheet and press/roll it into a 12-inch circle.
    Cottage-Cheese-Pizza-Crust-Step-3
  • Place the pizza crust in the oven and par-bake for 10-12 minutes, then remove it from the oven and add your toppings.
    Cottage-Cheese-Pizza-Crust-Step-4
  • Turn the oven to high broil then pop the pizza back into the oven for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
    Cottage-Cheese-Pizza-Crust-Step-5

If using a pizza oven:

  • Preheat your pizza oven to New York-style (635°Fahrenheit).
  • Add the cottage cheese to a blender or food processor and blend until completely smooth.
  • Mix together the all purpose flour and baking powder in a large bowl, then add in the cottage cheese and mix (you might need to use your hands) until it comes together into a ball of dough.
  • Lightly grease your pizza stone with oil, then transfer the dough to the stone and press/roll it into a 12-inch circle.
  • Place the pizza crust into the oven and par-bake for 6 minutes, then remove it from the oven and add your toppings.
  • Place the pizza oven on broil, then pop the pizza back into the oven for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

Nutrition info does not include pizza sauce, cheese, or toppings.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 300kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 3g | Sugar: 2g
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30 Minutes or Less

Healthy Big Mac Salad

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big mac salad in a bowl with sesame seeds on top.

I’m the self-proclaimed salad QUEEN, and am thrilled to add this big mac salad to my resume. File it right under my Jennifer Aniston salad, buffalo chicken salad, and Kardashian salad. I have a high criteria when it comes to salads, they must be three things – filling, easy, and DELICIOUS. And this big mac salad checks all of those boxes!

And I can’t forget my favorite part – it’s perfect for meal prep. Because if there’s one thing I don’t have time for as a busy work from home mom, it’s making lunch. So I make this big mac on Sunday, portion it into 4 containers and store the big mac sauce dressing separately. Then, when I need a quick ready-to-go lunch, I simply add the dressing and dive in!

overhead image of healthy big mac salad in a bowl.

Healthy Big Mac Salad Ingredients

Ground Beef: Ground beef serves as the hearty base of this salad, providing protein and savory flavor. Opt for lean ground beef for a healthier option.

Dill Pickles: Tangy and crisp dill pickles add a burst of flavor and texture to the salad, reminiscent of the classic Big Mac sandwich.

Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese adds richness and creaminess to the salad, complementing the other ingredients perfectly.

Mayo: Mayo is the key ingredient in the Big Mac sauce salad dressing, bringing the whole dish together!

Tips and Tricks

  • Adjust the ingredients in the Big Mac sauce dressing to suit your taste preferences. Add more ketchup for sweetness, extra relish for tanginess, or a dash of vinegar for acidity.
  • Save time by preparing the dressing and cooking the ground beef in advance. Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the salad.
  • Feel free to customize your Big Mac salad with additional toppings like diced onions, crumbled bacon, or avocado slices for added flavor and texture.
healthy big mac salad in a bowl with big mac sauce salad dressing on the side.

Adjust This Recipe To Your Dietary Needs

Make it Dairy-Free: To make this recipe dairy-free, simply omit the shredded cheddar cheese or replace it with your favorite dairy-free alternative. I used the Violife vegan cheddar shreds in my salad!

Make it Keto/Low-Carb: For a keto big mac salad, swap out the ketchup in the big mac sauce salad dressing with a sugar-free alternative and adjust the quantity of tomatoes to reduce carb content while still enjoying the classic flavors.

big mac salad in a bowl with sesame seeds on top.
5 from 2 votes

Healthy Big Mac Salad

This big mac salad tastes just like a big mac, without the bun! Ground beef, crisp lettuce, tangy pickles, and creamy cheddar cheese are tossed together with a homemade big mac sauce dressing for a satisfying meal. Enjoy the iconic taste of a big mac in a lighter, healthier salad that’s perfect for lunch or dinner!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 6 cups romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 red or white onion, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 cup tomatoes (any kind), chopped
  • 1/2 cup sliced dill pickles

For the big mac sauce salad dressing:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon relish, or finely minced pickles
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar, or apple sider vinegar
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  • Make the dressing but adding all big mac sauce salad dressing ingredients to a small bowl and whisk together to combine. Taste and adjust any seasoning as desired.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once pan is hot, add in the ground beef, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Break meat up into small pieces and cook until no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Remove cooked ground beef from the heat and set aside while you assemble your salad.
  • Add the chopped lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced onion, chopped tomatoes, chopped dill pickles, and cooked ground beef to a large bowl. Pour dressing over the salad and toss to combine, then enjoy immediately.
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