This Healthy Loaded Burger Bowl is easy and quick to make. The perfect healthy dinner, this salad bowl is nutritious and refreshing. This Big Mac Bowl tastes exactly like the classic burger but it is healthy, keto and, vegan. This recipe is the perfect dinner to make when those cravings are hitting.
*Originally published July 20, 2021 and updated with new copy and photos 1/23/22.
One of my favorite things to eat is a big and hearty salad. I'm not talking about those wimpy salads that are marketed as healthy but don't contain enough to fill you up. I am talking about those salads that are so big, so hearty that you can't finish the whole thing and it genuinely turns into an entire meal. Those are the salads that I am talking about. This Healthy Loaded Keto Burger Bowl is exactly that. It is huge, it is filling and it is delicious. This salad bowl tastes just like a deconstructed cheeseburger from your favorite fast-food restaurant. I could eat this salad every day and be so happy.
Check out some other delicious salad recipes like this BBQ Ranch Taco Salad or this Vegan Buffalo Ranch Tempeh Salad
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Why Is This Keto Burger Bowl The Best?
- Vegan- This Keto Burger Bowl isn't just delicious, it is vegan as well! It can be a challenge to enjoy food that is both Vegan and Keto, however, this burger bowl hits all the right spots. Made with impossible meat, you still get that delicious burger taste with the plus of being entirely plant-based!
- 6.4 Net Carbs- This burger bowl is only 6.4 grams of net carbs and makes 6 large servings. It is the perfect dinner for the whole family to enjoy and deliciously low in carbs. Perfect for those practicing a ketogenic diet.
- Special Sauce- The best part about this burger bowl is the special sauce. Think about the sauce that you get on a delicious and juicy In-N-Out Burger. Kind of like a mix between Thousand Island and Mayonnaise. It is totally delicious and really brings this burger bowl to the next level.
Ingredient Notes
- Romaine Lettuce- The base for this burger bowl is romaine lettuce. I like romaine lettuce because it is a sturdy lettuce that holds up well with the other ingredients. Feel free to use whatever lettuce you like the best.
- Impossible Meat- The "hamburger" portion of this burger bowl is made from Impossible Meat. There are 18 grams of carbs in 1lb of impossible meat, however, there are six servings in this recipe so that equates to 3 grams of carbs per serving.
- Dill Pickles- The dill pickles add the perfect crunch factor and help to add some tang to the secret sauce.
- Sugar-Free BBQ sauce- I have found that Impossible Meat, like regular ground beef, on its own can be pretty bland. I like to add some sugar-free BBQ sauce when cooking the vegan meat to give it some extra flavor. This is my favorite keto-friendly BBQ sauce.
- Sugar-Free Ketchup- The other key ingredient to the secret sauce is sugar-free ketchup. You can also substitute it for tomato paste if you don't have compliant ketchup on hand. This is my favorite ketogenic ketchup.
See the recipe card for the full ingredient list and quantities.
Instructions
How To Make the Special Sauce
- Combine the vegan mayonnaise, ketchup, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, diced dill pickles, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl. Stir to combine.
- Set aside until ready to use
How to Assemble the Burger Bowls
- Dice and wash the romaine lettuce.
- Cook the Impossible Meat until browned through.
- Finely slice the dill pickles and red onion. Halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Layer the lettuce and then top with the Impossible Meat, tomatoes, pickles, and onions and then toss with the secret sauce.
- Serve Immediately
Hint: I love using this chopper to make chopping a breeze.
Substitutions
- Ranch- If you aren't feeling the secret sauce, feel free to eat this salad with some vegan ranch dressing instead.
- Whole-Food Plant Based- To make this salad WFPB, feel free to make your own vegan beef crumbles using a mixture of lentils and walnuts. Note that it will no longer be keto though.
Variations
- Spicy- Want to give this salad a kick? Try adding some crushed chili flakes to the dressing.
- Cheese - Make this recipe fancy by adding some dairy-free cheddar cheese as well!
- Sautéed Onions- Swap the red onions for sautéed onions to kick this salad up a notch!
Check out another great salad recipe here!
FAQ's
This burger bowl tastes just like a burger on a salad, topped with the best secret sauce. Think In-N-Out sauce or Big Mac Sauce
You can make this Big Mac salad in 30 minutes. Chopping vegetables is the hardest part.
Yes! It is low-carb, vegan and only 282 calories per serving. It is much better for you than eating a regular burger and it is entirely plant-based!
Yes! This burger bowl is gluten-free! It is the perfect recipe to fit into so many different lifestyles!
Equipment
Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out. See below for the equipment you will need to make this recipe.
- Cast Iron Pan
- Chef Knife
- Cutting Board
- Salad Bowls
- Salad Spinner
Storage
Store the salad separate from the dressing to keep it crisp. Store everything in an airtight container and keep it for up to 5 days.
This is the perfect salad bowl recipe to make as a meal prep! Simply layer the ingredients into a mason jar. Put the dressing on the bottom, followed by the impossible meat, vegetables, and lettuce. Shake to combine when ready to eat.
These ingredients don't stand up well to freezing.
Top Tips
- If the secret sauce is too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time to thin it out. The sauce is pretty thick on its own, so if you prefer a thinner sauce, feel free to water it down some.
- The secret sauce will keep for at least a week in the fridge. I like to store it in a mason jar and drizzle it over leftovers for lunches! It also works great on a large variety of different salads or even as a dip for crunchy vegetables, I love serving it with these Frozen Sweet Potato Fries in the Air Fryer!
- Serve everything in separate bowls buffet style so everyone can pick and choose what ingredients they want, just like a burger! Don't like pickles, leave them out! Extra tomato, feel free to pile it on!
Other Delicious Recipes You'll Love
- Easy Greek Falafel Gyro Sandwiches
- 30 Minute Vegan Sloppy Joe Bowls
- Vegan Portobello Mushroom Tacos
- New Orleans Style Vegan Gumbo
- 30 Minute Crunchy Thai Quinoa Salad
- Tuscan Panzanella Salad with Arugula
Healthy Loaded Burger Bowl with Special Sauce {Vegan, Keto}
Ingredients
- 3 heads of romaine lettuce chopped
- 1 lb Impossible Meat
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- ¾ cup dill pickles chopped
- ½ red onion chopped
- 2 tablespoons sugar-free BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup vegan mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons sugar-free ketchup
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar
Instructions
- Combine the vegan mayonnaise, ketchup, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ½ cup diced dill pickles, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl. Stir to combine. Set aside until ready to use
- Dice and wash the romaine lettuce.
- Cook the Impossible Meat over medium heat until browned through, toss in the BBQ sauce.
- Finely slice the remaining dill pickles and red onion. Halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Layer the lettuce and then top with the Impossible Meat, tomatoes, pickles and onions and then toss with the secret sauce.
- Serve Immediately
Notes
- If the secret sauce is too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time to thin it out. The sauce is pretty thick on its own, so if you prefer a thinner sauce, feel free to water it down some.
- The secret sauce will keep for at least a week in the fridge. I like to store it in a mason jar and drizzle it over leftovers for lunches! It also works great on a large variety of different salads or even as a dip for crunchy vegetables.
- Serve everything in separate bowls buffet style so everyone can pick and choose what ingredients they want, just like a burger! Don't like pickles, leave them out! Extra tomato, feel free to pile it on!
Nutrition
Food Safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
Jeannie says
this looks creamy and delicious, the colors of the veggies speaks to me to eat them all.
kaydimaggio says
Thank you!
Amanda Dixon says
This makes for such a hearty, filling salad! The sauce is so creamy and decadent and really makes for a special salad.
kaydimaggio says
Thank you! I am glad you enjoyed it!
Jessica Formicola says
I love Big Macs, but don't love all the fat and calories. This salad bowl is the perfect compromise! I'll be eating it for lunch over and over!
kaydimaggio says
Thank you! I am totally in the same boat, I love Big Macs but they don't love me!
Freya says
I am absolutely loving this! I honestly miss burgers being veggie but there are some amazing vegan alternatives out there!
kaydimaggio says
I agree with you! I am thankful to be a vegan at a time when there are so many options available to eat!
Gloria says
This looks like one delicious dinner bowl. Vegan or not, digging into this would be amazing. Looks fantastic.
kaydimaggio says
Thank you so much!
Headphonesthoughts says
I am a fan of food bowls. I love the way this food bowl is a salad and looks so healthy. I would totally have this for dinner.
kaydimaggio says
Yes! I also love food bowls!
Marita says
Hmm.. what a great recipe. I love Big Macs but never thought it could be so healthy. Thanks you
kaydimaggio says
Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Gregory Halpen says
I saw your post on the IG and feel in love with this dish. And I love that it is all plant-based too. Yum!
kaydimaggio says
Thank you!
Anaiah says
Wow, this salad does taste so much like a Big Mac! The dressing was spot on and so delicious and I love how everything is vegan! It'll be great to make for my friends who are trying to transition closer to plant based eating.
kaydimaggio says
Thank you! I am so glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Jen says
my kind of meal! it just shows that vegan meal is not boring.
kaydimaggio says
Glad you enjoyed it!
Kevin Foodie says
Can't believe it's vegan. Looks very hearty and complete.
kaydimaggio says
Right! Those are the best vegan meals!
Alexandra says
So great to have such a delicious and hearty salad option that is vegan - I love this!
kaydimaggio says
Thank you!
Jeri says
Oh my! This is my new favorite salad! I just had it for supper, and I'm already looking forward to making it again tomorrow! The flavor was amazing, yum! Thanks for the recipe!
kaydimaggio says
Yay! I am glad you enjoyed it!
Brittany Fiero says
This salad is filling and delicious! This recipe is going in my weekly meal plan for when I’m craving a burger.
kaydimaggio says
Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Aditi Jain says
I love all things vegan.. my lunch is sorted. Thanks for sharing this.
kaydimaggio says
Glad you enjoyed!
Mihaela | https://theworldisanoyster.com/ says
I adore a healthy version of any fast-food chain! We never step into mac unless we go for coffee and ice cream and would most definitely never touch their food. But the idea of making something that looks like it and it is WAY healthier is always so attractive!
kaydimaggio says
Yes! I agree with you! I honestly don't even know when the last time I ate actual McDonalds was, this is so tasty though!
Toni says
This is absolutely amazing! My kids loved it too!
kaydimaggio says
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
amanda says
This salad looks so delicious! I'm always looking for more plant based recipe, thank you!
kaydimaggio says
Glad you liked it! 🙂
Kay says
Beautiful and delicious! The dressing is out of this world!
kaydimaggio says
Glad you liked it!
Jamie says
I recently discovered impossible meat and I love it! I'm so glad I came across your recipe because now I have another way to enjoy it! Thank you.
kaydimaggio says
So glad you enjoyed it! Impossible meat is the best!
Andrea White says
YES! I love this idea so much! What a combo!
kaydimaggio says
Glad you liked it! 🙂
Peggy says
Great recipe!
Luna says
I love your website and I'm excited to try these! Every recipe looks amazing!
Freya says
I love a good veggie burger and this sounds so good!
Mihaela | https://theworldisanoyster.com/ says
It is so easy to make! I love the sauce combination. I have this on the list of dinners for this week, thanks for the recipe!
Nora says
What a wonderful burger bowl recipe! It turned out perfectly! Thank you for sharing!
Stine Mari says
This is so yum! I love that special sauce!
Marcellina says
So tasty and nutritious! Great recipe!
nancy says
what a healthy and nourishing burger....
Andrea says
sooo good! the special sauce is truly that, something special! can't wait to make this again!
Agnieszka says
This is one of my favorite dinners to make. Absolutely loved it!
Tatiana says
I love how you used impossible meat in this burger bowl! Yum!
Carmy says
Love this salad!