This healthy homemade Big Mac sauce recipe is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavor! Is has a creamy consistency just like the real thing and all you need is a few ingredients. Add it to burger bowls or on your favorite burger for Big Mac flavors right at home!
As a dietitian, I love taking popular recipes and making a healthier homemade version. This copycat recipe was influenced by the McDonald's special sauce found on their Big Mac burger.
When I saw the complete list of ingredients in the McDonald's version, I knew I could make something that still tastes great but doesn't have artificial flavors and with fewer ingredients. It's the perfect condiment if you're looking for something a little different to serve with your favorite burgers this summer!
My favorite way to enjoy this homemade sauce is in Big Mac salad bowls with ground turkey or beef, sweet potatoes, romaine lettuce, and burger toppings!
If you like this recipe, you may also enjoy my avocado mash, hot honey sauce, or Southwest dressing.
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Key Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
This healthy homemade Big Mac Sauce recipe is made with simple ingredients. Below are some ingredient notes. Check the recipe card at the bottom for measurements.
- Greek Yogurt - one of the main ingredients in many homemade versions of Big Mac sauce is mayonnaise. By replacing part of the mayo with plain Greek yogurt, we still get a tangy flavor and creamy consistency, but cut down on saturated fats and add a boost of nutrition with protein and probiotics.
- Mayonnaise - all you need is a small amount of mayo to balance out the Greek yogurt (a little goes a long way!). I use mayonnaise made with either olive oil or avocado oil, but you can use any mayo here. If you prefer, you can cut out the mayo altogether and use extra Greek yogurt.
- Yellow Mustard - yellow mustard adds the perfect balance of sweet tanginess without being overpowering. I tried making it with Dijon and it was a bit spicy.
- Ketchup - I like to use Primal Kitchen's unsweetened ketchup. It doesn't contain added sugars like many ketchups do.
- Dill Pickle Relish & Splash of Pickle Juice - to add a briny salty component. If you prefer, you can use sweet pickle relish.
- Seasonings - paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt & black pepper add flavor and tie everything together.
How to Make Healthy Big Mac Sauce
Below are the instructions for how to make this easy recipe with visuals I hope are helpful! The recipe card at the bottom has the full recipe.
- Step 1: Add the Greek yogurt, mayo, mustard, ketchup, relish, pickle juice, and seasonings to a small bowl.
- Step 2: Stir to combine and give it a taste. Add salt as needed.
Hint: if you like it sweeter, more ketchup or a bit of honey will do the trick. If you like it tangier, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or white vinegar. If you like it creamier, add more mayo!
Dietitian Tip
Making homemade salad sauce recipes like this healthy Big Mac sauce is as easy as mixing a few ingredients! And using Greek yogurt to replace some of the mayo mimics the consistency of special sauce and adds protein. Not only that, but by replacing some of the mayo, you also cut down on the amount of saturated fat.
Variations
The best part about this Big Mac Sauce is you can customize to your taste! Below are some ideas, but feel free to get creative.
- Spicy - add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for some heat.
- Sweet - use sweet pickle relish instead of dill for a sweeter flavor profile.
- Deluxe - add fresh dill to take it up a notch.
Ideas for Serving
Once you have a batch of this healthy Big Mac sauce made, you can use it in so many different ways! Below are some ideas:
- Burger Bowls - add this secret sauce to a burger bowl with ground turkey or beef, sweet potato french fries, and your favorite burger toppings. Add cheddar cheese to turn it into a cheeseburger bowl!
- Big Mac Wraps - make a wrap with romaine lettuce, your favorite protein, tomatoes, and red or white onion. Add this sauce as a perfect compliment to the other flavors!
- As a Salad Dressing - add it to a big salad with your favorite greens, shredded chicken, sliced cucumbers and tomatoes for a low carb option.
- In a Burger - serve up this delicious Big Mac sauce next time you're making burgers at home! It's delicious with beef patties in a sesame seed bun.
- As a Dipping Sauce - use this dreamy sauce as a dip for chicken tenders, chicken nuggets, turkey meatballs, onion rings, homemade french fries, or even raw vegetables.
Storage
- Refrigerator - Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up 3-4 days.
Expert Tips
- Use full fat Greek yogurt to make it extra creamy like the real deal!
- Use a good quality of mayo. I like to use one made with extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil because they are slightly lower in saturated fats than regular mayo.
- Look for a ketchup without added sugars. I use Primal Kitchen's brand.
FAQ
While healthy means something different to everyone, this recipe has less additives than what you would get at a fast food chain like McDonalds. Their Big Mac Sauce ingredients include things like high fructose corn syrup and caramel color. And using Greek yogurt to replace some of the mayo lightens it up and adds some protein.
Yes, this is a gluten-free recipe.
Related
Looking for other dietitian recipes like this? Try these:
Perfect for Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Healthy Big Mac Sauce:
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! I would love to hear from you! If you made this recipe, please leave me a review below or tag me in a photo or story on Instagram. Your reviews help support me and make it possible for me to continue to create the recipes you know and love. 🙂 IG: @mallorythedietitian
📖 Recipe
Healthy Big Mac Sauce Copycat Recipe (Burger Sauce)
Equipment
- 1 small bowl
Ingredients
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon pickle relish (I use dill but sweet works too)
- 1 tablespoon pickle juice
- ¼ teaspoon each: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika
- pinch kosher salt and black pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Add the Greek yogurt, mayo, mustard, ketchup, relish, pickle juice, and seasonings to a small bowl.
- Stir to combine and give it a taste. Add salt as needed.
Notes
- Use full fat Greek yogurt to make it extra creamy like the real deal!
- Use a good quality of mayo. I like to use one made with extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil because they are slightly lower in saturated fats than regular mayo.
- Look for a ketchup without added sugars. I use Primal Kitchen's brand.
- Refrigerator - Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up 3-4 days.
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