Big Mac Pasta Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Big Mac Pasta Salad combines the flavors of the classic burger with a refreshing pasta twist. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a fun weeknight meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pasta (such as rotini or macaroni)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped pickles
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup special sauce (see note below)
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat and let it cool slightly.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped pickles, and shredded lettuce.
- Step 4: Pour the special sauce over the mixture and toss gently until everything is well coated. Chill before serving for best flavor.
Tips & Variations
- For the special sauce, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, and a pinch of paprika for that iconic Big Mac flavor.
- Try adding diced onions or tomatoes for extra freshness and texture.
- Use turkey or plant-based ground meat as a lighter or vegetarian alternative.
Storage
Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving again. It’s best enjoyed chilled and does not reheat well.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes great when made a few hours ahead or even the day before. Just keep it refrigerated and add lettuce just before serving if you prefer it extra crisp.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Absolutely! The familiar Big Mac flavors combined with pasta make it a kid-friendly dish. You can adjust the ingredients to suit their taste, like using less pickles or a milder sauce.
PrintBig Mac Pasta Salad Recipe
This Big Mac Pasta Salad is a delicious twist on the classic Big Mac burger, combining hearty ground beef, tender pasta, sharp cheddar cheese, tangy pickles, crisp lettuce, and a creamy special sauce. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a quick weeknight meal, this salad offers all the flavors of a Big Mac in a refreshing and easy-to-make pasta salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni or small pasta
Beef
- 1 pound ground beef
Cheese and Vegetables
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced pickles
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
Special Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- Cook the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat from the beef.
- Prepare the special sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, white vinegar, sugar, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, diced pickles, shredded lettuce, and the special sauce. Toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled as a refreshing and flavorful salad.
Notes
- Use diced dill pickles for authentic Big Mac flavor.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- The special sauce ingredients can be adjusted to taste for more sweetness or tanginess.
- Make sure to cool the pasta completely before mixing to avoid wilting the lettuce.
- This salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Keywords: Big Mac pasta salad, pasta salad recipe, ground beef pasta salad, cheeseburger pasta salad, picnic recipes, easy pasta salad
