Big Mac Pasta Salad Recipe

Introduction

Big Mac Pasta Salad is a fun and flavorful twist on the classic Big Mac burger, transformed into a delicious pasta dish. It combines familiar ingredients like ground beef, pickles, and special sauce with pasta for a satisfying and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped pickles
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup special sauce

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary and let the beef cool slightly.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ground beef, cheddar cheese, chopped pickles, shredded lettuce, and special sauce. Toss everything together until well mixed.
4. Step 4: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
• Add diced onions or tomatoes for extra freshness and texture.
• If you don’t have special sauce, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and a little pickle juice as a quick substitute.

Storage

Store the Big Mac 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 reheating is not recommended as it may affect the texture of the lettuce and sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a few hours or even the day before serving. Just keep it refrigerated and add the lettuce right before serving if you prefer it crisper.

What type of pasta works best for this salad?

Medium-sized pasta shapes like rotini, elbows, or shells are ideal because they hold the sauce and mix well with the other ingredients.

Big Mac Pasta Salad Recipe

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5 from 135 reviews

This Big Mac Pasta Salad is a fun and flavorful twist on the classic burger, combining cooked pasta with seasoned ground beef, cheddar cheese, pickles, lettuce, and a tangy special sauce for a deliciously satisfying salad perfect for potlucks or family dinners.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Protein

• 8 ounces pasta (such as elbow macaroni or rotini)
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Toppings

• 1 cup chopped pickles
• 1 cup shredded lettuce

Special Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta, then set aside.
2. Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula or spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the beef cool slightly.
3. Prepare the special sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well until smooth and refrigerate until ready to use.
4. Mix the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, cooked ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped pickles, and shredded lettuce. Pour the special sauce over the ingredients and gently toss to combine evenly.
5. Chill and serve: Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

• You can customize the salad by adding diced onions or tomatoes for extra flavor.
• The special sauce can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week in the refrigerator.
• For a lighter version, use lean ground beef or turkey and reduce the mayonnaise in the sauce.
• Ensure the pasta is well-rinsed after cooking to prevent it from sticking and to cool it properly for the salad.

Keywords: Big Mac Pasta Salad, pasta salad recipe, ground beef pasta salad, Big Mac inspired dishes, American salad, easy salad recipes