Big Mac Pasta Salad Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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