Description
This Big Mac Pasta Salad is a fun and delicious twist on the classic burger flavors you love! It features juicy ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, tangy pickles, crisp lettuce, and a creamy special sauce dressing, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, and easy weeknight dinners, this burger-inspired pasta salad will be a hit with the whole family!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad:
- 12 oz elbow macaroni or rotini pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup chopped lettuce
- ½ cup diced pickles
- ½ cup diced red onion
- ½ cup diced tomatoes (optional)
For the Dressing (Special Sauce):
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons pickle juice (from the jar)
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
- Boil salted water in a large pot.
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain and rinse with cold water to cool. Set aside.
- Prepare the Ground Beef
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook until browned, then drain excess grease and let cool.
- Make the Dressing
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Pasta Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta, cooked ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped lettuce, diced pickles, red onion, and tomatoes.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
- Chill & Serve
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Toss again before serving and garnish with extra pickles or cheese if desired.
Notes
- Make it healthier by using whole wheat pasta, ground turkey, or low-fat cheese.
- For extra crunch, add toasted sesame seeds to mimic a burger bun.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Don’t freeze this salad, as the dressing and lettuce won’t hold up well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American