Print

Big Mac Pasta Salad Recipe

Big Mac Pasta Salad Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 24 reviews

Big Mac Pasta Salad is a flavorful and fun twist on the classic Big Mac burger, transformed into a creamy pasta salad. This recipe combines cooked elbow macaroni with seasoned ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, diced pickles, red onions, lettuce, and optional tomatoes, all mixed with a tangy, savory dressing reminiscent of Big Mac sauce. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a hearty lunch, this dish offers the beloved flavors of a Big Mac in a convenient, cold pasta salad form.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Protein:

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
  • 1 lb ground beef

Vegetables and Cheese:

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup diced pickles
  • 1/2 cup diced red onion
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Dressing:

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Set aside.
  2. Brown Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drain any excess grease and allow the beef to cool.
  3. Prepare Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Mix thoroughly until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled pasta and cooked ground beef into the dressing bowl. Stir to evenly coat the pasta and beef with the dressing.
  5. Add Vegetables and Cheese: Gently fold in shredded cheddar cheese, diced pickles, red onions, shredded lettuce, and chopped tomatoes if using. Mix carefully to combine without bruising the lettuce.
  6. Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Notes

  • Use any pasta shape you prefer, though elbow macaroni is traditional and holds dressing well.
  • For a lower-fat version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef and use light mayonnaise.
  • Tomatoes are optional but add a fresh, juicy element to the salad.
  • Ensure the ground beef is fully cooled before mixing to prevent the dressing from becoming oily.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For extra flavor, add a splash of pickle juice or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the dressing.

Nutrition

Keywords: Big Mac pasta salad, pasta salad recipe, ground beef salad, creamy pasta salad, picnic recipes, potluck dishes, Big Mac sauce dressing, cold pasta salad

Find it online: https://victoriablair.com/big-mac-pasta-salad-recipe/