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Big Mac Pasta Salad

Big Mac Pasta Salad: A Fun, Flavorful Twist You’ll Love

Big Mac Pasta Salad captures the nostalgic burger flavor in a delicious, hearty salad with beef, lettuce, pickles, and creamy dressing.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 lb Lean Ground Beef Can substitute with turkey or plant-based crumbles.
  • 8 oz Chickpea Pasta Can use traditional pasta if gluten is not a concern.
  • 1 cup Grape Tomatoes Can swap with cherry tomatoes.
  • 1 cup Romaine Lettuce Iceberg lettuce is a suitable substitute.
  • 1/3 cup Red Onion Can use green onions for a milder taste.
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese Opt for dairy-free cheese for vegan option.
  • 1/3 cup Dill Pickles Consider using kosher dill or sweet pickles.
For the Dressing
  • 3/4 cup Greek Yogurt Can use plant-based yogurt for dairy-free.
  • 1/4 cup Light Mayonnaise Can omit or substitute with additional Greek yogurt.
  • 4 tbsp Ketchup Use no-sugar-added for a healthier version.
  • 1.5 tbsp Yellow Mustard Consider Dijon mustard for a gourmet twist.
  • 1.5 tbsp Dill Pickle Juice Fresh dill can be added as a substitute.
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Fresh garlic can be used for stronger flavor.
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder Fresh onions can be used as an alternative.
  • 1 tsp Paprika Smoked paprika gives a more robust flavor.
Optional Garnish
  • 2 tbsp White Sesame Seeds Can be omitted if desired.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • colander
  • Cutting board
  • Whisk

Method
 

Cooking Process
  1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef for 7-10 minutes until fully cooked. Drain excess grease and stir in Worcestershire sauce. Set aside to cool.
  2. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add chickpea pasta. Cook according to package instructions, usually 7-9 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  3. Chop the vegetables: halve the grape tomatoes, chop the romaine lettuce, dice the red onion and dill pickles.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, dill pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Whisk until creamy and smooth.
  5. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, cooked beef, tomatoes, lettuce, red onion, cheddar cheese, and dill pickles. Toss gently to mix.
  6. Drizzle the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until coated evenly.
  7. Fold in chopped romaine lettuce just before serving to retain crispiness and sprinkle sesame seeds if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 6gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes to meld the flavors. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days.

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