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Big Mac Pasta Salad with ground beef, lettuce, and special sauce

Big Mac Pasta Salad

A playful, comforting twist on a childhood favorite, this Big Mac Pasta Salad combines all the flavors of a Big Mac in a delicious pasta dish perfect for any gathering.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Meat
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni or small pasta shells whole wheat works for added fiber
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey seasoned and browned
Vegetables and Add-ins
  • 1 cup dill pickles, diced finely sandwich slices for more crunch
  • 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce or romaine for a sturdier bite
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or a Mexican blend for a smokier edge
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion soak in cold water for milder flavor
  • 1/2 cup tomato, seeded and diced optional, for freshness
Dressing
  • 1 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a lighter twist
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
  • sesame seeds optional, for garnish

Method
 

Cooking Pasta and Meat
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta quickly. Drain well.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and a pinch of salt and pepper. Brown the beef, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula until cooked through. Drain any excess fat and let it cool.
Mixing the Salad
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
  2. Add the cooled pasta, browned beef, diced pickles, shredded lettuce, shredded cheese, chopped onion, and diced tomato to the bowl. Toss gently until everything is coated in the dressing.
Chilling the Salad
  1. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. For best results, chill for 1–2 hours.
  2. Before serving, give the salad a final toss, taste for seasoning and add extra salt or pickle juice if needed. Garnish with sesame seeds if using.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Mayonnaise and lettuce don't freeze well; consider adding extra lettuce fresh when serving leftovers.