Why You’ll Love Big Mac Pasta Salad Recipe
This recipe combines comfort food flavors with the ease of a pasta salad. It’s quick to prepare, can be made ahead of time, and works beautifully as either a side dish or a main meal. The creamy, tangy dressing ties everything together, while the fresh vegetables add crunch and balance. It’s customizable, satisfying, and ideal for feeding a crowd without much fuss.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the salad
lean ground beef
Worcestershire sauce
short pasta such as rotini, shells, or penne
grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
romaine lettuce, chopped
red onion, finely diced
sharp cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
dill pickles, diced
For the dressing
plain Greek yogurt
mayonnaise
ketchup
yellow mustard
pickle juice
garlic powder
onion powder
paprika
salt and black pepper to taste
Optional garnish
sesame seeds
Directions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely. Set aside.
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In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if needed. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, season with salt and pepper, and allow the beef to cool.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked beef, tomatoes, red onion, cheddar cheese, and diced pickles.
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Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
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Fold in the chopped romaine lettuce just before serving to keep it crisp. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
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Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6 to 8 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Total time: Approximately 1 hour
Variations
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the beef. You can also use all Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise for a tangier dressing.
To make it low carb, replace the pasta with chopped lettuce and turn it into a hearty burger-style salad bowl.
Add extra crunch with diced bell peppers or cucumbers.
For a spicier kick, mix a little hot sauce or cayenne pepper into the dressing.
Swap cheddar cheese for Colby Jack or pepper jack to change the flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture, keep the lettuce separate and mix it in just before serving.
This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold, so reheating is not recommended. If the salad seems slightly dry after refrigeration, stir in a small spoonful of mayonnaise or a splash of pickle juice to refresh the dressing.
FAQs
Can I make Big Mac Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Add the lettuce just before serving to keep it crisp.
What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta shapes like rotini, shells, or penne work best because they hold the dressing well.
Can I freeze this pasta salad?
Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy dressing and fresh vegetables may become watery and lose their texture.
How do I keep the salad from becoming soggy?
Make sure the pasta and beef are fully cooled before mixing, and add the lettuce right before serving.
Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of light mayonnaise?
Yes, regular mayonnaise works perfectly and will create a slightly richer flavor.
Is this salad served warm or cold?
It is best served chilled or at cool room temperature.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
What can I serve with Big Mac Pasta Salad?
It pairs well with grilled vegetables, fresh fruit, or simple sandwich sliders.
How long can it sit out at a party?
For food safety, it should not sit out longer than 2 hours at room temperature.
Can I turn this into a main dish?
Absolutely. With protein, pasta, and vegetables included, it’s hearty enough to serve as a complete meal.
Conclusion
Big Mac Pasta Salad brings together the nostalgic flavors of a classic burger in a fresh, creamy, and satisfying pasta dish. Easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings or busy weeknights, it’s a versatile recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.
