Description
This Big Mac Pasta Salad is a delightful twist on the classic cheeseburger, combining tender elbow macaroni with seasoned ground beef, cheddar cheese, and crunchy pickles, all tossed in a creamy, tangy sauce reminiscent of the iconic Big Mac dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or an easy weeknight dinner, this salad delivers all the flavors of a cheeseburger in a convenient, ready-to-serve dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
Ground Beef Mixture
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Vegetables & Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup chopped iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup diced dill pickles
- 1/2 cup finely diced red onion
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon pickle juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool completely, then set aside.
- Prepare the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef along with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease and allow the beef to cool slightly.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, ketchup, white vinegar, pickle juice, paprika, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, diced dill pickles, finely diced red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes if using.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss well until everything is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Add Lettuce: Just before serving, gently fold in the chopped iceberg lettuce to keep it crisp and fresh.
- Chill & Serve: For best flavor and texture, chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra authentic flavor, sprinkle sesame seeds over the top before serving to mimic the classic Big Mac bun.
- You can prepare the pasta, beef, and dressing ahead of time and mix everything together just before serving to save time.
- If making in advance, add the chopped lettuce right before serving to prevent it from wilting and maintain a crisp texture.
