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+ servings
Big Mac Pasta Salad

Big Mac Pasta Salad: Comfort Food with a Fun Twist

Big Mac Pasta Salad combines savory ground beef, tangy pickles, and special sauce into a creamy pasta delight that's perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Base
  • 8 oz Elbow Macaroni substitute with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed
For the Main Dish
  • 1 lb Ground Beef opt for ground turkey for a lighter option
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese feel free to swap for a lighter cheese if preferred
  • 1 cup Diced Pickles can use gherkins for a sweeter option
  • 1/2 cup Diced Red Onion can replace with green onions for a milder flavor
  • 2 cups Shredded Lettuce keep it separate until serving to maintain crispness
  • 1 cup Chopped Tomatoes optional; omit for a simpler salad
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Greek yogurt can be used for a healthier version
  • 1/4 cup Ketchup consider using barbecue sauce for added flavor
  • 2 tbsp Yellow Mustard swap for Dijon mustard for bolder taste
  • 1/4 cup Sweet Pickle Relish interchange with chopped sweet and dill pickles
  • 2 tbsp White Vinegar apple cider vinegar works well as a substitute
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tsp Paprika

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water over high heat and adding elbow macaroni. Cook according to package directions for about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart for about 6-8 minutes until no longer pink. Drain excess fat and let cool.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until smooth and creamy.
  4. Add the cooled macaroni and browned beef into the dressing mixture and toss gently until coated.
  5. Fold in cheddar cheese, pickles, red onion, and tomatoes, mixing until evenly blended.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. When ready to serve, add shredded lettuce and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 20gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 750mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Chill the salad for best flavor and keep ingredients separate until serving to maintain freshness.

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