Big Mac Pasta Salad

Big Mac Pasta Salad is a fun and creative twist on the classic McDonald’s Big Mac. If you love the flavors of a Big Mac—the savory ground beef, tangy pickles, sharp cheddar cheese, and creamy special sauce—this pasta salad brings all of that together in a convenient, refreshing, and easy-to-make salad form. It’s a perfect side dish for summer barbecues, potlucks, or family gatherings, combining the best of both worlds: the flavors of your favorite burger in a creamy pasta salad!

Prep Time: 20-25 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
 Total Time: 28-35 minutes

Ingredients:

For the pasta salad:

1 lb (16 oz) elbow macaroni pasta (or any pasta of your choice)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup diced red onion

1/2 cup diced pickles (preferably dill)

1/2 cup shredded lettuce (optional)

1/2 cup cooked ground beef (seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder)

1/2 cup tomato, diced

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

For the dressing:

1 cup mayonnaise

2 tbsp yellow mustard

2 tbsp ketchup

1 tbsp white vinegar

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tbsp sugar

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Cook the pasta:

Cook the elbow macaroni pasta according to the package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside to cool.

Cook the ground beef:

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease and season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Let the beef cool before adding to the salad.

Prepare the dressing:

In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Assemble the salad:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cooled ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, pickles, diced tomatoes, and shredded lettuce (if using). Toss to combine.

Add the dressing:

Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated. You can adjust the amount of dressing to your liking, depending on how creamy you want the salad.

Chill:

Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate it for at least 1-2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.

Serve:

Before serving, give the salad a quick stir, and sprinkle with fresh parsley for added color, if desired.

Tips:

Feel free to add extra toppings like crumbled bacon or extra cheese.

If you want a tangier taste, add a little extra pickle juice or Dijon mustard to the dressing.

The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Enjoy your Big Mac Pasta Salad! It’s the perfect dish for barbecues, potlucks, or a fun twist on your regular pasta salad.

Nutrition (per serving, based on 8 servings):

These values are approximate and will vary depending on the exact ingredients used and portion sizes.

Calories: 350-400 kcal

Protein: 14-18 g

Carbohydrates: 30-35 g

Fat: 20-25 g

Saturated Fat: 5-7 g

Cholesterol: 40-60 mg

Sodium: 600-750 mg

Fiber: 2-3 g

Sugar: 6-8 g