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+ servings
Big Mac Pasta Salad

Big Mac Pasta Salad: A Tasty Twist on a Classic Favorite

Delight in the savory nostalgia of Big Mac flavors with this easy and refreshing pasta salad.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 lb Lean Ground Beef Choose 96% lean for a healthier option
  • 8 oz Chickpea Pasta Gluten-free alternative
  • 1 cup Grape Tomatoes Halved; substitute with cherry tomatoes if preferred
  • 3 cups Romaine Lettuce Chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup Red Onion Diced; can substitute with green onions
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese Can use vegan cheese for dairy-free
  • 1/2 cup Dill Pickles Chopped; sweet pickles can be substituted
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Greek Yogurt Creates a creamy base
  • 1/4 cup Light Mayonnaise Can use more Greek yogurt for a lighter version
  • 2 tbsp Ketchup Low-sugar option can be used
  • 1 tbsp Yellow Mustard Can substitute with Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp Dill Pickle Juice Can be omitted
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Fresh garlic can be used instead
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder Fresh onion can be used for a bolder taste
  • 1 tsp Paprika Smoked paprika can give a unique twist
Optional Topping
  • 2 tbsp White Sesame Seeds For garnish

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Large Bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. In a large skillet, heat over medium heat and add the lean ground beef. Cook, stirring regularly for about 7–10 minutes, until browned and crumbled.
  2. Pour in Worcestershire sauce and mix thoroughly. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
  3. Boil a pot of salted water, then add the chickpea pasta. Cook according to package instructions (about 7–10 minutes), then drain and rinse under cold water.
  4. Prepare the vegetables by halving the grape tomatoes, chopping the romaine lettuce, dicing the red onion, and slicing the dill pickles.
  5. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, dill pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until smooth.
  6. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the cooked beef, chopped tomatoes, romaine lettuce, red onion, cheddar cheese, and dill pickles. Gently toss to combine.
  7. Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta mixture and fold in gently until everything is well coated.
  8. Optionally, fold in the romaine lettuce just before serving to keep it crisp. Garnish with white sesame seeds.
  9. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld, if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 6gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For meal prep, store salad components separately and mix just before serving.

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