Description
Big Mac Pasta Salad is a creative take on the classic Big Mac burger flavors, transformed into a creamy, tangy pasta salad perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight meals. This dish combines lean ground beef, protein-packed chickpea pasta, fresh vegetables, sharp cheddar cheese, and a signature Big Mac-inspired dressing that mimics the beloved burger sauce. It’s a quick, crowd-pleasing, customizable recipe that offers the nostalgic flavors of a Big Mac in an easy-to-share and fork-friendly format.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad
- 1 lb 96% lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 8 oz dry chickpea pasta (e.g., Banza)
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/3 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese (2%), shredded or cubed (56g)
- 1/3 cup dill pickles, diced
For the Dressing
- 3/4 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt (170g)
- 1/4 cup light mayonnaise (60g)
- 4 tbsp no-sugar-added ketchup (64g)
- 1 1/2 tbsp yellow mustard (20g)
- 1 1/2 tbsp dill pickle juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
Optional Garnish
- White sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown 1 lb of 96% lean ground beef until fully cooked and no longer pink. Stir in 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper to season, then set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook 8 oz of dry chickpea pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool completely, preventing it from becoming mushy and sticking together.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Halve 1 cup of grape tomatoes, chop 1 cup of romaine lettuce, dice 1/3 cup of red onion, and dice 1/3 cup of dill pickles to create fresh, crunchy components for the salad.
- Prepare the Cheese: Shred or cube 1/2 cup of sharp cheddar cheese (2%), about 56 grams, to add a tangy and creamy texture to the salad.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup light mayonnaise, 4 tbsp no-sugar-added ketchup, 1 1/2 tbsp yellow mustard, 1 1/2 tbsp dill pickle juice, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and 1 tsp paprika until smooth and creamy, replicating the iconic Big Mac sauce.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled chickpea pasta, cooked ground beef, halved grape tomatoes, diced dill pickles, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced red onion. Pour the prepared dressing over the mixture and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Add Lettuce and Serve: Just before serving, gently fold in the chopped romaine lettuce to keep it crisp and fresh. Garnish the salad with white sesame seeds for a nutty crunch and the finishing touch. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and creamy.
- To avoid the pasta absorbing too much dressing and becoming soggy, store the dressing separately and combine right before serving.
- If the salad appears dry after refrigeration, stir in a tablespoon of mayonnaise or a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Freezing the pasta salad is not recommended due to the mayo-based dressing, but cooked pasta can be frozen separately for up to 2 months.
- Protein variations include ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for different dietary preferences.
- Pasta can be substituted with any short kind such as rotini, penne, or shells.
- Cheese substitutions like Colby Jack or crumbled blue cheese add a different flavor profile.
- Customize pickles by using sweet pickles or add extra pickle juice for added tang.
- Lettuce alternatives like shredded cabbage or spinach can be used for added texture or nutrition.
- For a spicy twist, swap the dressing for sriracha mayo or opt for a lighter yogurt-based dressing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Big Mac pasta salad, Big Mac recipe, pasta salad, chickpea pasta salad, ground beef salad, creamy pasta salad, summer potluck recipe, healthy pasta salad
