Description
This Big Mac Pasta Salad is a delicious twist on the classic cheeseburger, combining tender elbow macaroni, seasoned ground beef, cheddar cheese, and a tangy homemade dressing that mimics Big Mac sauce. Perfect for picnics, easy dinners, or cookouts, this salad is flavorful, satisfying, and easy to prepare with familiar ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
Beef
- 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 pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely, then set aside.
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until browned and fully cooked. Drain 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 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.
- Add dressing and toss: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Fold in lettuce: Gently fold in the chopped iceberg lettuce just before serving to keep it crisp.
- Chill: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to meld the flavors for best taste.
Notes
- For an extra authentic Big Mac flavor, sprinkle sesame seeds over the top before serving.
- You can prepare the pasta, beef, and dressing ahead of time, then combine everything just before serving.
- If making the salad in advance, add the lettuce right before serving to prevent it from wilting.
