Big Mac Pasta Salad

Big Mac Pasta Salad is a playful, hearty side dish inspired by the flavors of the iconic burger. It combines tender pasta, ground beef, pickles, lettuce, cheese, and a tangy special sauce dressing for a deliciously satisfying salad that can be served chilled or at room temperature. It’s ideal for potlucks, BBQs, or any casual gathering where bold flavors are welcome.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish brings together the best of both worlds — classic burger taste with the ease and crowd-pleasing nature of a pasta salad. It’s creamy, tangy, crunchy, and savory all in one bowl. Plus, it’s a make-ahead option that only gets better as the flavors meld. It turns a nostalgic fast food favorite into a fun, homemade dish everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Elbow macaroni (or other short pasta)

• Ground beef

• Iceberg lettuce, chopped

• Cheddar cheese, shredded or cubed

• Dill pickles, diced

• Cherry tomatoes, halved

• Red onion, finely diced

• Mayonnaise

• Ketchup

• Yellow mustard

• Sweet pickle relish

• White vinegar

• Sugar

• Salt and pepper

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.

2. In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat and let cool.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, ground beef, lettuce, cheese, pickles, tomatoes, and red onion.

5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.

6. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. Toss again before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 people.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

• Use ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter version.

• Add croutons or toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch.

• Swap cheddar for American or Monterey Jack cheese.

• Stir in bacon bits for added flavor.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature.
Do not freeze, as the lettuce and dressing will not thaw well.
Stir well before serving leftovers to redistribute the dressing.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, prepare it a few hours or a day in advance. Add lettuce just before serving to keep it crisp.

Can I serve it warm?

While it can be served slightly warm, it is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.

What pasta is best for this salad?

Elbow macaroni is traditional, but rotini or shells work well too.

Is this recipe spicy?

No, but you can add hot sauce or diced jalapeños if desired.

Can I use store-bought Big Mac sauce?

Yes, though the homemade dressing provides a fresher, customizable flavor.

What lettuce works best?

Iceberg provides the classic crunch, but romaine can also be used.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, use meatless crumbles or omit the beef entirely.

How long does this salad last in the fridge?

It stays fresh for up to 3 days. For best texture, keep lettuce separate until ready to serve.

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, American cheese mimics the burger flavor closely, but any mild cheese works.

Can I use whole wheat pasta?

Yes, for a healthier twist, whole wheat pasta can be substituted without affecting flavor.

Conclusion

Big Mac Pasta Salad is a fun, flavorful recipe that brings fast-food nostalgia to your table in a creative, crowd-pleasing form. With its creamy dressing, savory beef, and crisp vegetables, it’s a hit at gatherings and easy to customize. Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining guests, this salad is guaranteed to satisfy.

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