Description
This Big Mac Pasta Salad combines all the classic flavors of a Big Mac burger into a hearty, flavorful pasta salad. Featuring rotini pasta, seasoned ground beef, cheddar cheese, fresh vegetables, and a tangy homemade dressing inspired by Big Mac sauce, this dish is perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a satisfying weeknight meal. It’s easy to prepare and serves 8 people.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Pasta
- 1 lb ground beef (cooked and crumbled)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 16 oz box rotini pasta (cooked and drained)
Vegetables and Cheese
- 2 cups diced cheddar cheese
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 ½ cup diced dill pickles
- ½ cup diced red onions
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet pickle relish
- 1 ½ tablespoon yellow mustard
- ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the boxed rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Rinse the pasta under cool water to stop the cooking process and drain thoroughly. Set aside to cool.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown and crumble the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease and season the beef with ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Set cooked beef aside.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked rotini pasta, seasoned ground beef, diced cheddar cheese, cherry tomatoes, diced dill pickles, diced red onions, shredded lettuce, and the prepared dressing. Toss everything thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve: Serve the pasta salad warm or at room temperature, making it a versatile dish for various occasions.
Notes
- For best flavor, chill the pasta salad for 1 hour before serving if you prefer it cold.
- Use fresh rotini pasta and cook until al dente for the best texture.
- If you want a spicier dressing, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to substitute cheddar with American cheese cubes for a closer Big Mac taste.
- If you prefer a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
