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Big Mac Pasta Salad

Big Mac Pasta Salad That Will Wow Your Summer Gatherings

This Big Mac Pasta Salad is a nostalgic twist on a beloved classic, perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Base
  • 8 ounces Rotini Pasta Feel free to substitute with shells or penne.
For the Meat Component
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Essential for protein; season well while cooking for added flavor.
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Offers creaminess; Greek yogurt can be used as a lighter alternative.
  • 1/4 cup Ketchup Adds sweetness and tang; consider sugar-free ketchup for a healthier choice.
  • 2 tablespoons Yellow Mustard Enhances taste; swap in Dijon mustard for a sophisticated twist.
  • 2 tablespoons Dill Pickle Juice Vital for flavor; if unavailable, additional vinegar can work.
For the Crunch
  • 1 cup Chopped Dill Pickles Delivers a tangy crunch; select crisp varieties for the best impact.
  • 2 cups Shredded Iceberg Lettuce Adds refreshing crunch; mix in just before serving.
  • 1 cup French Fried Onions Offers a delightful crispy topping; add just before serving for crunch.
For Extra Flavor
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Brings creaminess and flavor; swap with pepper jack for a kick.

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Large pot
  • Medium Bowl
  • Colander
  • mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Big Mac Pasta Salad
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef and cook for about 8-10 minutes, until fully browned. Drain excess fat and set aside to cool.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the rotini pasta. Cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, dill pickle juice, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth, then stir in the chopped dill pickles.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled rotini pasta, cooked ground beef, and shredded cheddar cheese. Gently toss together until well mixed.
  5. Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until every piece is coated evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours.
  6. Just before serving, add in the shredded iceberg lettuce and French fried onions, tossing gently to combine. Serve cold.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 20gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Refrigerating the salad for a few hours enhances flavors; keeping add-ins separate until serving maintains crispness.

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