Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Big Mac Pasta Salad takes everything people love about a classic cheeseburger and transforms it into a satisfying, crowd-pleasing pasta dish. It has the familiar flavors of seasoned beef, tangy pickles, sharp cheese, and a creamy sauce that instantly brings the iconic burger taste to mind. The pasta turns it into a hearty salad that works just as well for lunch as it does for potlucks and family gatherings.
What makes this recipe especially appealing is how nostalgic yet practical it feels. You get bold, savory flavor without needing a grill, and it can be prepared ahead of time. I first made this for a casual weekend meal, and it disappeared faster than expected. After testing it chilled and slightly warm, I found that letting it rest briefly allows the flavors to blend beautifully. This is comfort food in a fresh, shareable form.
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Big Mac Pasta Salad with Creamy Special Sauce Flavor
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A fun and flavorful Big Mac–inspired pasta salad made with seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, crisp lettuce, pickles, cheese, and a creamy special sauce.
Ingredients
- 12 oz short pasta (rotini or shells)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup chopped iceberg lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced dill pickles
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder until browned. Drain excess fat and let cool.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, vinegar, and sugar to make the special sauce.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, ground beef, cheese, pickles, and red onion.
- Pour the sauce over the pasta mixture and toss until evenly coated.
- Gently fold in chopped lettuce just before serving.
- Chill for 30 minutes for best flavor, then serve.
Notes
- Add sesame seeds on top for a true Big Mac feel.
- Mix lettuce in right before serving to keep it crisp.
- This salad can be stored without lettuce for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pasta
Short pasta such as rotini or shells works best, as it holds the sauce well and mixes evenly with the other ingredients.
Ground beef
Ground beef provides the savory, hearty base that gives the salad its unmistakable burger flavor.
Salt and black pepper
Simple seasoning enhances the beef without overpowering the other components.
Cheddar cheese
Cheddar adds sharpness and richness, closely mimicking the cheese used in a classic burger.
Dill pickles
Pickles bring acidity and crunch, balancing the richness of the sauce and beef.
Red onion
Red onion adds a mild bite and freshness that cuts through the heavier elements.
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise forms the creamy foundation of the dressing, giving the salad its smooth texture.
Ketchup
Ketchup adds sweetness and tang, essential for recreating the signature burger sauce flavor.
Yellow mustard
Mustard sharpens the dressing and keeps it from tasting flat.
White vinegar
A small amount of vinegar brightens the sauce and enhances balance.
Paprika
Paprika adds subtle warmth and depth to the dressing.
Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cool water, then set aside to cool completely.
While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until fully browned. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks and season lightly with salt and black pepper. Once cooked, drain excess fat and allow the beef to cool.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, vinegar, and paprika until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked beef, cheddar cheese, chopped pickles, and red onion. Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 6 to 8 people.
Preparation time is about 15 minutes, cooking time is 15 minutes, and chilling time is 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store Big Mac Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This dish is best served cold. If it thickens after chilling, stir in a small amount of mayonnaise before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Big Mac Pasta Salad is highly adaptable and easy to personalize. You can swap ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter version without losing flavor. Adding chopped lettuce just before serving introduces freshness and a more traditional burger feel.
For extra richness, a small amount of finely diced bacon can be added to the salad. If you prefer a spicier version, include a pinch of chili powder or a splash of hot sauce in the dressing.
You can also change the cheese. American-style cheese creates a more authentic burger flavor, while a sharp cheddar adds boldness. No matter how you customize it, the balance of creamy, tangy, and savory elements remains the key feature.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This pasta salad is a hearty, protein-rich dish designed for casual meals and gatherings. It can be adapted with whole wheat pasta or reduced-fat mayonnaise for lighter dietary preferences.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Cool ingredients first
Allow pasta and beef to cool fully to prevent a greasy texture.
Sauce balance
Taste the dressing before mixing and adjust acidity as needed.
Texture control
Add pickles and onions finely chopped for even distribution.
FAQs
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, any short pasta works well.
Is this served warm or cold?
It is best served cold.
Can I freeze Big Mac Pasta Salad?
Freezing is not recommended due to the creamy dressing.
How do I keep it from drying out?
Stir in extra dressing just before serving if needed.
Can I make it lighter?
Use lean meat and reduced-fat mayonnaise.
Does it really taste like a burger?
Yes, the sauce and ingredients closely mimic burger flavors.
Can I add lettuce?
Yes, add it just before serving for crunch.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar or American-style cheese works well.
Is this kid-friendly?
Yes, it is familiar and appealing to most children.
Conclusion
Big Mac Pasta Salad is a fun, flavorful twist on a classic favorite that delivers comfort and nostalgia in every bite. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, it is ideal for picnics, potlucks, and casual family meals. This recipe proves that familiar flavors can be reinvented in creative and delicious ways.
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