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