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Big Mac Pasta Salad

This Big Mac Pasta Salad is a creamy, tangy, and hearty pasta salad inspired by classic burger flavors. Made with seasoned ground beef, pasta, pickles, cheese, and a signature special sauce dressing, it’s perfect for BBQs, potlucks, and summer meals.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Pasta
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni or small pasta
  • Salt for boiling water
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Beef
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Mix-ins
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • ½ cup diced pickles
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • ¼ cup diced onions
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Big Mac Sauce Dressing
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp mustard
  • 1 tbsp pickle juice
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Toss with olive oil and set aside.
  2. In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Drain excess fat and let cool.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to make the dressing.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta, cooked beef, lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, onions, and cheddar cheese.
  5. Pour dressing over salad and toss until evenly coated.
  6. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Notes

  • Chill before serving for best flavor and texture.
  • Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness.
  • Add dressing gradually if you prefer a lighter salad.
  • Can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Great for meal prep and summer gatherings.
  • Easily adaptable into a lighter healthy pasta salad version using lean meat and light mayo.