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Big Mac Pasta Salad

Big Mac Pasta Salad: Comfort Food Reinvented for Your Table

Big Mac Pasta Salad combines classic burger flavors in a light salad, perfect for any gathering.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 pound lean ground beef Use turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter option.
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce Skip if avoiding soy or gluten; can use soy sauce instead.
  • 8 ounces chickpea pasta (e.g., Banza) Substitute with regular pasta if preferred.
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes Any small tomato variety works; chopped larger ones are fine.
  • 2 cups romaine lettuce Substitutable with spinach or mixed greens.
  • 1/2 medium red onion Shallots or green onions can be substituted for a milder flavor.
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese Use a dairy-free cheese alternative for a vegan option.
  • 4-5 pieces dill pickles Sweet pickles can be used for a different taste.
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt Substitute with vegan yogurt for a dairy-free version.
  • 1/4 cup light mayonnaise Use vegan mayonnaise for a plant-based option.
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup Look for sugar-free or homemade versions.
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard Replace with mustard powder mixed with water if needed.
  • 1 tablespoon dill pickle juice
  • to taste garlic powder Fresh garlic can be used as well for a stronger taste.
  • to taste onion powder Fresh onion can be used as well for a stronger taste.
  • to taste paprika

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • large pot
  • mixing bowl
  • spatula
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Big Mac Pasta Salad
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef for about 5-7 minutes until it’s no longer pink. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and seasonings to taste. Transfer to a bowl to cool.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add chickpea pasta. Cook according to package instructions, typically around 7-9 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside in a mixing bowl.
  3. Chop the fresh vegetables including grape tomatoes, romaine lettuce, red onion, and dill pickles. Add all the veggies to the cooled pasta in the mixing bowl.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, dill pickle juice, and seasonings. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
  5. Pour the cooled ground beef into the mixing bowl with pasta and vegetables. Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese and gently fold together.
  6. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly. Add chopped romaine just before serving to keep it crispy.
  7. Serve the salad in bowls, garnishing with sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 750mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep dressing separate for freshness.

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