Big Mac Pasta Salad (Printable Version)
Savory pasta salad with beef, pickles, veggies, and a creamy special sauce chill for flavor.
# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 16 oz (454 g) rotini pasta
→ Beef
02 - 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
03 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Vegetables & Add-Ins
04 - 1/2 cup chopped dill pickles
05 - 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
06 - 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
07 - 1/2 cup diced onion
08 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
→ Dressing
09 - 3/4 cup mayonnaise
10 - 1/4 cup ketchup
11 - 2 tbsp yellow mustard
12 - 2 tbsp pickle juice
13 - Salt and pepper, to taste
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool completely.
02 - In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it into small crumbles. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat and let cool to room temperature.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked ground beef, chopped pickles, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced onion, and shredded cheddar cheese.
04 - In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle juice, and additional salt and pepper to taste until smooth.
05 - Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
06 - Cover and chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
07 - Toss again before serving. Garnish with extra shredded lettuce, pickles, or cheese if desired.
# Additional Tips::
01 -
- Easy to prepare ahead and perfect for meal prep
- Tastes just like a Big Mac in salad form without the mess
- Always a hit with both kids and adults at picnics or parties
- Versatile for ingredient swaps based on what you have
02 -
- Packed with protein from the beef and cheese for a filling main dish
- Just as good the next day to enjoy for lunch
- Brings those familiar burger flavors without needing a grill
03 -
- Be sure your pasta and beef are fully cooled before mixing or your lettuce will wilt
- Shred the cheese yourself instead of using pre-shredded bags for better flavor
- Taste and tweak the dressing—sometimes a little extra mustard or pickle juice is just what it needs