Big Mac Pasta Salad Recipe
The Big Mac Pasta Salad Recipe is fun, creamy and full of bold flavor. It tastes like your favorite burger in a bowl. When I first learned how to make Big Mac Pasta Salad, I was curious and excited.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pasta elbow or shells
- 300 g ground beef
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- ½ cup diced pickles
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup chopped onion
For the dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon pickle juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Boil water in a large pot. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Let it cool completely before using.
Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat a frying pan over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Break it into small pieces. Drain excess fat and let it cool.
Prepare the Vegetables
- Chop lettuce, pickles and onion into small pieces. Keep them fresh and ready. These add crunch and flavor to the salad.
Make the Dressing
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard and pickle juice. Add garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Combine Pasta and Beef
- Place cooled pasta in a large bowl. Add cooked ground beef. Mix gently to combine without breaking the pasta.
Add Vegetables
- Add lettuce, pickles and onion into the bowl. Mix lightly. This keeps the vegetables fresh and crisp.
Add Cheese
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture. Stir gently so it spreads evenly throughout the salad.
Add Dressing
- Pour the dressing over the salad. Mix well until everything is coated. The salad should look creamy and rich.
Chill the Salad
- Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors blend together.
Serve and Enjoy
- Take the salad out and give it a quick stir. Serve chilled. It tastes creamy, tangy, and delicious.
Notes
- Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option
- Add tomatoes for freshness
- Use turkey instead of beef
- Add sesame seeds for burger flavor
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo
- Make it spicy with chili flakes