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Big Mac Pasta Salad with fresh ingredients and creamy dressing

Big Mac Pasta Salad

A comforting pasta salad that combines the flavors of a Big Mac with seasoned ground beef, cheddar cheese, crispy lettuce, and a creamy dressing, perfect for potlucks and busy weeknights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Beef
  • 8 oz rotini pasta (or another short pasta)
  • 1 lb ground beef can substitute with ground turkey or lean beef
Vegetables
  • 1 cup lettuce, chopped (iceberg or romaine)
  • 1/2 cup pickles, diced (dill or bread-and-butter)
  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Dressing
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise can swap half with Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Add rotini and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 8–10 minutes). Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Cook until no pink remains and small browned bits appear, about 6–8 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Drain any excess fat and let the beef cool slightly.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked beef, chopped lettuce, diced pickles, and shredded cheddar.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, white vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust acidity or seasoning.
  5. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the flavors meld and the salad chills. Taste before serving and add a little more vinegar if you want extra brightness.

Notes

Let the beef cool before adding the mayo-based dressing to avoid thinning. For a crunchier texture, keep some lettuce to sprinkle on top just before serving. This can be made a day ahead, just add lettuce before serving to prevent sogginess.