Irresistible Big Mac Pasta Salad – A Flavor Explosion!

Big Mac Pasta Salad is a delightful twist on the classic fast-food favorite. Imagine creamy pasta enveloping crispy lettuce, tangy pickles, and savory ground beef all mingling together in a bowl of deliciousness. delicious taco casserole The flavor is an explosion of textures and tastes that will make your taste buds sing! crispy chicken ranch wrap. chicken dijon cream sauce. For more inspiration, check out this Irresistible Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe.

This dish is perfect for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or even a cozy night in front of the TV with your favorite show. It’s easy to whip up and will leave everyone asking for seconds (or thirds). quick macaroni dish Trust me; this isn’t just another pasta salad—it’s a culinary adventure!

I remember the first time I made this dish; my friends were skeptical but ended up devouring the entire bowl!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Rotini Pasta: This shape holds onto the dressing beautifully, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.

• Ground Beef: Opt for lean beef to keep the salad lighter while still packing in protein.

• Shredded Lettuce: Freshly shredded lettuce adds a crunchy texture that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

• Sliced Pickles: Use dill pickles for that signature tanginess that gives this pasta salad its Big Mac flair.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A sprinkle of cheese adds creaminess and richness to each delightful bite.

• Mayonnaise: The base of our dressing – feel free to use light mayo if you prefer a healthier option!

• Ketchup: Just like in a Big Mac, ketchup brings sweetness and depth to the dressing.

• Mustard: A dash of mustard enhances the flavors and gives that iconic taste associated with burgers.

• Onion Powder: Adds a subtle bite without overpowering the other flavors in the salad.

• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors in our delicious dish!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt once it’s boiling and toss in about 12 ounces of rotini pasta. Cook until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown 1 pound of ground beef until fully cooked, which takes about 6-8 minutes. Use a spatula to break up any clumps; drain excess grease if necessary.

Create the Dressing: In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of ketchup, 1 tablespoon of mustard, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir until smooth and well combined.

Toss Everything Together: In that same large bowl, combine cooled pasta with browned beef, shredded lettuce, sliced pickles, and shredded cheddar cheese. Pour the dressing over everything and gently fold until all ingredients are coated.

Chill Before Serving: Cover your creation with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving so all those lovely flavors meld together beautifully.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your Big Mac Pasta Salad! Serve it at parties or simply enjoy as an easy weeknight dinner. It’s sure to be a hit! For more inspiration, check out this Savory Big Mac Wraps recipe.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking pasta until al dente. While it cools, chop veggies and prepare the dressing to save time.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ingredients! Try using ground turkey instead of beef or add pickles for extra crunch.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Enjoy cold or let it sit at room temperature before serving.

There’s something heartwarming about sharing this dish with friends during summer barbecues. Their delighted faces make all the chopping worth it!

FAQ

Can I make Big Mac Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes, prepare it a day in advance for better flavor fusion!

What type of pasta works best for this salad?

Rotini or penne holds dressing well and adds texture!

Is there a vegetarian version of Big Mac Pasta Salad?

Absolutely! Substitute beef with chickpeas or black beans for protein.

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Big Mac Pasta Salad

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• Author: Anastasia Chen
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves about 6

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Description

Big Mac Pasta Salad is a fun and flavorful twist on the beloved fast-food classic. This creamy pasta dish combines crunchy lettuce, zesty pickles, and savory ground beef, creating an easy yet delightful meal perfect for summer gatherings or cozy nights in. Whip it up quickly, and watch as it becomes a crowd favorite that keeps everyone coming back for seconds!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz rotini pasta
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 2 cups shredded lettuce
• 1 cup sliced dill pickles
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the rotini pasta in boiling salted water until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef (6-8 minutes) and drain excess grease.
3. In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
4. Add cooled pasta, cooked beef, shredded lettuce, pickles, and cheese to the dressing; gently fold until well combined.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 65mg