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Big Mac Pasta Salad

Big Mac Pasta Salad: Your New Comfort Food Crush

This Big Mac Pasta Salad is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, combining lean ground beef and chickpea pasta for a gluten-free option.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 pound ground beef can substitute with lean ground turkey
  • 8 ounces chickpea pasta gluten-free option
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes can substitute with cherry tomatoes
  • 2 cups romaine lettuce can use mixed greens
  • 1 small red onion can substitute with green onions
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese optional to omit or use dairy-free cheese
  • 1 cup dill pickles can use sweet pickles
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt can substitute with sour cream or non-dairy yogurt
  • 1/4 cup light mayonnaise can substitute with avocado
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup can use sugar-free
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard Dijon mustard adds extra flavor
  • 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice can use lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds optional garnish

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat over medium heat and add ground beef. Cook until browned, stirring frequently for about 8-10 minutes, until no longer pink. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, combine well, and let it cool.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add chickpea pasta and cook according to package instructions for 7-9 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  3. Prep Vegetables: Halve grape tomatoes, chop romaine lettuce, dice red onion, and slice dill pickles. Set aside.
  4. Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, and dill pickle juice. Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until smooth.
  5. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add cooked chickpea pasta, ground beef, tomatoes, lettuce, red onion, and cheddar cheese. Fold to mix evenly.
  6. Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients without crushing them.
  7. Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to enhance flavors.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 6gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Add romaine lettuce just before serving for maximum crunch. Adjust seasoning to personal preference for added flavor.

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