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Big Mac Pasta Salad

Big Mac Pasta Salad: Your New Favorite Comfort Dish

This Big Mac Pasta Salad is a comforting, quick dish bursting with familiar flavors, perfect for busy nights or gatherings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 pound ground beef Use 96% lean for a healthier option.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Adjust according to taste.
  • 8 ounces chickpea pasta Can substitute with regular pasta for gluten-eaters.
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes Halve for bite-sized pieces.
  • 1 cup romaine lettuce Chop just before serving.
  • 1/3 cup red onion Substitute with green onions if milder taste is preferred.
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese Use dairy-free cheese for a non-dairy option.
  • 1/3 cup dill pickles Can use other pickled vegetables.
For the Dressing
  • 3/4 cup Greek yogurt Sour cream is a viable substitute.
  • 1/4 cup light mayonnaise Vegan mayo can be substituted.
  • 4 tablespoons ketchup Opt for no-sugar-added version.
  • 1.5 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 1.5 tablespoons dill pickle juice Lemon juice can be used for a different acidity.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
For Garnish
  • 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds Optional garnish.

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown 1 pound of lean ground beef, stirring occasionally for about 5–7 minutes until fully cooked. Incorporate 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor as the meat cooks.
  2. In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil, then add 8 ounces of chickpea pasta. Cook according to package instructions, usually around 7–10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  3. While the pasta is cooling, halve 1 cup of grape tomatoes. Chop 1 cup of romaine lettuce, dice 1/3 cup of red onion, and 1/3 cup of dill pickles.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup of Greek yogurt and 1/4 cup of light mayonnaise. Stir in 4 tablespoons of ketchup, 1.5 tablespoons of yellow mustard, and 1.5 tablespoons of dill pickle juice. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked ground beef, halved tomatoes, chopped romaine, diced onion, sharp cheddar cheese, and dill pickles. Toss gently until well mixed.
  6. Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss again until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  7. Fold in remaining chopped romaine just before serving. If using, sprinkle with white sesame seeds.
  8. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

For best taste, serve immediately after preparing, but can be enjoyed cold after refrigeration.

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