Big Mac Pasta Salad Recipe
Summer cookouts, family gatherings, or a simple weeknight dinner—this Big Mac pasta salad is the perfect dish for any occasion. Big Mac lovers are sure to fall for this big mac burger salad served up in a big bowl of deliciousness covered in special sauce!
If you’re like me, you know that feeding hungry teens can be a bit of a challenge. The struggle is real when it comes to finding something everyone will enjoy.
Enter the Big Mac pasta salad—a fun twist on the classic Big Mac burger that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Let me tell you, this big mac salad recipe does not disappoint! It’s the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, savory, and tangy, making it the ultimate family-friendly dish with classic big mac flavor.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Big Mac pasta salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It brings together all the best parts of a Big Mac burger, minus the bun, and transforms it into a light, refreshing salad.
The crunchy lettuce and tangy pickles give it that familiar Big Mac crunch, while the burger sauce and cheese bring a satisfying richness.
Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make in big batches, making it the perfect dish for your next potluck or BBQ. Not to mention, it’s a great meal prep option!
You can make it ahead of time, and it’ll be just as delicious the next day—if it even lasts that long.
Big Mac Pasta Salad
Whether you’re feeding a family of teens or bringing a dish to your next BBQ, this Big Mac pasta salad is sure to be a hit. It’s simple, satisfying, and full of those classic Big Mac flavors everyone loves.
Ingredients
- Uncooked elbow macaroni noodles (4 cups cooked) – Any kind of pasta will work, but macaroni noodles are ideal for soaking up the creamy dressing.
- Lean ground beef (about 2 cups cooked) – Seasoned and browned to bring that classic burger flavor to the salad.
- Romaine lettuce, shredded – Fresh and crunchy lettuce gives the salad a satisfying bite.
- Cheddar cheese, shredded – A deliciously melty addition to the salad that brings the flavors together.
- White onion, diced – Adds a bit of sharpness to balance the richness of the beef and sauce.
- Dill pickles, diced – The perfect tangy bite to complete the Big Mac flavor profile.
- Homemade Big Mac sauce – A creamy, tangy dressing that ties everything together (trust me, it’s the secret ingredient!).
- Sesame seeds – For that final touch of crunch and an authentic Big Mac feel.
- Salt & pepper – For seasoning the beef and enhancing the overall flavor.
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling water until al dente. Drain and let it cool. Tip: Add 1 tbsp olive oil to the water to help prevent the pasta from sticking together.
2. Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, drain the excess grease and season with salt and pepper. Allow to cool.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, ground beef, shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, diced onions, and pickles.
4. Add the Big Mac sauce and mix everything together until well coated.
5. Sprinkle the sesame seeds on top for that signature Big Mac flavor.
For best results, let the salad chill in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving.
Tips & Tricks
- Use leftover beef – This recipe is a great way to use up leftover cooked ground beef or taco meat. It adds a nice depth of flavor without extra effort!
- Switch up the pickles – If you prefer sweet relish or bread-and-butter pickles, feel free to swap them out. They’ll still add that essential tanginess to the dish.
- Add extra veggies – If you want to add a little extra crunch or freshness, toss in some cherry tomatoes or shredded carrots. It adds layers of flavor and color.
- Go for ground turkey – For a leaner option, ground turkey is a great substitute for beef. It still soaks up all the seasoning and pairs beautifully with the sauce.
- Make it ahead of time – This pasta salad tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight, giving the flavors more time to meld together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, making this salad ahead of time is a great idea. It allows the flavors to meld together, and it tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While macaroni is the classic choice, any type of pasta works here. Try using rotini, penne, or farfalle for a fun twist.
Can I make this salad low-carb?
Yes, you can easily make this salad low-carb by swapping the pasta for a keto-friendly pasta or spiralized zucchini. The Big Mac sauce and beef still make it a delicious, satisfying dish!
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, preparing for the next potluck, or simply feeding your growing teens, this Big Mac pasta salad recipe is an easy, tasty, and crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to become a new favorite. The mix of creamy, crunchy, and tangy flavors will have everyone going back for seconds (or thirds)!
More Crave Worthy Big Mac Recipes
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Big Mac Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni noodles 4 cups cooked
- ½ pound lean ground beef about 2 cups cooked
- 2 cups romaine lettuce shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ white onion diced
- 3-4 dill pickles diced
- ½ cup Big Mac sauce
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- Salt & pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling water until al dente. Drain and let it cool. Tip: Add 1 tbsp olive oil to the water to help prevent the pasta from sticking together.
- Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, drain the excess grease and season with salt and pepper. Allow to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, ground beef, shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, diced onions, and pickles.
- Add the Big Mac sauce and mix everything together until well coated.
- Sprinkle the sesame seeds on top for that signature Big Mac flavor.
- For best results, let the salad chill in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving.
Notes
- Use leftover beef – This recipe is a great way to use up leftover cooked ground beef or taco meat. It adds a nice depth of flavor without extra effort!
- Switch up the pickles – If you prefer sweet relish or bread-and-butter pickles, feel free to swap them out. They’ll still add that essential tanginess to the dish.
- Add extra veggies – If you want to add a little extra crunch or freshness, toss in some cherry tomatoes or shredded carrots. It adds layers of flavor and color.
- Go for ground turkey – For a leaner option, ground turkey is a great substitute for beef. It still soaks up all the seasoning and pairs beautifully with the sauce.
- Make it ahead of time – This pasta salad tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight, giving the flavors more time to meld together.
Nutrition
