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Big Mac Pasta Salad

Big Mac Pasta Salad: Your New Favorite Summer Dish

Big Mac Pasta Salad brings the classic flavors of a burger into a delightful salad, perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Beef
  • 1 pound lean ground beef substitute with ground turkey or veggie crumbles for a lighter option
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce soy sauce can be used if needed
For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces chickpea pasta (e.g., Banza) regular pasta can be used if gluten-free isn't a priority
For the Vegetables
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes substitute with cherry or chopped vine tomatoes
  • 2 cups romaine lettuce iceberg can also work
  • 0.5 medium red onion green onions can be used for a milder flavor
  • 4 pieces dill pickles sweet pickles can be used for a different twist
For the Cheese
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese mild cheddar or a non-dairy cheese can be used
For the Dressing
  • 0.5 cup nonfat Greek yogurt sour cream can be used for a richer taste
  • 0.25 cup light mayonnaise full-fat mayo can also be used
  • 2 tablespoons no-sugar-added ketchup regular ketchup can be used but will add sugar
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard Dijon mustard can be used for more kick
  • 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice vinegar is a good substitute
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder fresh minced garlic can be used for a more robust taste
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder fresh onions can replace these if preferred
  • 0.5 teaspoon paprika smoked paprika can enhance the dish
Optional Garnish
  • 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds sunflower seeds can be used or omit

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • pot
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing Bowl
  • colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Big Mac Pasta Salad
  1. In a large skillet, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add 1 pound of lean ground beef and cook for about 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart as you go, until browned and fully cooked through. Stir in 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce during the last minute for added flavor, then remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. While the beef is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook 8 ounces of chickpea pasta according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. When al dente, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water until cooled completely, preventing it from sticking together. Set aside as you prepare the fresh ingredients.
  3. Gather your fresh veggies and chop them while your pasta is cooling. Halve about 1 cup of grape tomatoes, chop 2 cups of romaine lettuce, and finely dice half a red onion and 4 dill pickles.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup of nonfat Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup of light mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of no-sugar-added ketchup, 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard, and 2 tablespoons of dill pickle juice. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon each of garlic and onion powder, as well as 1/2 teaspoon of paprika. Whisk everything together until smooth and well blended.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled chickpea pasta, the cooked ground beef, and your chopped tomatoes, lettuce, onions, and pickles. Gently fold everything together.
  6. Drizzle your homemade dressing over the salad mixture generously. Carefully toss the salad to coat all the ingredients evenly without breaking the pasta.
  7. Just before serving, gently fold in the romaine lettuce to keep it crisp. You can serve the Big Mac Pasta Salad immediately, or refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. If desired, sprinkle white sesame seeds on top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 22gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 6gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Serve the salad right after it's made for the best taste, or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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