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Big Mac Pasta Salad

Big Mac Pasta Salad: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Delight

Big Mac Pasta Salad combines classic burger flavors with a creamy dressing, making it a perfect crowd-pleaser for gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 cups
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 lb lean ground beef Substitution: Ground turkey or plant-based meat
  • 8 oz chickpea pasta Substitution: Regular pasta if not gluten-sensitive
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes Substitution: Cherry or diced regular tomatoes
  • 1 cup romaine lettuce Other leafy greens can be used
  • 1/3 cup red onion Substitution: Green onions or shallots for a milder flavor
  • 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese Can be replaced with dairy-free cheese
  • 1/3 cup dill pickles Substitution: Sweet pickles or relish
For the Dressing
  • 3/4 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt Substitution: Sour cream or dairy-free yogurt
  • 1/4 cup light mayonnaise Use avocado-based mayonnaise for a healthier twist
  • 4 tbsp no-sugar-added ketchup Substitution: Homemade ketchup or another sugar-free alternative
  • 1.5 tbsp yellow mustard Substitution: Dijon mustard for a sophisticated flavor
  • 1.5 tbsp dill pickle juice
  • 1 tsp garlic powder Adjust to personal preference
  • 1 tsp onion powder Adjust to personal preference
  • 1 tsp paprika Adjust to personal preference

Equipment

  • skillet
  • pot
  • colander
  • Cutting Board
  • Sharp knife
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large skillet, heat over medium heat and add lean ground beef. Cook for about 8–10 minutes, stirring frequently, until browned.
  2. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add chickpea pasta. Cook according to package instructions, usually around 7–9 minutes, until al dente.
  3. While the pasta is cooling, chop grape tomatoes, romaine lettuce, red onion, and dill pickles. Set them aside in a large mixing bowl.
  4. Shred or crumble sharp cheddar cheese and add it to the mixing bowl with the chopped vegetables.
  5. In a medium bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, ketchup, and yellow mustard. Add dill pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
  6. In the large mixing bowl with vegetables and cheese, add cooled chickpea pasta and cooked ground beef. Toss to combine.
  7. Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently until every ingredient is well coated.
  8. Fold in chopped romaine lettuce just before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 18gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 550mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 6gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftover salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing as dressing may separate.

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