Description
Big Mac Pasta Salad blends craveworthy flavor with creamy mayo pickle crunch and tangy sauce in a quick wknyht dish easy tasty crowdpleasing
Ingredients
12 oz fusilli pasta (or bow-tie pasta) — cooked to al dente, then cooled
1 lb ground beef — browned and crumbled, seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper
1/2 cup mayonnaise — the creamy base of the flavor-packed sauce
2 tbsp ketchup — brings sweetness and tomato-y tang
2 tbsp sweet pickle relish — all the classic pickle bite
1 tbsp yellow mustard — a bright tang to balance the mayo
1 tbsp white vinegar (or apple cider) — a touch of brightness
1 tsp sugar — rounds out the acidity
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese — melty, sharp, and reminiscent of Big Mac cheese
1 cup dill pickles, diced — crisp bite and salty tang
3 cups shredded lettuce (romaine or iceberg) — for crunch and freshness
1/2 small red onion, finely diced (optional) — a pop of sharpness
1–2 tsp sesame seeds — garnish to echo the burger’s sesame bun
Salt and pepper — to taste
Chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional) — for color and aroma
Instructions
Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking, then drain well.
Meanwhile, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, crumbling as it cooks. Season with a little salt and pepper. When cooked through, drain any excess fat and set aside to cool briefly.
Whisk the sauce: in a bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, mustard, vinegar, and sugar. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust to your preference—more sweetness or tang if you like.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crumbled beef, shredded cheddar, diced pickles, lettuce, and red onion (if using). Pour the sauce over and toss gently to coat evenly. The pasta should be glossy with sauce and every bite should have a little crunch from the pickles.
Chill the salad for 30–60 minutes to let flavors meld and the mixture set up a bit. Just before serving, give it a quick toss and sprinkle with sesame seeds and optional herbs for color.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Fat: 34 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
Keywords: Big Mac Pasta Salad, pasta salad, American, lunch, gluten-free friendly
