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Big Mac Pasta Salad

Big Mac Pasta Salad

Big Mac Pasta Salad is a delicious twist on comfort food, combining classic burger flavors in a creamy pasta salad.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Salad
  • 1 lb Lean Ground Beef Ensure it's well-cooked for safety and taste.
  • 8 oz Chickpea Pasta Can substitute with whole wheat or regular pasta.
  • 1 cup Grape Tomatoes Can substitute with cherry tomatoes.
  • 2 cups Romaine Lettuce Iceberg lettuce can also be used.
  • 1/2 cup Red Onion Diced for even distribution; swap with green onions if desired.
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese Use mild cheddar if desired.
  • 1/2 cup Dill Pickles Can substitute with sweet pickles.
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Greek Yogurt Can be replaced with dairy-free yogurt.
  • 1/4 cup Light Mayonnaise Substitute with more yogurt or vegan mayo if needed.
  • 1/4 cup No-Sugar-Added Ketchup Regular ketchup can be used.
  • 1 tbsp Yellow Mustard Dijon mustard can be substituted.
  • 1 tbsp Dill Pickle Juice Can be omitted if needed.
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Fresh garlic can be a substitute.
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder Fresh onions can be used in moderation.
  • 1 tsp Paprika Smoked paprika can add a nice twist.

Equipment

  • skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a skillet over medium heat, add lean ground beef and cook for about 7-10 minutes until fully browned. Season with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Transfer beef to a plate to cool.
  2. Boil chickpea pasta in salted water according to package instructions, around 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside to cool.
  3. Dice grape tomatoes, chop romaine lettuce, finely dice red onion, and slice dill pickles into small pieces. Place all chopped vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
  4. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, dill pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until smooth.
  5. In the bowl with the chopped vegetables, add the cooled chickpea pasta and prepared beef. Gently fold everything together until evenly mixed.
  6. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until fully coated. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
  7. Fold in the chopped romaine lettuce just before serving. Garnish with white sesame seeds if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 25gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

This salad works well as a meal prep option. Components can be prepped in advance for optimal freshness.

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