Introduction

Big Mac Pasta Salad is a fun and flavorful twist on the classic Big Mac burger. This dish combines protein-packed chickpea pasta, lean ground beef, and fresh veggies, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing inspired by the iconic burger sauce. It’s perfect for gatherings or meal prepping.

A close-up view of a clear glass bowl filled with a colorful pasta salad on a white marbled surface. The salad has spiraled pasta in a creamy pale yellow, mixed with ground brown meat pieces, bright orange and yellow cubed bell peppers, and small green lettuce leaves scattered throughout. On top, there are thick round slices of pickles with visible white seeds, and the salad is sprinkled with white sesame seeds. The textures vary from the smooth pasta to the crumbly meat and crunchy vegetables. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb 96% lean ground beef
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
8 oz dry chickpea pasta (e.g., Banza)
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
1/3 cup red onion, diced
1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese (2%), shredded or cubed
1/3 cup dill pickles, diced
3/4 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup light mayonnaise
4 tbsp no sugar added ketchup
1 1/2 tbsp yellow mustard
1 1/2 tbsp dill pickle juice
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika
White sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the lean ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully browned. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: Cook the chickpea pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the vegetables: halve the grape tomatoes, chop the romaine lettuce, dice the red onion, and dice the dill pickles.
Step 4: Shred or cube the sharp cheddar cheese for topping.
Step 5: In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, dill pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ground beef, grape tomatoes, romaine lettuce (save some for last), red onion, cheddar cheese, and pickles.
Step 7: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
Step 8: Just before serving, fold in the remaining chopped romaine lettuce to keep it crisp. Garnish with white sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Tips & Variations

Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles instead of ground beef for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Swap chickpea pasta for any short pasta like rotini, penne, or shells to change up the texture.
Try different cheeses such as Colby Jack or crumbled blue cheese for bold flavors.
Replace dill pickles with sweet pickles or add extra pickle juice for extra tanginess.
Use shredded cabbage or spinach instead of romaine for added crunch or nutrients.
For a spicier kick, use sriracha mayo instead of traditional dressing.

Storage

Store Big Mac Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the salad fresh, consider storing the dressing separately and tossing it with the salad just before serving. If the salad seems dry after refrigeration, mix in a tablespoon of mayonnaise or a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Avoid freezing the salad as the mayonnaise-based dressing may separate, but you can freeze cooked pasta separately for up to 2 months and thaw before assembling.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a clear glass bowl filled with a creamy pasta salad. The dish has several layers: the bottom layer is pale yellow rotini pasta with a smooth, creamy texture; scattered throughout are small pieces of cooked ground meat in a light brown color; there are also chunks of orange and yellow bell peppers adding bright pops of color; fresh green lettuce leaves are mixed in, offering a slightly crisp texture; on top, round slices of dark green pickles sprinkled with white sesame seeds are visible, giving the salad a fresh look. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time but it’s best to keep the dressing separate and mix just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.

Is chickpea pasta necessary?

No, you can use any short pasta you like. Chickpea pasta adds protein and is gluten-free, but rotini, penne, or shells work well too.