Big Mac Pasta Salad (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Ground Beef Mixture
01 -
1 pound lean ground beef
02 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
→ Special Sauce
03 -
1 cup mayonnaise
04 -
1/2 cup ranch dressing
05 -
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
06 -
1/2 tablespoon white vinegar
07 -
1 teaspoon paprika
08 -
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
09 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
10 -
Salt to taste
→ Main Salad Components
11 -
1 pound elbow macaroni pasta
12 -
1 hamburger bun
13 -
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
14 -
1/2 cup dill pickle chips, finely diced
15 -
1 medium red onion, finely chopped
16 -
2 cups fresh romaine lettuce, chopped
17 -
8-10 cherry tomatoes, cut into quarters
18 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the elbow macaroni following package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Meanwhile, finely dice the red onion, chop the dill pickles into small pieces, shred the romaine lettuce, and quarter the cherry tomatoes. Set everything aside.
02 -
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat, then sprinkle with garlic powder and stir to combine. Let cool slightly.
03 -
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ranch dressing, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and well combined - this creates that signature Big Mac flavor.
04 -
Cut the hamburger bun into small, bite-sized cubes. Lightly spray or brush with a little oil, then toast in a 350°F oven for about 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy. These will add that perfect crunch factor.
05 -
In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled pasta, seasoned ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, diced pickles, chopped onion, lettuce, and quartered tomatoes. Pour the special sauce over everything and toss gently until well coated. Fold in the toasted bun pieces just before serving to maintain their crunch.
06 -
The salad can be enjoyed right away, but it's even better after chilling in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to let all those amazing flavors blend together. Give it a gentle stir before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
This creative pasta salad captures all the beloved flavors of a Big Mac burger in a portable, shareable format that's perfect for potlucks and barbecues.
02 -
For best results, add the toasted bun pieces right before serving to keep them crispy and prevent them from getting soggy.
03 -
The salad can be made up to 24 hours ahead - just hold off on adding the lettuce and bun pieces until serving time.