Big Mac Pasta Salad is a fun, tasty twist on the classic burger that everyone loves. It’s packed with pasta, ground beef, shredded cheese, crisp lettuce, and pickles, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing that reminds me of the famous Big Mac sauce. It’s a colorful mix with lots of crunch and flavor in every bite.
I love making this salad for get-togethers because it’s easy to prepare ahead of time and always a crowd-pleaser. I usually cook the pasta just right so it’s tender but still has a bit of bite. The secret is in the dressing—it’s what really brings all the flavors together and makes it so special. I like to add extra pickles for a little zing and sometimes sprinkle in some diced onions for extra crunch.
This salad is perfect as a side dish for summer barbecues or as a light lunch on its own. I often serve it chilled, right out of the fridge, which makes it super refreshing on warm days. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that sparks fun conversations because everyone recognizes the classic Big Mac taste but gets to enjoy it in a totally new way.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I like rotini because its spirals hold the dressing well. You can swap for fusilli or penne if that’s what you have on hand.
Ground Beef: Using lean ground beef is best to avoid extra grease. If you need a lighter option, try ground turkey or plant-based meat.
Dressing: The mayonnaise-ketchup-mustard mix makes the Big Mac flavor pop. To keep it healthier, use light mayo or Greek yogurt.
Vegetables: Iceberg lettuce adds crunch and freshness. Cherry tomatoes and cucumber bring brightness. Bell peppers give a bit of sweetness too. Feel free to add or swap veggies based on your taste.
Cheddar Cheese: It’s optional but adds a nice sharpness. You can skip it or use a cheese you prefer like mozzarella or Swiss.
How Can I Make Sure the Pasta Salad Stays Fresh and Tasty?
Cooling the pasta is key — rinsing with cold water stops cooking and prevents stickiness. Mixing the warm beef only after it’s cooled keeps the salad fresh.
- Cook pasta al dente and rinse well under cold water.
- Drain cooked beef and let it cool before combining.
- Use a large bowl to gently toss ingredients with dressing, so nothing gets mushy.
- Chill for at least 1 hour. This helps flavors blend and keeps the salad crisp.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – I use this to cook the pasta so it cooks evenly and efficiently.
- Colander – for draining the hot pasta, making clean-up easy.
- Skillet – perfect for browning the ground beef without extra dishes.
- Mixing bowls – a large one for tossing everything together and smaller ones for mixing the dressing.
- Whisk or fork – helps blend the dressing ingredients smoothly.
- Refrigerator – essential for chilling the salad to let flavors meld.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use ground turkey or veggie crumbles instead of beef for a lighter take.
- Swap shredded cheddar for Swiss or Monterey Jack to change the flavor profile.
- Add chopped pickles or onions for extra tang and crunch.
- Mix in sliced olives or pepperoncini for a bit of briny kick.
Big Mac Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Meat:
- 3 cups rotini pasta (uncooked)
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Vegetables & Extras:
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce (chopped)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber slices
- 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Paprika or chili powder for garnish (optional)
Time Needed to Make This Salad
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook, plus at least 1 hour to chill in the fridge. Chilling helps all the tasty flavors come together for a delicious pasta salad.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook and Cool the Pasta:
Cook the rotini pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente—that means cooked but still a bit firm. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Set it aside so it’s ready for mixing.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
While the pasta is cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Cook until it’s fully browned and no longer pink inside. Drain any extra fat from the pan, then let the beef cool a little before adding it to the salad.
3. Make the Big Mac Dressing:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until everything is combined well. This will give your salad that classic Big Mac flavor in a creamy dressing.
4. Combine All Ingredients:
In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, ground beef, shredded lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, yellow bell pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese if you want. Pour the dressing over all the ingredients, then toss gently until everything is coated nicely with the dressing.
5. Chill and Serve:
Place the salad in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour. This resting time lets the flavors blend and makes the salad extra tasty. Before serving, sprinkle a little paprika or chili powder on top if you’d like some color and a touch of mild spice.
Enjoy your tasty and refreshing Big Mac Pasta Salad! It’s a fun way to enjoy the flavors of a classic burger in a cool, pasta dish.
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the ground beef in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave before cooking. This ensures even cooking and the best texture.
Can I Prepare the Salad Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire salad a few hours in advance or even the day before. Just keep it covered in the fridge and toss gently before serving to redistribute the dressing.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a quick stir before serving again to freshen up the flavors.
What Can I Use Instead of Rotini Pasta?
You can swap rotini for other pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or bowtie pasta. Just cook according to package directions and rinse with cold water to cool before mixing in the salad.
