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Big Mac Pasta Salad

A creamy, savory, and tangy pasta salad that tastes exactly like the famous fast-food burger. Loaded with seasoned ground beef, cheddar cheese, pickles, and a homemade special sauce.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8 cups
Course: Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad Base
  • 16 oz rotini pasta cooked and cooled
  • 1 lb ground beef lean
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups iceberg lettuce shredded
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese cubed
  • 0.5 cup dill pickles chopped or sliced
  • 0.25 cup red onion finely diced
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds toasted
Special Sauce Dressing
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 0.25 cup sour cream or greek yogurt
  • 3 tbsp ketchup
  • 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar
  • 1 tsp sugar optional
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Skillet
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Cook the rotini pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with salt and pepper until fully browned. Drain excess fat and let cool.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, ketchup, relish, vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder to create the sauce.
  4. In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooled beef, cubed cheese, pickles, and red onion.
  5. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until evenly coated.
  6. Just before serving, fold in the shredded lettuce and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.

Notes

If making ahead, keep the lettuce separate and add it right before serving to maintain crunch.