Name: Big Mac Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 12 oz short pasta (rotini, penne, or similar); 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved; 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce; 1/2 cup diced red onion; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup diced dill pickles; 1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt; 1/4 cup light mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons no-sugar-added ketchup; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; 1 tablespoon dill pickle juice; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds (optional garnish)

Why You’ll Love Big Mac Pasta Salad Recipe

This recipe brings together the nostalgic flavors of your favorite burger in an easy-to-serve pasta salad form. It’s hearty enough to stand alone as a main dish, yet versatile enough to serve as a side.

You’ll love how simple it is to prepare with everyday ingredients. The creamy, tangy dressing ties everything together beautifully, while the fresh vegetables add crunch and balance to the savory beef and pasta.

It’s also ideal for making ahead. Whether you’re planning a cookout, picnic, or weekly meal prep, this dish holds up well and tastes even better after the flavors have had time to blend.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the salad
ground beef
Worcestershire sauce
short pasta (such as rotini or penne)
grape tomatoes, halved
romaine lettuce, chopped
red onion, finely diced
sharp cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
dill pickles, diced

For the dressing
plain Greek yogurt
mayonnaise
ketchup
yellow mustard
dill pickle juice
garlic powder
onion powder
paprika
salt and black pepper to taste

Optional garnish
white sesame seeds

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely. Set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Stir in a splash of Worcestershire sauce and season with salt and pepper. Drain excess grease if needed and allow the beef to cool.
While the pasta and beef cool, prepare the vegetables. Halve the grape tomatoes, chop the romaine lettuce, dice the red onion, and chop the dill pickles.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked ground beef, tomatoes, red onion, pickles, and cheddar cheese. Add the dressing and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Fold in the chopped romaine lettuce just before serving to keep it crisp. Garnish with white sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately or chill until ready to enjoy.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6 generous servings

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the beef.

To make it lower in carbs, use a high-protein or chickpea-based pasta.

Add cooked and crumbled bacon for extra smoky flavor.

Swap cheddar for Colby Jack or pepper jack if you prefer a different cheese profile.

For a spicier kick, mix a small amount of hot sauce or finely diced jalapeños into the dressing.

If you prefer extra crunch, add chopped iceberg lettuce in addition to or instead of romaine.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because this is a cold pasta salad, reheating is not necessary.

If the salad seems dry after chilling, stir in a small spoonful of mayonnaise or a splash of milk to refresh the dressing. For best texture, add lettuce just before serving rather than storing it mixed in for extended periods.

FAQs

Can I make Big Mac Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it several hours in advance. For best results, stir in the lettuce just before serving to keep it crisp.

What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells work best because they hold the dressing well and mix evenly with the other ingredients.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Be sure to cook it just until al dente to prevent it from becoming too soft.

How long does it last in the refrigerator?

It will stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I freeze this pasta salad?

Freezing is not recommended. The texture of the pasta, lettuce, and creamy dressing may change significantly after thawing.

What can I serve with this salad?

It pairs well with grilled chicken, burgers, hot dogs, or can be served on its own as a complete meal.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, substitute plant-based ground meat alternatives for the beef to create a vegetarian version.

Why should I rinse the pasta?

Rinsing cools the pasta quickly and removes excess starch, helping prevent it from sticking together in the salad.

Can I use store-bought dressing instead?

You can, but the homemade dressing gives it that signature burger-inspired flavor. A Thousand Island-style dressing would be the closest substitute.

How do I keep the salad from becoming soggy?

Allow the beef and pasta to cool before mixing, and add the lettuce just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.

Conclusion

Big Mac Pasta Salad is a creative and satisfying dish that captures the flavors of a classic burger in a refreshing, shareable format. With its savory beef, crisp vegetables, creamy dressing, and cheesy goodness, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe for gatherings and weeknight meals alike. Once you try it, you’ll love having this fun and flavorful salad in your regular rotation.