Description
A fun and flavorful twist on the classic burger, this Big Mac Pasta Salad combines seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, tangy pickles, sharp cheddar, and a creamy burger-inspired dressing in one easy, crowd-pleasing dish.
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)
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and season with salt and pepper. Cook until fully done, then remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool completely.
- Prepare the vegetables by halving the grape tomatoes, chopping the romaine lettuce, and dicing the red onion and pickles.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until smooth and creamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked beef, tomatoes, lettuce, red onion, shredded cheddar, and pickles.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Sprinkle with white sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.
Notes
- Add the lettuce just before serving to keep it crisp.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If the dressing thickens after chilling, stir in a small splash of milk or extra mayonnaise to loosen.
- Swap ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
