Proven way to grow 7-Ingredient Big Mac Pasta Salad
This Big Mac Pasta Salad is a delightful mashup, combining the iconic flavors of a Big Mac—beef, special sauce, pickles, and cheese—with a refreshing pasta salad. It's an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for any gathering or a quick weeknight meal.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet
- Medium bowl
- Large mixing bowl
Ingredients
Pasta Salad
- 2 cups Elbow macaroni
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 4 slices American cheese cut into small squares
- 1/2 cup Dill pickles chopped
- 1/4 cup Onion finely chopped
Big Mac Sauce
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Ketchup
- 2 tbsp Mustard
- 2 tbsp Sweet pickle relish
- 1 tbsp White vinegar
- 1/2 tsp Onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp Paprika
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
Cooking Pasta and Beef
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente; drain and rinse with cold water, then set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, brown the ground beef in a large skillet; drain any excess grease and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Preparing the Sauce
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Assembling the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, browned ground beef, American cheese squares, chopped dill pickles, and finely chopped onion.
- Pour the prepared Big Mac sauce over the pasta mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated. Serve immediately or chill for at least 30 minutes for flavors to meld.
Notes
For an extra touch, toast some sesame seeds and sprinkle them on top before serving, mimicking the Big Mac bun. Adjust the amount of pickles and onions based on your preference. You can also add some shredded lettuce for more crunch and freshness. This salad is best served chilled, allowing the flavors to fully develop. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.