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Big Mac Pasta Salad

Big Mac Pasta Salad - Everyone's New Favorite Summer Dish

Big Mac Pasta Salad brings familiar flavors in a comforting, high-protein dish perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Chickpea Pasta Gluten-free option
For the Beef
  • 1 lb Lean Ground Beef Can substitute with ground turkey
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce Low-sodium available
For the Salad
  • 1 cup Grape Tomatoes Can substitute with cherry tomatoes
  • 2 cups Romaine Lettuce Iceberg works well too
  • 1 small Red Onion Use green onions for a milder taste
  • ¼ cup Dill Pickles Sweet pickles can be a tasty alternative
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese Mozzarella can be used for milder flavor
For the Dressing
  • ½ cup Nonfat Plain Greek Yogurt Any plain yogurt can substitute
  • 2 tbsp Light Mayonnaise Can skip for yogurt-only dressing
  • 2 tbsp Ketchup Sugar-free options available
  • 2 tbsp Yellow Mustard Provides classic burger flavor
  • 1 tbsp Dill Pickle Juice
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • ½ tsp Paprika
For the Garnish
  • 1 tbsp White Sesame Seeds Optional for a nutty crunch

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Big Mac Pasta Salad
  1. In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned. Stir in 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, then remove from heat and cool.
  2. Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the chickpea pasta, and cook according to package instructions for around 6-8 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside in a mixing bowl.
  3. Halve 1 cup of grape tomatoes, chop 2 cups of romaine lettuce, dice a small red onion and ¼ cup of dill pickles. Toss all prepped vegetables into the mixing bowl with the pasta.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together ½ cup of nonfat plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons of light mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons each of ketchup and yellow mustard. Add 1 tablespoon of dill pickle juice, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and ½ teaspoon of paprika. Mix until smooth.
  5. Add the browned beef to the bowl with the pasta and veggies. Sprinkle in 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese, gently folding all ingredients until mixed.
  6. Drizzle the dressing over the mixed ingredients in the bowl, and carefully toss everything until the pasta salad is coated.
  7. Fold in the chopped romaine just before serving to keep it crisp. Optionally, sprinkle a tablespoon of white sesame seeds on top. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 6gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Store in an airtight container for 2-3 days; flavors develop but lettuce may lose crunch.

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