If you love the classic flavors of a Big Mac, you’re going to fall head over heels for this easy Big Mac Pasta Salad. Tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, cheddar cheese, crisp lettuce, pickles, onions, and a creamy homemade Big Mac-style dressing come together for the ultimate summer side dish or easy weeknight dinner.
This cheeseburger pasta salad is packed with all the flavors of your favorite fast-food burger but served cold in a delicious, crowd-pleasing pasta salad. It’s perfect for cookouts, potlucks, backyard BBQs, meal prep, and family gatherings.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a fun twist on traditional pasta salad, this Big Mac Pasta Salad is guaranteed to disappear fast!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Loaded with classic Big Mac flavors
- Easy to make ahead
- Perfect for potlucks and cookouts
- Great use for leftover ground beef
- Creamy, tangy homemade burger sauce
- Ready in about 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad
- 1 pound elbow or rotini pasta
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced dill pickles
- ½ cup diced white onion
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
For the Big Mac Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully browned.
Drain excess grease and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Allow the beef to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Mayonnaise
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Pickle relish
- Vinegar
- Paprika
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large serving bowl combine:
- Cooked pasta
- Ground beef
- Cheddar cheese
- Pickles
- Onion
- Tomatoes
Pour the dressing over everything and toss until evenly coated.
Fold in the shredded lettuce just before serving.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
Serve cold and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Big Mac Pasta Salad
- Don’t overcook the pasta.
- Let the beef cool completely before mixing.
- Add lettuce right before serving to keep it crisp.
- Sharp cheddar cheese provides the best flavor.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
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Big Mac Cheeseburger Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 SERVINGS 1x
Description
All the classic flavors of a Big Mac transformed into a creamy, crowd-pleasing pasta salad! Loaded with seasoned ground beef, cheddar cheese, pickles, lettuce, and homemade burger sauce, this easy pasta salad is perfect for cookouts, potlucks, BBQs, and family dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta Salad
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced dill pickles
- ½ cup diced white onion
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Big Mac Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess grease and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cool completely.
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, vinegar, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta, cooled ground beef, cheddar cheese, pickles, onion, and cherry tomatoes.
- Pour dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until evenly coated.
- Fold in shredded lettuce just before serving.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
- Serve chilled and enjoy.
Notes
- Add cooked bacon for a bacon cheeseburger version.
- Stir in lettuce right before serving to keep it crisp.
- Can be made up to 24 hours ahead; add lettuce just before serving.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 MINUTES
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, SIDE DISH | PASTA SALAD
- Cuisine: AMERICAN | BBQ, pasta salad
Variations
Bacon Big Mac Pasta Salad
Add 8 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon.
Double Cheeseburger Pasta Salad
Use 2 pounds of ground beef for an extra hearty version.
Spicy Big Mac Pasta Salad
Add diced jalapeños and a splash of hot sauce to the dressing.
Big Mac Bowtie Pasta Salad
Swap rotini for bowtie pasta for a fun presentation.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Because of the lettuce, this pasta salad is best enjoyed fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Big Mac Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare everything except the lettuce up to 24 hours ahead. Stir in the lettuce just before serving.
What is Big Mac sauce made of?
This homemade version combines mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, vinegar, and seasonings for that classic burger flavor.
Can I use turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey works well as a lighter option.
What pasta works best?
Rotini, shells, and bowtie pasta all work great because they hold onto the dressing.
Final Thoughts
This Big Mac Pasta Salad is everything you love about a juicy cheeseburger transformed into an irresistible pasta salad. It’s creamy, tangy, cheesy, and loaded with all those nostalgic burger flavors everyone craves. Whether you’re serving it at a summer cookout, family reunion, or weeknight dinner, this easy pasta salad is guaranteed to be a hit.
