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Big Mac Pasta Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 121 reviews

This Big Mac Pasta Salad is a delicious twist on the classic burger flavors transformed into a hearty and refreshing pasta salad. Featuring lean ground beef, chickpea pasta, fresh vegetables, sharp cheddar, and a tangy, creamy dressing inspired by Big Mac sauce, it’s perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or a satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad

  • 1 lb 96% lean ground beef
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 8 oz dry chickpea pasta (e.g., Banza)
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1/3 cup red onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese (2%, 56g), shredded or cubed
  • 1/3 cup dill pickles, diced

For the Dressing

  • 3/4 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt (170g)
  • 1/4 cup light mayonnaise (60g)
  • 4 tbsp no-sugar-added ketchup (64g)
  • 1 1/2 tbsp yellow mustard (20g)
  • 1 1/2 tbsp dill pickle juice
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp paprika

Optional Garnish

  • White sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the 96% lean ground beef until it is fully cooked and no longer pink. Stir the beef occasionally to break it into crumbles and ensure even cooking.
  2. Season the Beef: Once cooked, stir in 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Mix well, then remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  3. Prepare the Pasta: Cook the chickpea pasta according to the package instructions, usually boiling until al dente. Drain the pasta well and allow it to cool completely to prevent the salad from becoming mushy.
  4. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine 3/4 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup light mayonnaise, 4 tablespoons no-sugar-added ketchup, 1 1/2 tablespoons yellow mustard, 1 1/2 tablespoons dill pickle juice, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon paprika. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
  5. Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked and seasoned ground beef, 1 cup grape tomatoes (halved), 1/3 cup diced dill pickles, 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, and 1/3 cup diced red onion. Pour the prepared dressing over the mixture and toss gently to evenly coat all ingredients.
  6. Add Lettuce and Garnish: Just before serving, gently fold in 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce to maintain its crisp texture. Sprinkle with white sesame seeds if desired for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Use chickpea pasta or any legume-based pasta for added protein and fiber.
  • Make sure the pasta and beef are cool before mixing with the dressing to keep the salad fresh and crisp.
  • For a more authentic Big Mac flavor, use light mayonnaise with mustard and ketchup in the dressing.
  • Optional garnish with white sesame seeds mimics the sesame seed buns from the classic Big Mac.
  • Can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; add lettuce just before serving.

Keywords: Big Mac pasta salad, chickpea pasta salad, ground beef pasta salad, healthy pasta salad, Big Mac flavor recipe, quick pasta salad

Find it online: https://bitesizedbenny.com/big-mac-pasta-salad-recipe/