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Big Mac Pasta Salad

All the classic flavors of a beloved fast-food cheeseburger transformed into a creamy, comforting, and crowd-pleasing pasta salad. Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or an easy weeknight dinner.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta Salad Base
  • 16 oz rotini pasta uncooked
  • 1 lb lean ground beef 85/15 or 90/10
  • 1 head iceberg lettuce chopped
  • 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese cubed or shredded
  • 1 cup dill pickles sliced
  • 0.5 cup white onion finely diced
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds for garnish
Secret Burger Sauce
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 0.25 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp paprika
  • 1 pinch salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside in a large bowl.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until no pink remains (about 6-8 minutes). Drain excess grease and let cool slightly.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet relish, mustard, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until smooth.
  4. Add the slightly cooled ground beef, cheddar cheese, pickles, and onions to the bowl with the pasta.
  5. Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss until everything is well coated.
  6. Just before serving, fold in the chopped iceberg lettuce to maintain its crunch.
  7. Garnish with sesame seeds. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If making ahead, keep the lettuce separate and fold it in right before eating so it doesn't get soggy.