- Use al dente pasta for structure.
- Chill the salad to let flavors meld fully.
- Add lettuce last to maintain crunch.
- Slightly warm beef absorbs dressing better.
- Customize with extra vegetables, bacon, or different cheese types.
- Avoid freezing the full salad; it can affect lettuce and dressing texture.
Big Mac Pasta Salad – Easy Copycat Burger Pasta Recipe
This Big Mac Pasta Salad is a creamy, flavorful twist on the classic burger. Made with ground beef, cheddar, lettuce, pickles, and special sauce, it’s the perfect easy copycat pasta salad recipe for parties or weeknight dinners.
Equipment
- Medium pot (for pasta)
- Skillet (for browning beef)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk for dressing
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Spatula or spoon
Ingredients
Pasta Base
- 3 cups elbow macaroni (or rotini/small shells)
- Salt for boiling water
Protein & Mix-Ins
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup chopped pickles
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
Vegetables
- 2 cups finely shredded lettuce
- Optional: diced tomatoes, diced bell peppers
Dressing / Big Mac Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp mustard
- 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp vinegar or lemon juice
- Pro Tip: Balancing sweet, tangy, and savory elements is essential for authentic Big Mac flavor.
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta al dente. Drain and cool slightly.
- Prepare Ground Beef: Cook in a skillet over medium heat, seasoning with salt, pepper, and garlic. Drain excess fat and let cool.
- Make Big Mac Dressing: Whisk mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, garlic powder, onion powder, and vinegar/lemon juice until smooth. Adjust to taste.
- Chop Veggies: Shred lettuce finely; dice pickles and onion. Add optional tomatoes or bell peppers.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix pasta, beef, cheese, pickles, and onions. Add dressing gradually and toss gently to coat.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate 30–60 minutes. Garnish with extra shredded lettuce or cheese before serving.
- Bold Tip: Don’t overdress; add more dressing later if needed.