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Big Mac Pasta Salad

Big Mac Pasta Salad: A Fun, Flavorful Dinner Twist

Big Mac Pasta Salad combines iconic fast-food flavors with fresh ingredients, offering a delicious and hearty dish perfect for summer picnics.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 lb lean ground beef 96% lean; substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option.
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce Enhances savory flavor; optional soy sauce works too.
  • 8 oz dry chickpea pasta e.g., Banza; gluten-free and high in protein.
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes halved; substitute with any small cherry tomatoes.
  • 1 cup romaine lettuce chopped; spinach can be used for a different green option.
  • 1/3 cup red onion diced; sweet onion can make it milder.
  • 1/2 cup 2% sharp cheddar cheese shredded or cubed; non-dairy cheese is an excellent vegan option.
  • 1/3 cup dill pickles diced; consider other pickled veggies for variation.
For the Dressing
  • 3/4 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt base of the creamy dressing; optional sour cream or vegan yogurt can be used.
  • 1/4 cup light mayonnaise provides creaminess; can be substituted with additional yogurt.
  • 4 tbsp no-sugar-added ketchup adds sweetness and tang; regular ketchup is also fine.
  • 1 1/2 tbsp yellow mustard for a hint of acidity; Dijon mustard makes a nice alternative.
  • 1 1/2 tbsp dill pickle juice adds that unmistakable pickled flavor; lemon juice can serve as a substitute.
  • 1 tsp garlic powder enhances depth of flavor; fresh garlic can be added.
  • 1 tsp onion powder provides aromatic depth; feel free to omit if desired.
  • 1 tsp paprika adds warmth and color; smoked paprika introduces a different flavor profile.
Optional Garnish
  • white sesame seeds for added crunch and a touch of presentation flair.

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large skillet, heat over medium heat, then add 1 pound of lean ground beef. Cook the beef for about 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns. Once browned, mix in 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Transfer the beef to a bowl and let cool.
  2. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add 8 ounces of dry chickpea pasta. Cook according to package instructions (7-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
  3. Halve 1 cup of grape tomatoes, chop 1 cup of romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces, and dice 1/3 cup of red onion and 1/3 cup of dill pickles.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine 3/4 cup of nonfat plain Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup of light mayonnaise, 4 tablespoons of no-sugar-added ketchup, and 1 1/2 tablespoons each of yellow mustard and dill pickle juice. Add 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Whisk until smooth.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled chickpea pasta, cooked ground beef, chopped tomatoes, lettuce, diced red onion, shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup), and diced pickles. Toss gently to mix.
  6. Drizzle the creamy dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss to coat without bruising the fresh vegetables.
  7. Fold in the chopped romaine lettuce before serving and sprinkle with white sesame seeds if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 650mgFiber: 6gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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