Description
A unique twist on a classic Big Mac, this creamy pasta salad captures the joyful flavors and textures that make it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni or shell pasta
- 1 lb ground beef (or substitute with turkey or tempeh)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced dill pickles (or sweet relish)
- 2 cups chopped crisp lettuce (romaine, spinach, or kale)
- 1/2 cup diced sweet onion (Vidalia, red, or green onions)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Brown the ground beef: In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, seasoning with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Drain excess grease.
- Prepare the dressing: In a bowl, whisk mayonnaise, ketchup, vinegar, and garlic powder. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cooled pasta, cooked beef, cheese, pickles, lettuce, and onion. Drizzle with dressing and stir gently.
- Serve and enjoy: Chill the salad for at least an hour before serving. Best served cold.
Notes
Consider making this a day ahead to allow flavors to deepen. Adjust dressings right before serving if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Big Mac, pasta salad, creamy salad, crowd-pleaser, barbecue dish