Big Mac Pasta Salad
Enjoy all the classic flavors of a Big Mac in this creamy and easy-to-make pasta salad, perfect for gatherings and family meals.
Ingredients
Pasta and Beef
- 8 oz elbow macaroni pasta Cooked until al dente
- 1 cup ground beef Cooked and seasoned
Salad Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup diced pickles
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- to taste Salt and pepper Adjust seasoning to preference
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
Preparing the Beef
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Season it with salt and pepper, then set aside to cool.
Making the Sauce
- In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, white vinegar, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper together until smooth.
Combining Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ground beef, chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced pickles, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Adding the Sauce
- Pour the sauce over the pasta mixture and gently toss everything together until well coated.
Chilling and Serving
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. Serve cold and enjoy!
Notes
For the best texture, cook the pasta al dente and chill the salad before serving. You can customize the salad by adding turkey, chicken, or a plant-based protein.