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Creamy Big Mac Pasta Salad

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A nostalgic and comforting pasta salad inspired by the flavors of a Big Mac, combining tender pasta, ground beef, crisp veggies, and a tangy, creamy homemade sauce. Perfect for potlucks, casual meals, and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni or small shell pasta
  • 1/2 pound ground beef, cooked and drained
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
  • 1/2 cup chopped dill pickles
  • 1 cup finely shredded lettuce
  • 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons French dressing
  • 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 pound ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat and set aside to cool slightly.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons French dressing, 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish, 1 teaspoon white vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Whisk well until smooth. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  4. Dice 1/4 cup red onion, chop 1/2 cup dill pickles, and finely shred 1 cup lettuce. Place all in a large mixing bowl.
  5. Add the cooled pasta and cooked ground beef to the mixing bowl with veggies.
  6. Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
  7. Pour the Big Mac sauce over the pasta mixture. Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  8. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld and the salad chill.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water after cooking to prevent sticking and help sauce coat better. Chill the salad for at least 1 hour for best flavor. If salad is too thick after chilling, stir in a splash of milk or extra mayo. Use gluten-free pasta and check condiments for gluten-free certification if needed. Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles. For dairy-free, use vegan mayo and cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: Big Mac pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, homemade pasta salad, ground beef pasta salad, potluck recipe, easy pasta salad

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/creamy-big-mac-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-pasta-salad-variation/