Print

Creamy Big Mac Pasta Salad Recipe for Easy Potluck Meals

creamy big mac pasta salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A creamy pasta salad inspired by Big Mac flavors, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or casual gatherings. It combines classic burger ingredients in a fresh, shareable pasta dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni or any small pasta shape
  • 1 lb ground beef, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese, blended smooth
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup diced dill pickles
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions (8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and prevent sticking. Set aside to drain completely.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 lb ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat and transfer beef to a paper-towel-lined plate to remove extra grease. Let cool slightly.
  3. In a blender or food processor, combine 1 cup mayonnaise and 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese. Blend until smooth and creamy. Transfer to a mixing bowl and whisk in 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. Add the cooled pasta and cooked beef to the bowl with the dressing. Stir gently to coat evenly.
  5. Fold in 1 cup diced dill pickles, 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion, 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce, and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Mix lightly to combine without bruising the lettuce.
  6. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld. Stir gently before serving.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water to prevent sticking and keep salad crisp. Cool pasta and beef completely before mixing to avoid sogginess. Blend cottage cheese smoothly for best dressing texture. Chill salad at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor. Add lettuce last to keep it crunchy. If salad is dry after chilling, stir in extra mayonnaise or a splash of milk.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/creamy-big-mac-pasta-salad-recipe-for-easy-potluck-meals/