Dinner

Big Mac Pasta Salad Recipe

ByLily Cross January 21, 2026January 21, 2026

Introduction

If you love the classic flavors of a Big Mac, you’ll adore this creative Big Mac Pasta Salad. It combines juicy beef, crisp veggies, tangy pickles, and a creamy dressing inspired by the famous sauce, all tossed with protein-packed pasta. Perfect for gatherings or quick meals, this dish offers a playful twist on a beloved favorite.

Ingredients

1 lb 96% lean ground beef
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
8 oz dry chickpea pasta (such as Banza)
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
½ cup diced red onion
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (2%)
½ cup diced dill pickles
For the dressing:
- ½ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup light mayo
- 2 tbsp no sugar added ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp dill pickle juice
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
White sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the lean ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully browned. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and set the beef aside.
Step 2: Prepare the chickpea pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
Step 3: Halve the grape tomatoes, chop the romaine lettuce, dice the red onion, and dice the dill pickles.
Step 4: Shred or crumble the sharp cheddar cheese for topping.
Step 5: In a mixing bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, light mayo, ketchup, yellow mustard, dill pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until smooth.
Step 6: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, browned beef, grape tomatoes, romaine lettuce, red onion, cheddar cheese, and pickles.
Step 7: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Step 8: Garnish with white sesame seeds and serve immediately or chill until ready to enjoy.

Tips & Variations

Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for different protein options.
Use any short pasta like rotini, penne, or shells instead of chickpea pasta for variety.
Try different cheeses such as Colby Jack or crumbled blue cheese for a unique twist.
Swap dill pickles for sweet pickles or add extra pickle juice for more tang.
Replace romaine with shredded cabbage or spinach for added crunch and nutrients.
Make the dressing spicy by adding sriracha mayo or lighten it with a yogurt-only sauce.

Storage

Store Big Mac Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh and prevent the pasta from soaking up too much dressing, consider storing the salad and dressing separately and toss just before serving. If the dressing seems dry after chilling, stir in a little mayonnaise or milk to restore creaminess. Avoid freezing the assembled salad as the dressing may separate, but you can freeze cooked pasta up to 2 months in a freezer-safe bag.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a pasta salad in a clear glass bowl with a white marbled background, featuring three layers: the base layer has crunchy green lettuce pieces, the middle layer is made of creamy, curly rotini pasta mixed with small chunks of cooked ground beef and diced red tomatoes, and the top layer includes sliced green pickles sprinkled with white sesame seeds and fresh green herbs. The textures show creamy sauce coating the pasta, contrasting with the crunchy vegetables and tender meat, all combined in a colorful mix of beige, green, red, and brown hues. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components in advance, but it’s best to combine the dressing and salad just before serving to keep the pasta from becoming soggy.

Is chickpea pasta necessary for this recipe?

No, chickpea pasta adds protein and is gluten-free, but you can use any short pasta like macaroni, rotini, or penne according to your preference.

Lily Cross