Name: Big Mac Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (cooked and crumbled); ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 16 oz box rotini pasta (cooked and drained); 2 cups diced cheddar cheese; 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved); 1 ½ cup diced dill pickles; ½ cup diced red onions; 2 cups shredded lettuce; 1 cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup sweet pickle relish; 1 ½ tablespoon yellow mustard; ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving that fast-food nostalgia but want something fun and fresh for your next potluck or family dinner, this Big Mac Pasta Salad promises to wow everyone. It takes all the classic flavors you love—savory beef, tangy pickles, shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, and that iconic creamy dressing—and turns them into a vibrant, satisfying pasta salad. Bursting with color and crunch, Big Mac Pasta Salad is that playful mashup you never knew you needed and will want to make on repeat.

Big Mac Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about this recipe is just how approachable it is—these staple ingredients come together to deliver a crave-worthy punch of flavor, texture, and color. Each component plays a crucial role in building that signature Big Mac taste with a twist.

Ground beef: The hearty base, cooked and seasoned, delivers all the burger vibes in salad form.
Garlic powder: Adds depth to the beef, ensuring it pops with savory richness.
Rotini pasta: Twirly shapes catch every drop of dressing and bits of toppings, making every bite delightful.
Cheddar cheese: Cubed for that creamy bite and a splash of color, just like a cheeseburger.
Cherry tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, these add freshness and brighten up the whole salad.
Dill pickles: Their tart crunch is absolutely essential for that classic flavor hit.
Red onions: For a mild bite and gorgeous color, diced red onion weaves zing throughout the salad.
Shredded lettuce: A Big Mac wouldn’t be the same without a crisp bed of shredded lettuce.
Mayonnaise: The backbone of the creamy dressing keeping everything deliciously cohesive.
Sweet pickle relish: Adds a pop of sweetness to the sauce, just like the signature stuff.
Yellow mustard: That classic tang you expect from a burger-inspired sauce.
Apple cider vinegar: A splash of brightness to balance the richness.
Paprika: Lends warmth and color to the dressing.
Garlic powder (for the dressing): Rounds out the flavors with a gentle savory note.
Onion powder: Gives the dressing even more burger-shop character.

How to Make Big Mac Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Get started by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your rotini pasta. Cook it according to the package directions until just al dente—it should still have a little bite to it. Once cooked, rinse the pasta under cool water to stop the cooking and drain well. This step helps keep your salad from getting mushy and makes sure each piece is ready to soak up maximum flavor.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef and break it up with a spatula, letting it cook until no pink remains. Drain off any excess grease, then season the beef with garlic powder while it’s still warm. This gives your beef even more savory punch, echoing those classic burger notes we love in a Big Mac Pasta Salad.

Step 3: Make the Special Dressing

In a small mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy—this is your creamy, tangy, slightly sweet signature dressing that brings the salad together. Don’t be shy about giving it a taste and adjusting the seasoning to your liking.

Step 4: Toss It All Together

Now for the fun part! Grab a large serving bowl and add the cooled rotini pasta, cooked beef, cheddar cheese cubes, halved cherry tomatoes, diced dill pickles, diced red onion, and shredded lettuce. Drizzle everything with your homemade dressing, then use big spoons to gently toss until everything is coated and merged into a colorful, mouthwatering Big Mac Pasta Salad. Every forkful should have a bit of everything.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

This salad shines whether you serve it slightly warm from the kitchen or let it settle to room temperature. The flavors meld even more as it sits, so there’s no rush. Scoop plentiful servings onto plates and get ready for smiles around the table.

How to Serve Big Mac Pasta Salad

Garnishes

To really drive home that “Big Mac” spirit, sprinkle extra sesame seeds over the top, or add a few more diced pickles and shreds of lettuce before serving. A light dusting of paprika or some sliced green onions can also lend bright color and a little zip. Serve this in a big, shallow bowl so everyone can admire the vibrant layers.

Side Dishes

Since Big Mac Pasta Salad is hearty on its own, keep sides simple! Classic potato chips are always a winner, or a basket of garlic bread for soaking up extra dressing. A crisp veggie tray with ranch dip or some pickle spears can keep the meal feeling picnic-perfect.

Creative Ways to Present

To really wow your guests, try serving the salad in individual mason jars, or use iceberg lettuce cups as edible bowls for a fun, portable twist. If you’re feeding a crowd, layer the ingredients in a trifle dish for a stunning visual effect before tossing and serving. These little touches make the Big Mac Pasta Salad an instant conversation starter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the Big Mac Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, though the lettuce may soften over time. If you’re planning ahead, you can always stir in the lettuce just before serving for the best crunch.

Freezing

Technically, you can freeze the salad without the lettuce, but pasta salads with mayo-based dressings don’t always thaw gracefully. It’s best to make and eat it fresh, or keep components (like beef and dressing) frozen separately and assemble when needed.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature rather than reheated. However, if you prefer it slightly warm, allow cold leftovers to come up to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving, rather than using the microwave, which could wilt the veggies and lettuce.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While rotini works wonders at holding onto the dressing and toppings, feel free to swap in penne, bowties, or even macaroni—just avoid anything too delicate or thin, as you want a pasta that stands up to all the chunky ingredients.

What kind of beef is best for the salad?

Lean ground beef is ideal, as it cooks up tender without a lot of extra grease. Ground turkey or chicken can also stand in if you prefer a lighter Big Mac Pasta Salad, and veggie crumbles create a great vegetarian alternative.

Can I make this Big Mac Pasta Salad in advance?

Yes! You can prep everything the day before and store the components separately. Toss together just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp and flavors at their brightest. It actually tastes even better after a short rest in the fridge, allowing the flavors to mingle.

Is there a way to make this salad gluten-free?

Definitely. Simply swap the regular rotini for your favorite gluten-free pasta, and double-check that your condiments (especially the mustard and relish) are certified gluten-free. All the other ingredients are naturally friendly for gluten-free guests.

How do I prevent the lettuce from wilting?

For max crunch, stir in the shredded lettuce right before serving, especially if you’re making the salad ahead. If you’re taking it to a party or picnic, pack the lettuce separately in a zip-top bag and mix it in at the last minute.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, this Big Mac Pasta Salad is your golden ticket. It’s fun, filling, and packed with flavor—plus it’s just as enjoyable to make as it is to eat! Give it a try for your next gathering or family night and watch everyone go back for seconds.

Big Mac Pasta Salad Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 6 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A fun twist on the classic Big Mac flavors in a delicious pasta salad. This recipe combines the elements of a Big Mac burger into a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for summer gatherings or potlucks.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook the boxed rotini pasta according to package directions. Rinse pasta under cool water and drain. Set aside.
Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat brown and crumble ground beef until cooked through. Drain excess grease and season with ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Set aside.
Prepare the Dressing: Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a small mixing bowl until well combined.
Combine and Serve: In a large serving bowl, toss together the pasta, cooked ground beef, mixed dressing, and remaining ingredients until fully mixed. Serve pasta salad warm or at room temperature.

Notes

This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite Big Mac toppings.
For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or chicken in place of ground beef.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Mixing, Tossing
Cuisine: American