Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound elbow macaroni or small shell pasta
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, finely shredded
- 1 cup dill pickle chips, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup finely diced white onion
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- For the Secret Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise (or plant-based alternative)
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool completely, then set aside in a large mixing bowl.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess fat. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Secret Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) until smooth and well combined.
- To the large bowl with the cooled pasta, add the cooled ground beef, shredded iceberg lettuce, chopped dill pickles, finely diced white onion, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Pour the prepared Secret Sauce over the pasta salad mixture. Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Big Mac Inspired Pasta Salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary before serving.
Notes
For an extra layer of flavor, toast some sesame seeds and sprinkle them over the top just before serving, mimicking a Big Mac bun! You can also crumble some crispy fried onions on top for added texture. This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The lettuce might soften over time, so if making ahead, consider adding the lettuce just before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Assembling
- Cuisine: American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg