Introduction

This Big Mac Pasta Salad is a fun and flavorful twist on the classic burger, combining hearty ground beef, chickpea pasta, and a tangy, creamy dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or a picnic, it brings familiar tastes in a fresh, satisfying salad form.

A close-up view of a bowl filled with a colorful pasta salad. The base layer consists of yellow spiral rotini pasta evenly spread, mixed with small pieces of browned ground beef. Bright green lettuce leaves are scattered throughout the bowl, adding a fresh look. Halved red cherry tomatoes and thin slices of green pickles with visible seeds rest on top, adding pops of color. Small bits of light purple onion are mixed in, visible among the other ingredients. The bowl is white, and the background shows a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (can substitute with lean ground turkey)
8 ounces chickpea pasta (gluten-free option)
1 cup grape tomatoes (can substitute with cherry tomatoes)
2 cups romaine lettuce (can use mixed greens)
1 small red onion (can substitute with green onions)
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (optional to omit or use dairy-free cheese)
1 cup dill pickles (can use sweet pickles)
For the Dressing:

1 cup Greek yogurt (can substitute with sour cream or non-dairy yogurt)
1/4 cup light mayonnaise (can substitute with avocado)
2 tablespoons ketchup (can use sugar-free)
1 tablespoon yellow mustard (Dijon mustard adds extra flavor)
2 tablespoons dill pickle juice (can use lemon juice)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon white sesame seeds (optional garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, stirring frequently for about 8-10 minutes until no longer pink. Stir in Worcestershire sauce if desired, combine well, and let it cool.
Step 2: Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add chickpea pasta and cook according to package instructions for 7-9 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
Step 3: Halve grape tomatoes, chop romaine lettuce, dice red onion, and slice dill pickles. Set aside.
Step 4: In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, and dill pickle juice. Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until smooth.
Step 5: In a large bowl, add the cooked pasta, ground beef, tomatoes, lettuce, red onion, and cheddar cheese. Fold gently to mix evenly.
Step 6: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients without crushing them.
Step 7: Garnish with sesame seeds and serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to enhance flavors.

Tips & Variations

Add romaine lettuce just before serving for maximum crunch.
Use mixed greens instead of romaine for a different texture.
Omit cheddar cheese or use a dairy-free alternative for a lactose-free version.
Substitute light mayonnaise with mashed avocado for a healthier dressing option.
For extra tang, try adding a splash of lemon juice in the dressing instead of pickle juice.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best texture, add the lettuce fresh when serving if you plan to store leftovers. Reheat ground beef separately if desired, but this salad is typically served cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a colorful pasta salad placed on a white marbled surface, showing spiral pasta as the main layer in a pale yellow color with a firm texture. Mixed evenly throughout are small, cooked pieces of ground meat in light brown, fresh bright green lettuce leaves, and halved cherry tomatoes with a shiny red skin. Thin slices of dark green pickles with visible seeds sit on top, along with small pieces of purple onion scattered everywhere, adding pops of color and texture throughout the bowl. 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 most parts of the salad in advance. Keep the lettuce separate and add it just before serving to maintain crispness.

Is chickpea pasta necessary?

No, you can use any pasta you like. Chickpea pasta adds protein and fiber and is a great gluten-free option, but regular pasta works well too.