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Big Mac Pasta Salad: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Favorite

This Big Mac Pasta Salad combines the iconic flavors of a classic burger with the heartiness of pasta, creating a unique and satisfying dish. Perfect for summer barbecues or cozy dinners, it’s a fun and indulgent meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb 96% lean ground beef
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 8 oz dry chickpea pasta (e.g., Banza)
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes (halved)
  • 1 cup romaine lettuce (chopped)
  • 1/3 cup red onion (diced)
  • 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese (2%, 56g, shredded or cubed)
  • 1/3 cup dill pickles (diced)
  • 3/4 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt (170g)
  • 1/4 cup light mayonnaise (60g)
  • 4 tbsp no-sugar-added ketchup (64g)
  • 1 1/2 tbsp yellow mustard (20g)
  • 1 1/2 tbsp dill pickle juice
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Optional Garnish: White sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook for about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and fully cooked.
  2. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Cook for another minute to allow the flavors to meld.
  3. Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and transfer the beef to a plate to cool.
  4. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the chickpea pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 7-9 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, dill pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until smooth.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked ground beef, grape tomatoes, pickles, cheddar cheese, and red onion. Gently toss to mix all the ingredients.
  7. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
  8. Just before serving, gently fold in the chopped romaine lettuce.
  9. If desired, sprinkle white sesame seeds on top for an extra touch. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes for a colder salad.

Nutrition

Keywords: Avoid overcooking the pasta to maintain its texture. You can substitute ground beef with cooked chicken or a plant-based crumble for a vegetarian option.