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Savory Big Mac Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Potluck & Meal Prep Idea

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A creamy, tangy, and slightly crunchy pasta salad that captures the nostalgic flavors of a classic Big Mac in a fresh, fun form. Perfect for potlucks and meal prep, this salad holds up well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 g) elbow macaroni or small shell pasta
  • 1 pound (450 g) lean ground beef, browned and drained
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup (120 ml) chopped dill pickles
  • ¼ cup finely diced red onion
  • 1 cup (30 g) shredded lettuce
  • ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 g) of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions, usually 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Drain pasta in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Set aside.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound (450 g) lean ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 7–9 minutes). Drain excess fat and transfer beef to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any remaining grease. Let it cool slightly.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon white vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Finely dice ¼ cup red onion, chop ½ cup dill pickles, and shred about 1 cup lettuce leaves. Keep everything ready to mix.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, browned ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped pickles, diced onion, and shredded lettuce. Pour the dressing over and gently toss everything until well coated. Be careful not to mash the pasta or veggies.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; aim for al dente. Drain fat well after browning beef. Chill salad for at least 1 hour for best flavor. Mix gently to avoid bruising lettuce or breaking pasta. For a dairy-free version, use vegan mayo and omit or substitute cheese. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Adding a splash of pickle juice to dressing can enhance tanginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: Big Mac pasta salad, potluck recipe, meal prep, creamy pasta salad, ground beef pasta salad, easy pasta salad

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/savory-big-mac-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-potluck-and-meal-prep-idea/