Big Mac Pasta Salad: Tangy, Creamy, and So Satisfying (Print Version)

Big Mac Pasta Salad is a creamy, tangy, and satisfying twist on a classic. Get the recipe for this fun, easy family favorite with a secret sauce!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Meat-based

# Ingredients:

→ Pasta & Base

01 - 1 lb elbow macaroni
02 - 1 lb lean ground beef
03 - 1/2 yellow onion, finely diced

→ Sauce Essentials

04 - 1 cup mayonnaise
05 - 1/4 cup ketchup
06 - 2 tbsp yellow mustard
07 - 1/4 cup dill pickle relish
08 - 1 tbsp white vinegar

→ Fresh Toppings

09 - 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
10 - 1/2 cup diced dill pickles

→ Flavor Boosters

11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
12 - Optional: pinch of sugar for the sauce

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get that macaroni cooking! Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in your elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until it's perfectly al dente. This is where I always forget to salt the water, but don't be like me – it makes a huge difference in the final taste of your Big Mac Pasta Salad. Drain it well, rinse with cold water to stop the cooking, and set aside. You want it cool and ready to mingle.
02 - While the pasta boils, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and the diced yellow onion. Break up the beef with a spoon and cook until it's nicely browned and the onion is softened, about 7-8 minutes. Make sure to drain off any excess grease; nobody wants a greasy Big Mac Pasta Salad. This step fills the kitchen with such a comforting, savory smell, honestly!
03 - Now for the star of the show: the Big Mac Pasta Salad sauce! In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, dill pickle relish, and white vinegar. Give it a good stir until it's completely smooth and creamy. Taste it! Does it need a little more tang? A bit more sweetness? This is your moment to adjust it to your liking. I sometimes add a tiny pinch of sugar if my pickles aren't super sweet.
04 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, the browned ground beef and onion mixture, and about two-thirds of your amazing Big Mac Pasta Salad sauce. Stir gently but thoroughly until everything is evenly coated. I always get a little excited at this point, seeing all those delicious components come together. Make sure every bit of pasta gets some love from the sauce!
05 - Once the base is mixed, gently fold in the shredded iceberg lettuce and most of the diced dill pickles. You want to maintain that crispness, so don't overmix. This is where the Big Mac Pasta Salad starts to look like a true salad, and the colors pop. I usually save a small handful of lettuce and pickles for garnish, because presentation matters, even in my slightly messy kitchen!
06 - Cover the bowl and pop your Big Mac Pasta Salad into the fridge for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This chilling time is crucial; it allows the flavors to meld and the pasta to really soak up that incredible sauce. Before serving, give it another gentle stir, adding a splash more of the reserved sauce if it seems a little dry. Garnish with the remaining pickles and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you're feeling fancy. It should look creamy, vibrant, and utterly irresistible!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcook the pasta; it gets mushy and sad.
02 - Make the dressing a day ahead for flavors to really meld.
03 - Swap ground beef for turkey or lentils for a lighter twist.
04 - Serve chilled with extra pickles for that perfect crunch.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large pot
02 - large skillet
03 - whisk
04 - large mixing bowl
05 - airtight container

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 40g
Protein: 20g

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