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Big Mac Pasta Salad

Big Mac Pasta Salad: Comfort Food with a Creamy Twist

Big Mac Pasta Salad is a vibrant fusion of iconic flavors, combining seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, zesty pickles, and creamy dressing for a deliciously easy dish.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Can substitute with turkey.
  • 16 oz Rotini Pasta Can substitute with shells or penne.
  • 1 cup Dill Pickles Avoid sweet pickles.
  • 3 cups Shredded Iceberg Lettuce Keep separate until serving.
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Can substitute with pepper jack.
  • 1 cup French Fried Onions Can substitute with crushed tortilla chips.
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Can use Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
  • 1/4 cup Ketchup BBQ sauce can be used for a smoky flavor.
  • 2 tbsp Yellow Mustard Dijon mustard can be an alternative.
  • 1/4 cup Dill Pickle Juice Vinegar can be used if unavailable.
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder Can omit or replace with finely chopped onions.
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Fresh garlic can be adjusted.
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika Regular paprika can be substituted.
  • 1/2 tsp Salt Adjust to personal preference.
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper Adjust to personal preference.

Equipment

  • skillet
  • large pot
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef for about 8-10 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula until no longer pink. Season with half of the salt and pepper, drain excess grease, and set aside to cool.
  2. Prepare the Pasta: Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water, then let cool.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, dill pickle juice, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and remaining salt and pepper. Fold in chopped dill pickles.
  4. Combine the Main Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cooled rotini pasta, cooked ground beef, and shredded cheddar, mixing gently.
  5. Toss and Chill: Pour the dressing over the mixture, toss to combine, cover, and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
  6. Add Fresh Toppings: Just before serving, fold in shredded lettuce and French fried onions.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 18gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 750mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Chill for at least 1-2 hours to meld flavors. Add toppings just before serving to maintain crunch.

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