Big Mac Pasta Salad Recipe
Big Mac Pasta Salad combines the savory flavors of a classic Big Mac burger with nutritious chickpea pasta and a creamy, tangy dressing. This refreshing pasta salad features lean ground beef, crisp romaine lettuce, sharp cheddar cheese, grape tomatoes, and dill pickles all tossed in a flavorful Greek yogurt-based dressing, making it a delicious and healthier twist on a beloved favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad
- 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
For the Dressing
- 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
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the 96% lean ground beef until it is fully cooked, ensuring it breaks apart evenly for uniform texture. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, then set the beef aside to cool completely.
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook the chickpea pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. After cooking, drain the pasta thoroughly and allow it to cool completely to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the nonfat plain Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, no-sugar-added ketchup, yellow mustard, dill pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, the cooked and cooled ground beef, halved grape tomatoes, diced dill pickles, shredded or cubed sharp cheddar cheese, and diced red onion. Pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients and toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve: Just before serving, gently fold in the chopped romaine lettuce to retain its crispness. Garnish with white sesame seeds if desired for an added visual touch and subtle nutty flavor.
Notes
- To keep the salad fresh, add the romaine lettuce just before serving to avoid wilting.
- You can substitute chickpea pasta with other high-protein or gluten-free pasta options if preferred.
- Adjust seasoning in the dressing to taste, especially the seasoning of salt and pepper.
- This salad pairs well with a chilled beverage and is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or meal prepping.
Keywords: Big Mac Pasta Salad, chickpea pasta salad, ground beef pasta salad, healthy pasta salad, Greek yogurt dressing, low fat salad
Find it online: https://annakocht.com/big-mac-pasta-salad-recipe/
