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Big Mac Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.1 from 58 reviews

This Big Mac Pasta Salad combines all the classic flavors of a Big Mac burger into a fresh, protein-packed pasta salad. Made with lean ground beef, chickpea pasta, fresh vegetables, and a tangy, creamy homemade dressing inspired by Big Mac sauce, this dish is a perfect low-fat, flavorful meal for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

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%, shredded or cubed (56g)
  • 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

  1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef until fully cooked through. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper for seasoning. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  2. Prepare the Pasta: Cook the chickpea pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and allow it to cool completely before assembling the salad.
  3. 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 fully combined and smooth.
  4. Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked ground beef, halved grape tomatoes, diced pickles, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and diced red onion. Pour the prepared dressing over the mixture and toss thoroughly to evenly coat all ingredients.
  5. Serve: Just before serving, gently fold in the chopped romaine lettuce to preserve its crisp texture. Garnish with white sesame seeds if desired for a subtle nutty crunch and extra authenticity. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef to keep the salad lower in fat while maintaining flavor.
  • Chickpea pasta offers added protein and fiber compared to traditional pasta, making this salad more filling and nutritious.
  • Allow all cooked ingredients to cool completely before mixing to prevent the lettuce from wilting.
  • The dressing replicates the classic Big Mac sauce taste but is lighter and healthier with Greek yogurt.
  • This salad can be prepared a few hours ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator for optimal flavor melding.

Find it online: https://flavorspath.com/big-mac-pasta-salad-recipe/