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Big Mac Pasta Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 138 reviews

A delicious and satisfying Big Mac Pasta Salad combining lean ground beef, chickpea pasta, and fresh veggies with a creamy, tangy dressing inspired by classic Big Mac flavors. Perfect for a hearty lunch or a flavorful side dish.

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

  1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked with no pink remaining. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce along with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  2. Prepare the Pasta: Cook the chickpea pasta according to the package instructions, typically boiling for 7-9 minutes until al dente. Drain thoroughly and allow to cool completely to prevent wilting the fresh ingredients in the salad.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the nonfat 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.
  4. Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled chickpea pasta, cooked ground beef, grape tomatoes, diced pickles, shredded or cubed cheddar cheese, and diced red onion.
  5. Add the Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss thoroughly until all components are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
  6. Serve: Just before serving, gently fold in the chopped romaine lettuce to keep it crisp and fresh. Garnish with white sesame seeds if desired for an extra touch of flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Be sure to cool the pasta completely before mixing it with the dressing and other ingredients to maintain the salad’s texture.
  • Use 96% lean ground beef to keep the salad lower in fat while retaining great flavor.
  • Adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper according to taste if needed.
  • This salad can be made a few hours ahead and kept refrigerated; add romaine lettuce just before serving to preserve freshness.
  • White sesame seeds add a nice crunch and are optional.

Keywords: Big Mac Pasta Salad, chickpea pasta salad, ground beef pasta salad, healthy pasta salad, low fat pasta salad, Greek yogurt dressing, American cuisine

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