Big Mac pasta salad is a fun and delicious treat that’s perfect for barbecue, family gatherings, or to bring to a potluck. You get all the flavors you love in a Big Mac but in a creamy pasta salad form!

A bowl of salad with pasta, ground beef, croutons, lettuce and tomatoes.

If you’re craving a Big Mac but want something lighter and fresher, this Big Mac pasta salad is the answer! Packed with all those classic burger flavors you love, this salad is super fun to make and totally delicious.

You have all the Big Mac usual suspects here: the juicy beef, the tangy sauce, the cheddar, the pickles and even croutons made from a burger bun.

The salad is very easy to throw together as it involves pasta boiling, a bit of chopping, and a super simple dressing. And since it’s one of those recipes that somehow taste better the next day, you can easily go for an extra large batch.

Why you’ll love this Big Mac pasta salad recipe

It brings all those beloved Big Mac flavors into a satisfying and fun new format.
It's a definite crowd-pleaser, perfect for bringing to potlucks or just a fun change-up to your dinner routine. Kids will especially love it!
It's super easy to make it your own based on what you have on hand or the flavors you enjoy!

A close-up photo of a bowl of cheeseburger pasta salad.

What goes into Big Mac pasta salad

Ground beef—For a classic Big Mac flavor, I use lean ground beef (like 90/10), but you can always substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.

Mayo — This is the creamy base of your sauce, so use a good quality mayo for the best flavor.

Ranch dressing — Store-bought is perfectly fine, but if you have homemade on hand, even better!

Dijon mustard — This adds a bit of a kick and extra flavor.

Aromatics — I stick with the classic paprika, onion powder and garlic powder, but feel free to experiment with a little fresh onion or garlic if you like.

Macaroni — Elbow macaroni is best since it holds the dressing well, but you can definitely use other small pasta shapes.

A photo of a bowl of Big Mac pasta salad.

Burger buns—I love the extra bit of burger flavor and crunch from toasted bun pieces, but crackers could be a fun substitute.

Cheddar cheese — Either sliced or block cheddar cheese cut into cubes works well in this Big Mac salad recipe.

Pickles — I'm all about those classic dill pickles for the authentic Big Mac flavor.

Veggies — Red onion, lettuce and cherry tomatoes are perfect here. You can also add some diced celery or even bell peppers for a bit of extra crunch.

How to make Big Mac pasta salad

Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions. Drain, rinse with cool water, and set aside. While the pasta is cooking, dice the red onion, chop the pickles, shred the lettuce, and quarter the cherry tomatoes.

Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease and season with a little garlic powder.

Steps for cooking the beef and making the salad dressing for Big Mac pasta salad.

Mix together mayo, ranch dressing, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a bit of salt for that classic Big Mac flavor.

Cut the burger bun into bite-sized pieces. Spray them lightly with cooking spray or olive oil, then pop them in the oven for a couple of minutes until slightly toasted.

Toss the cooked macaroni, beef, cheddar cheese, veggies and dressing in a big bowl.

Steps for putting the pasta salad together.

Remember to add those toasted bun pieces at the end for extra crunch.

Finishing steps for making cheeseburger pasta salad.

This salad can be served immediately or you can leave it for a bit in the fridge to allow the flavors to mingle.

Variations

Ground turkey, shredded chicken, or crumbled vegetarian "meat" are all great alternatives to ground beef.
Substitute the toasted bun pieces with toasted croutons, crumbled tortilla chips, or even crispy bacon bits.
Instead of the mayo/ranch combo, go with a spicy sriracha mayo base or make a classic thousand island dressing.

Recipe notes and tips

Don't overcook the pasta! You want it a little al dente, so it has a nice bite in the salad.
Quickly rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking and keep it from getting clumpy.
I actually think this Big Mac salad tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make a big batch!

Leftovers and storage

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Add the lettuce and toasted bun pieces right before serving for maximum freshness.
If you like your pasta salad warm, reheat individual portions gently in the microwave. Avoid overheating, or the pasta may become mushy.
This salad tastes fantastic cold straight from the fridge, making it a perfect grab-and-go lunch option!

If you liked this Big Mac pasta salad, you might also like some of my other comfort food recipes:

Looking for more cozy comfort food recipes? Follow Mighty Spatula on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest!

Gwen says

April 18, 2024 at 4:22 pm