Big Mac Pasta Salad is a fun twist on a classic summer side dish! It combines tender pasta with the flavors of a Big Mac, including McDonald’s special sauce and crunchy sesame seed bun croutons. The star of this salad is the copycat Big Mac Sauce—it’s spot-on with the right mix of mayonnaise, relish, and vinegar. For the best flavor, make the sauce the night before so it can soak in.
This pasta salad is perfect for potlucks or parties and is sure to surprise and delight your guests. We’ve packed it with all the classic Big Mac toppings, but feel free to customize it with your favorite burger fixings.
The homemade croutons are another highlight. Dice sesame seed buns into bite-sized pieces, toss them in oil and a bit of garlic salt, then bake until crispy. They add a great crunch to the salad and can even be frozen for up to 6 months!
For the best results, chill the salad for a few hours before serving. Keep it at room temperature for no more than 2 hours. While you shouldn’t freeze the salad itself (the dressing might separate), you can freeze the croutons in a sealed bag for up to 6 months. Store the pasta salad (without croutons) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Big Mac Pasta Salad Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 16 ounces Cavatappi pasta cooked, drained, and rinsed with cool water
- 1 1/2 cups cubed Cheddar or Colby-jack cheese
- 1 1/2 cups halved Grape tomatoes
- 1 cup thinly sliced Red onion
- 1 pound browned Ground beef
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Romaine lettuce
- 1 cup chopped Dill pickles
For the Big Mac Sauce:
- 3/4 cup Mayonnaise
- 3/4 cup Sour cream
- 2 tsp French dressing
- 1/4 cup Sweet pickle relish plus 2 tablespoons
- 2 tsp Classic yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp finely minced Onion
- 1 1/2 tsp Distilled white vinegar
- 1 1/2 tsp Granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric
- 1/4 tsp Garlic powder
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl, mix together the cooled pasta, cubed cheese, tomatoes, red onion, ground beef, shredded romaine, and chopped pickles.
- In a small bowl, whisk together all the Big Mac Sauce ingredients until smooth. Pour the sauce over the pasta salad and stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Serve right away, or cover with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 1-2 hours to let the flavors meld together.
Notes
- Chill for Flavor: Let the salad chill in the fridge for 1-2 hours before serving to let the flavors blend and the sauce set.
- Customize the Toppings: Feel free to add extra toppings like chopped bacon or extra pickles for a personalized touch.
- Serve Fresh: For the best texture, serve the salad shortly after mixing to keep the lettuce crisp and the pasta firm.
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 510 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Protein | 20g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Cholesterol | 62mg |
| Sodium | 499mg |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Calcium | 172mg |
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes?
Yes, you can use different pasta shapes if you prefer. Cavatappi is great because it holds the sauce well, but you can use rotini, elbow macaroni, or any other pasta shape you like. Just cook the pasta according to the package instructions and cool it before mixing it with the other ingredients.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
You can store leftover Big Mac Pasta Salad in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s in an airtight container to keep it fresh. The pasta and veggies might soak up some of the dressing, so give it a good stir before serving again.
Can I Make the Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the salad ahead of time. It’s often better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours as it allows the flavours to meld together. Just cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill it until you’re ready to serve.
