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Big Mac Pasta Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 73 reviews

This Big Mac Pasta Salad creatively combines the flavors of a classic Big Mac into a delightful, protein-packed pasta salad. Featuring lean ground beef, chickpea pasta, fresh vegetables, sharp cheddar cheese, and a tangy Greek yogurt-based dressing, this salad is a nutritious and satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

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%, 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 ground beef until fully cooked and no pink remains. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. 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 and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool completely.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, no-sugar-added ketchup, yellow mustard, dill pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until smooth and well combined.
  4. Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked ground beef, halved grape tomatoes, diced dill pickles, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced red onion. Pour in the dressing and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
  5. Serve: Just before serving, gently fold in the chopped romaine lettuce to keep it crisp. Garnish with white sesame seeds if desired for added texture and a visual nod to the Big Mac burger.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content.
  • Allow pasta and beef to cool before mixing to keep the salad fresh and prevent wilting the lettuce.
  • Adjust seasoning and spices in the dressing to taste.
  • Feel free to substitute chickpea pasta with another protein-rich pasta or your favorite gluten-free pasta.
  • This salad can be made ahead and refrigerated for 1 day, but add lettuce just before serving to maintain crispness.

Keywords: Big Mac Pasta Salad, Chickpea pasta salad, Ground beef pasta salad, Healthy pasta salad, Greek yogurt dressing, Low fat pasta salad

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