Description
This burger-inspired pasta salad is one of those recipes that disappears fast. It captures all the crave-worthy Big Mac flavors—savory beef, tangy sauce, crunchy pickles, and creamy cheese—while staying easy, practical, and perfect for sharing. Whether it’s a potluck, BBQ, or meal prep moment, this dish knows how to steal the spotlight.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Salad Base
- 1 pound extra-lean ground beef (96%)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 8 ounces chickpea pasta (such as Banza)
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, sliced in half
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
- ⅓ cup finely diced red onion
- ½ cup reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese, shredded or cubed
- ⅓ cup chopped dill pickles
Creamy Burger-Inspired Dressing
- ¾ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup light mayonnaise
- 4 tablespoons ketchup with no added sugar
- 1½ tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1½ tablespoons pickle juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Optional Finish
- White sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Stir in Worcestershire sauce along with salt and pepper to taste. Once cooked, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare the chickpea pasta following the package directions. Drain well and let it cool completely so it doesn’t melt the dressing later.
- Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until creamy and smooth.
- Build the Salad: Grab a large bowl and add the cooled pasta, cooked beef, tomatoes, pickles, cheddar cheese, and red onion. Pour the dressing over everything and toss gently until well combined.
- Add the Greens & Serve: Right before serving, fold in the chopped romaine so it stays crisp. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if you want that classic burger vibe, then serve and enjoy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad