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Big Mac Pasta Salad, A Crowd-Pleasing Side Dish Recipe

Big Mac Pasta Salad
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Craving a Big Mac but want something lighter for summer? Try our Big Mac Pasta Salad! Packed with all the classic flavors of your favorite burger in a refreshing salad form. Perfect for BBQs and family dinners.

Ingredients

  • Croutons:
    • 2 sesame seed buns, diced
    • 1 tablespoon canola oil
    • 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
  • Pasta Salad:
    • 1 pound elbow pasta
    • 1/2 pound ground beef
    • 1/2 yellow onion, diced
    • 1/4 cup sweet relish
    • 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
    • 2 cups lettuce, shredded
    • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
    • 1 1/2 cups Big Mac Copycat Sauce, recipe

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.
  2. Toss the diced sesame seed buns with canola oil and sprinkle with garlic salt. Spread them out on a baking sheet and bake for 6-8 minutes until toasted. Let them cool.
  3. Cook the elbow pasta according to package instructions, then rinse under cold water and let it cool.
  4. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes, breaking the beef apart as it cooks. Allow the beef to cool.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, beef, sweet relish, halved grape tomatoes, shredded lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, and Big Mac Copycat Sauce. Toss gently to mix.
  6. Top the salad with the toasted croutons just before serving to maintain their crunch.

Notes

  • Make Ahead: For the best flavor, prepare the Big Mac Copycat Sauce a day ahead. This allows the flavors to meld together, creating a richer taste.
  • Substitutions: Feel free to substitute ingredients based on dietary needs or preferences. Gluten-free pasta, dairy-free cheese, and plant-based ground meat are excellent alternatives.
  • Storing: Store the pasta salad and croutons separately. The salad can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Store croutons at room temperature in a sealed bag to maintain their crunch.
  • Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed cold, but if you prefer your beef warm, reheat it separately before adding it to the chilled salad.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve as a main dish for a light lunch or as a side at your next barbecue. It pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables or a simple fruit salad.

Nutrition

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