Description
This Big Mac Pasta Salad is a flavorful, protein-packed twist on the classic Big Mac sandwich, combining seasoned lean ground beef, chickpea pasta, fresh veggies, and a creamy, tangy dressing inspired by iconic Big Mac flavors. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a satisfying, wholesome dish perfect for quick lunches, potlucks, or family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb 96% lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp halal steak sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Pasta & Vegetables
- 8 oz dry chickpea pasta
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/3 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded or cubed
- 1/3 cup dill pickles, diced
Dressing
- 3/4 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup light mayonnaise
- 4 tbsp no-sugar-added ketchup
- 1 1/2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 1/2 tbsp dill pickle juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
Optional Garnish
- White sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until it is fully browned and no longer pink. Stir in the halal steak sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix well, then remove the skillet from heat and set the beef aside to cool completely.
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook the chickpea pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it lightly with cool water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Allow the pasta to cool completely before mixing.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the nonfat plain Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, no-sugar-added ketchup, yellow mustard, dill pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooled pasta, cooked ground beef, grape tomatoes, dill pickles, sharp cheddar cheese, and diced red onion. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Add Lettuce and Garnish: Just before serving, gently fold the chopped romaine lettuce into the salad to keep it crisp. Optionally, sprinkle with white sesame seeds for extra texture and visual appeal. Serve immediately or chill the salad until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Use chickpea pasta for added protein and fiber, but any pasta can be substituted.
- Allow both the beef and pasta to cool completely before mixing with the dressing to prevent wilting the lettuce.
- White sesame seeds add a nice touch but can be omitted if not available.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours in advance and refrigerated for better flavor melding.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
- Ensure the steak sauce used is halal-certified if adhering strictly to halal guidelines.
