Dinner

Big Mac Pasta Salad Recipe

Byrami Hayes January 24, 2026January 24, 2026

Introduction

This Big Mac Pasta Salad combines all the beloved flavors of a classic Big Mac in a refreshing and satisfying pasta dish. Perfect for family gatherings or potlucks, it’s easy to prepare and sure to please a crowd.

A close-up of a white bowl filled with creamy pasta salad made of spiral rotini pasta coated in a light, creamy sauce with small pieces of browned ground meat mixed in. The salad also contains halved cherry tomatoes showing their red flesh and seeds, light green cubed celery, and large green pickle slices topped with white sesame seeds spread on top. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with some tomatoes and fries partly visible around it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound rotini pasta, cooked al dente and drained
1 pound hamburger, browned and drained
1 ½ cups cheddar cheese cubes
1 ½ cups shredded iceberg lettuce
1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup onion, minced
1 ½ cups dill pickle, diced
1 ⅓ cups thousand island dressing
⅔ cup mayonnaise
Dill pickle chips, optional garnish
½ teaspoon white sesame seeds, optional garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Let the cooked rotini pasta and browned hamburger fully cool before assembling the salad.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pasta, hamburger, cheddar cheese cubes, shredded lettuce, cherry tomatoes, minced onion, and diced dill pickles. Gently fold together until well mixed.
Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, stir together the thousand island dressing and mayonnaise until smooth.
Step 4: Pour the dressing mixture over the pasta salad and gently fold again until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Step 5: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld. It can be served immediately if needed, but chilling improves the taste.
Step 6: Before serving, garnish with dill pickle chips and sprinkle with white sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a splash of pickle juice to the dressing mixture.
Use ground turkey or plant-based meat as a lighter alternative to hamburger.
Substitute shredded cheddar for another cheese like Colby Jack for a different taste.

Storage

Store the pasta salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving again, give it a gentle stir and add any fresh garnishes. It’s best enjoyed chilled, but can be brought to room temperature if preferred.

How to Serve

A close-up of a white bowl filled with creamy pasta salad, showing three layers: the base of curly rotini pasta coated in light tan creamy dressing, mixed with small cubes of pale orange cheese and ground beef, scattered halved red cherry tomatoes, and topped with three thick green pickles sprinkled with white sesame seeds. In the background, there is a clear cup of a smooth orange dipping sauce and a brown cardboard food container with yellow stripes, all placed on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, it’s best made a few hours ahead or even the night before to let the flavors meld. Just store it covered in the fridge until serving.

What can I use instead of thousand island dressing?

You can substitute a homemade dressing made with mayonnaise, ketchup, a bit of vinegar, and relish for a similar flavor if you don’t have thousand island on hand.