Description
This Big Mac Pasta Salad transforms classic burger flavors into a lighter, protein-packed dish with lean beef, chickpea pasta, crisp vegetables, and a creamy tangy dressing. It is satisfying, balanced, and perfect for meal prep or gatherings.
Ingredients
1 lb 96% lean ground beef
1 tbsp halal steak sauce
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
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
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
White sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until fully browned and no longer pink. Stir in the steak sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix well, remove from heat, and allow to cool completely.
- Cook the chickpea pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse lightly with cool water, and let cool completely.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, dill pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until smooth and creamy.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked ground beef, grape tomatoes, dill pickles, cheddar cheese, and red onion. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss until evenly coated.
- Gently fold in the chopped romaine lettuce just before serving. Garnish with white sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately or chill until ready to enjoy.
Notes
Swap ground beef for lean ground turkey or grilled chicken for a different flavor.
Use iceberg lettuce or add chopped cucumbers for extra crunch.
Add hot sauce or diced jalapenos to the dressing for a spicy version.
Reduce cheese or use reduced-fat cheddar for a lower-fat option.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep lettuce separate for best texture.
Not recommended for freezing as the dressing and vegetables may lose texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
