I first made this Big Mac Pasta Salad for my oldest daughter’s dance potluck, and I honestly thought it would just be one of those safe, filler dishes on the table.

You know the kind that people scoop a little of just to be polite.

Nope.

Within minutes, the bowl was basically wiped clean, and I had parents asking me what was in it while trying to scrape the bottom.

That’s when I knew this recipe was a keeper.

It has all the flavors everyone loves about a Big Mac, but in an easy, shareable pasta salad that works for potlucks, BBQs, and busy weeknights.

It’s fun, familiar, and somehow always the first thing to disappear.

Why This Big Mac Pasta Salad Works So Well

This salad hits that sweet spot between nostalgic and practical.

You get the classic burger flavors, but without standing over a grill or assembling a dozen burgers.

I love that it feels indulgent but is still easy enough to throw together ahead of time.

It’s also one of those dishes that both kids and adults go back for.

My daughter was proud to tell everyone her mom made it, which honestly made it taste even better.

Ingredients for Big Mac Pasta Salad

You’ll need simple, easy-to-find ingredients that come together fast:

12 ounces pasta (elbow macaroni or small shells work great)
1 pound ground beef
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup diced pickles
½ cup diced red onion
½ cup diced tomatoes
½ cup shredded lettuce

Big Mac–Style Dressing

1 cup mayonnaise
¼ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons mustard
2 tablespoons pickle relish
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt and pepper, to taste

Oh, I love this dressing. It smells exactly like a drive-thru craving in the best way.

How to Make Big Mac Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water so it cools completely, then set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Season with salt and pepper, drain excess grease, and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust as needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, ground beef, cheddar cheese, pickles, red onion, and tomatoes. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Finish and Chill

Fold in the shredded lettuce just before serving so it stays crisp. Chill for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to really come together.

Tips to Make It Even Better

You can make this a few hours ahead and add the lettuce right before serving
Chop everything small so you get a little of every flavor in each bite
If you love extra pickle flavor, add a splash of pickle juice to the dressing

I’ve learned that bringing this salad anywhere means I should bring the recipe too. Someone always asks.

Perfect for Potlucks, BBQs, and Busy Nights

This Big Mac Pasta Salad is one of those recipes that feels fun but still practical.

It travels well, feeds a crowd, and doesn’t need reheating, which makes it a win in my book.

Every time I make it, I think back to that dance potluck and how fast it vanished.

If you want a dish that gets people talking and asking for seconds, this is the one to try.

Big Mac Pasta Salad

Print Recipe

Ingredients

12 ounces pasta elbow macaroni or small shells work great
1 pound ground beef
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup diced pickles
½ cup diced red onion
½ cup diced tomatoes
½ cup shredded lettuce

For the Big Mac Dressing

1 cup mayonnaise
¼ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons mustard
2 tablespoons pickle relish
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water so it cools completely, then set aside.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Season with salt and pepper, drain excess grease, and let it cool slightly.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust as needed.
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, ground beef, cheddar cheese, pickles, red onion, and tomatoes. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Fold in the shredded lettuce just before serving so it stays crisp. Chill for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to really come together.