Cheeseburger Pasta Salad

This post may contain affiliate links, my full disclosure can be read here. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

If you love the flavors of a Big Mac burger, this inspired cheeseburger pasta salad is going to be your new favorite side dish. It’s loaded with ground beef, crunchy pickles, crisp lettuce, cheddar cheese, and a creamy homemade burger sauce.

It’ll have you going back for seconds. It’s perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or weeknight dinners when you want something hearty and full of flavor.

In the summer, when the weather starts getting hot, the last thing I want is to eat a hot meal. I’d much rather have a cold dinner that will cool me down but still provide all the veggies, meat, and cozy carbs.

This cheeseburger pasta salad is so easy to make and is a great way to feed a crowd. It’s hearty enough to be a meal, and on a hot summer day, that’s exactly how I enjoy it the most.

But it also works perfectly as a side dish for burgers, hot dogs, or any grilled meat.

Ingredient Notes

Make sure to check the recipe card for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

• Pasta: Rotini or other short spiral pasta works best because the twists hold onto the creamy sauce and cheese. You could also use shells or penne if you have that on hand.
• Ground Beef: Adds the burger-like flavor and protein to the dish. Make sure to drain any excess grease after cooking so your salad doesn’t get oily.
• Pickles: Tangy pickles give the salad a classic flavor and crunch. Baby dills work great, but you can also use pickle spears, or even sliced pickles if you have them on hand.
• Grape Tomatoes: Grape tomatoes are my favorite to use in pasta salads. They are just the right size, loaded with flavor but not too juicy. Cherry tomatoes or a diced regular tomato would also work.
• Iceberg Lettuce: This classic lettuce adds the crunch and refreshing flavor to balance out the sauce. If you don’t have it on hand, you can also use Romaine lettuce.
• Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese brings a creaminess and loads of flavor to the salad. Shredding it helps you get some cheese in every bite. Medium or sharp cheddar will work best.
• Burger Sauce: This homemade burger sauce is easy to make and loaded with flavor. You can easily make it ahead of time and keep it in your fridge until you’re ready to make the salad.

How To Make Cheeseburger Pasta Salad

In a small mixing bowl, add the sauce ingredients, mix well, and set aside.

Add the ground beef to your hot skillet and fry until it’s done. Then drain off the excess grease.

Cook the pasta until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain well and put into a large bowl.

Add the sauce, cooked ground beef, diced pickles, tomatoes, cheese, lettuce, and paprika. Stir to combine well and serve.

Storage Tips

Any leftover pasta salad should be placed into an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

The flavors get even better as they sit, but the lettuce may lose some crunch. For the best texture, you could add some fresh chopped lettuce right before serving leftovers.

Serving Suggestions

This burger pasta salad is loaded with ground beef, cheese, and veggies, making it hearty and flavorful enough to serve as a meal on its own. But it also makes an amazing side dish for gatherings.

Here are some easy ways to serve it:

• At BBQs and cookouts: Serve alongside grilled burgers, hot dogs, or chicken for a fun twist.
• As a Potluck Favorite: The big bold flavors make this salad a hit at holiday parties or church dinners.
• Make It A Burger-Inspired Dinner: Serve it with fries, onion rings, or coleslaw for a fun dinner theme.

More Recipes:

• Broccoli Pasta Salad
• Creamy Pasta Salad
• Easy Summer Salad Ideas

FAQs

Connect With Homestead Acres!

Be sure to follow me on social media, so you never miss a post!

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Visit my Amazon store to find all my favorite gardening, homesteading tools, and gadgets plus all of my printed garden books and journals!