Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite cookout side: Cheeseburger Pasta Salad! This playful mashup brings together all the crave-worthy flavors of a classic cheeseburger—juicy ground beef, tangy pickles, sharp cheddar, and a creamy, zesty sauce—tossed with tender pasta for a dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings, meal prep, or even an unexpected weeknight dinner. Every bite is packed with nostalgia and comfort, yet it feels fresh and exciting, making it just the thing to wow your friends and family at your next potluck.

Cheeseburger Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cheeseburger Pasta Salad is in its simplicity—each ingredient adds something special to the flavor, texture, or look of the dish. You probably have most of these staples on hand, and together they create a salad that tastes just like your favorite backyard burger, in pasta form!

Elbow macaroni or rotini pasta (8 ounces): These shapes hold the sauce and toppings perfectly in every forkful.
Ground beef (1 pound): The star of the show, giving that unmistakable cheeseburger savoriness.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and a subtle garlicky warmth to the beef.
Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): For that essential burger joint flavor without chopping fresh onions.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Balances and brightens all the savory notes.
Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Juicy pops of sweetness and color in every bite.
Dill pickles (1/2 cup, chopped): Bring crunch and a tangy kick, just like on a burger.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup): Melts slightly into the salad, adding creamy richness.
Red onion (1/4 cup, finely diced): For a little zip and color contrast.
Ketchup (2 tablespoons): Adds sweetness and classic burger flavor to the dressing.
Yellow mustard (2 tablespoons): Brings a zesty bite that perks up the whole salad.
Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The base of the dressing, making it creamy and luscious.
Pickle juice (1 tablespoon): The secret ingredient for that authentic tang!
Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon): Deepens the umami and adds a savory boost.
Shredded lettuce (for serving, optional): Offers a cool, crisp bed for serving and a nod to classic burger toppings.

How to Make Cheeseburger Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your elbow macaroni or rotini and cook according to the package directions until just al dente—this keeps the pasta tender but not mushy. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly. Let it drain thoroughly while you prep the rest of your ingredients.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

While the pasta is cooling, heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up the meat as it cooks, ensuring it browns evenly and soaks up all those savory seasonings. Once it’s fully cooked and nicely browned, drain off any excess grease and let the beef cool slightly so it doesn’t wilt the other salad ingredients.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Signature Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle juice, and Worcestershire sauce. This creamy, tangy dressing is what truly transforms this salad into a Cheeseburger Pasta Salad! Make sure everything is well combined and silky smooth.

Step 4: Toss Everything Together

Add your cooled pasta, cooked ground beef, cherry tomatoes, chopped pickles, diced red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese straight into the bowl with your dressing. Gently toss everything together until every piece of pasta and all the toppings are evenly coated. If you want, sneak a quick taste here and adjust the seasoning with a pinch more salt or pepper.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

For the flavors to really meld and shine, cover your Cheeseburger Pasta Salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. When you’re ready to serve, spoon it over a bed of crisp shredded lettuce for that classic burger vibe. Enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Cheeseburger Pasta Salad

Garnishes

A little extra love goes a long way! Top your Cheeseburger Pasta Salad with a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar, a handful of sliced green onions, or a scatter of sesame seeds for a fun burger-inspired twist. For a smoky pop, crumbled cooked bacon is always a crowd-pleaser.

Side Dishes

This salad is hearty enough to be the star, but it also plays well with others. Pair it with grilled corn on the cob, classic potato chips, or a simple green salad. If you’re hosting a barbecue, it’s fantastic alongside grilled hot dogs or veggie skewers for a true summer feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try serving Cheeseburger Pasta Salad in individual mason jars or small cups for easy grab-and-go portions. You can also pile it onto lettuce leaves for a lighter, hand-held option, or even stuff it into halved bell peppers for a fun and colorful presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cheeseburger Pasta Salad keeps beautifully! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually get even better as they mingle, making it a perfect make-ahead dish for lunches or picnics.

Freezing

While you can technically freeze this salad, the creamy dressing and fresh veggies may not hold up well after thawing—the texture just isn’t the same. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer it slightly warm, you can let it sit out for a few minutes before serving, but avoid microwaving to keep the veggies crisp and the dressing creamy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Salad

Absolutely! Any short, sturdy pasta like penne, shells, or fusilli works well. Just aim for a shape that will hold onto the dressing and mix-ins for the best bite.

Can I make Cheeseburger Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, this salad is even better after a few hours in the fridge. Just give it a gentle toss before serving and add a splash of pickle juice or mayo if it seems a bit dry.

Is there a way to make this lighter or dairy-free?

Definitely. You can use a light mayonnaise or a plant-based mayo, and swap out the cheddar for a dairy-free cheese or simply omit it. For the beef, ground turkey or a veggie ground round are great alternatives.

What can I add for extra flavor?

Get creative! Crumbled cooked bacon, a dash of hot sauce, or even some diced avocado or jalapeños can take your Cheeseburger Pasta Salad to the next level. Experiment with your favorite burger toppings.

Can I serve this as a main dish?

Absolutely! With protein, veggies, and pasta all in one, this salad is hearty enough to stand on its own for lunch or dinner. Just pile it high and dig in.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to shake up your pasta salad game, Cheeseburger Pasta Salad is the way to do it! It’s fun, flavorful, and always a conversation starter. Grab your ingredients and give it a try—your next picnic, potluck, or family dinner will thank you!

Cheeseburger Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delicious and hearty Cheeseburger Pasta Salad combining all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with tender pasta, ground beef, tangy pickles, and a creamy, zesty dressing. Perfect for summer cookouts, potlucks, or a satisfying meal prep option.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

8 ounces elbow macaroni or rotini pasta

Meat and Seasonings

1 pound ground beef
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste

Vegetables and Cheese

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup dill pickles, chopped
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced

Dressing

2 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon pickle juice
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Optional

Shredded lettuce for serving

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside.
Prepare the Ground Beef: In a medium skillet over medium heat, add ground beef and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess grease and let the meat cool slightly.
Make the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, and Worcestershire sauce until fully combined and smooth.
Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the cooled pasta, cooked ground beef, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped pickles, diced red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese into the dressing. Toss everything gently together until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Serve chilled optionally over a bed of shredded lettuce for extra crunch and freshness.