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
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.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for the beef.
- For extra flavor, add crumbled bacon or a splash of hot sauce.
- This salad is ideal for cookouts, potlucks, or as meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
