Description
This Cheeseburger Pasta Salad is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with a chilled pasta salad. Featuring rotini pasta, seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a tangy, smoky dressing, it’s perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup dill pickles, chopped
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon pickle juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely and prevent sticking.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease and allow the beef to cool.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, cherry tomatoes, chopped dill pickles, red onion, and shredded lettuce.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle juice, and smoked paprika until smooth and well combined.
- Toss and Chill: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- For extra cheeseburger flavor, add crumbled cooked bacon or an additional 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
- If preparing ahead of time, add the shredded lettuce just before serving to keep it crisp.
- This salad can be served chilled or slightly warmed depending on your preference.
