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Cheeseburger Pasta Salad with Meat


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  • Author: Julia
  • Total Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Burger Pasta Salad combines the hearty flavors of a juicy burger with the refreshing texture of pasta. Featuring seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, crunchy pickles, and a creamy French dressing, it’s the perfect side dish or light meal for summer gatherings, picnics, or casual dinners.


Ingredients

For the Salad:

8 oz pasta (your choice of type)

1/2 tbsp olive oil (for tossing pasta)

1 lb ground beef

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

3/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

3/4 cup pickles, finely diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup romaine lettuce, shredded

1/4 cup red onion, finely diced

For the Burger Sauce:

1/4 cup creamy French dressing

3 tbsp reserved pasta water

1 tbsp sweet pickle relish

1/4 tsp turmeric (for flavor and color)

1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)

1/4 tsp onion powder (optional)


Instructions

  • Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, reserve ¼ cup of the starchy pasta water and drain the pasta. Transfer the pasta to a sheet pan to cool, and toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil to prevent sticking.

  • Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned. Break the meat apart with a spatula or meat masher. Continue cooking for 5-6 more minutes or until fully browned, seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted. Allow the beef to cool to room temperature.

  • Make the Burger Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the French dressing, reserved pasta water, sweet pickle relish, turmeric, garlic powder, and onion powder (if using). Whisk together until smooth.

  • Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta and cooked ground beef with melted cheese. Pour the burger sauce over the mixture and stir to combine. Add diced pickles, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and red onion. Toss gently until everything is evenly mixed.

  • Serve: Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to chill before serving for an even more refreshing dish.

Notes

Add Protein: For extra protein, top with grilled chicken, chickpeas, or hard-boiled eggs.

Add More Veggies: Add cucumbers, bell peppers, or roasted vegetables for more flavor and color.

Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.

Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based protein like crumbled tempeh or a veggie burger patty.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Category: Salad, Main Dish, Side Dish
  • Method: Tossing
  • Cuisine: American, Fusion