Cheeseburger Pasta Salad

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by Hailey parker

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Cheeseburger Pasta Salad is like a party in your mouth, bringing together the best of two worlds. Imagine twirling pasta around your fork, only to find juicy bits of burger, crispy pickles, and a delightful dressing that ties it all together. spicy chicken drumsticks This dish is perfect for summer barbecues or a cozy family dinner, offering a comforting yet exciting flavor experience. You might also enjoy this Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks recipe.

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You might have fond memories of backyard cookouts or potlucks where everyone brings their A-game, but let me tell you: this recipe steals the spotlight. With its vibrant colors and satisfying textures, it’s an impressive crowd-pleaser that even your picky Uncle Bob will enjoy. Get ready to dive into cheeseburger bliss!

[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] The Cheeseburger Pasta Salad combines flavors that everyone loves, making it perfect for gatherings. Quick to make, this salad is visually appealing and can be customized with your favorite toppings. It’s versatile enough for picnics or as a side dish at family dinners. [/info_box]

I once made this dish for a potluck, and my friends declared it “life changing.” Who knew pasta could make such an impression?

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Pasta: I recommend using rotini or penne for their ability to hold onto the dressing and flavors well.
  • Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a balanced flavor without too much grease.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar adds that classic cheeseburger flavor to each bite.
  • Pickles: Dill pickles add a tangy crunch that elevates the whole salad experience.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes provide freshness and vibrant color to the mix.
  • Red Onion: Diced red onion adds a sweet crunch; soak them in water if you want to mellow their flavor.
  • Mayonnaise: Use full fat mayonnaise for creaminess; Greek yogurt works for a lighter option.
  • Ketchup: Adds sweetness and depth reminiscent of your favorite burgers. delicious grilled burgers.
  • Mustard: A touch of mustard gives it that classic burger zing everyone loves.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all those delicious flavors.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add about 8 ounces of pasta and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, add one pound of ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula until no pink remains. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, combine ½ cup of mayonnaise, ¼ cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Add Ingredients Together: In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, browned beef, shredded cheddar cheese, diced pickles, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced red onion. Pour dressing over the mixture.

Toss Until Coated: Gently toss everything together until evenly coated with dressing. Adjust seasoning if needed; sometimes it helps to taste test your creation.

Chill Before Serving: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows all those amazing flavors to meld together beautifully.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your Cheeseburger Pasta Salad! Whether it’s at home on a lazy afternoon or as part of your next big gathering, this dish is sure to impress! sheet pan steak fajitas.

[info_box title=”You Must Know”] This delightful cheeseburger pasta salad combines all your favorite burger flavors in a refreshing dish. It’s perfect for picnics and barbecues, making meal prep easy and delicious. The colorful veggies and creamy dressing bring a vibrant touch to any gathering. [/info_box]

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling the pasta al dente while you chop the veggies and cook the beef. This way, everything comes together seamlessly and saves time.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or veggie crumbles. You can also add extra toppings like pickles or jalapeños for that kick.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.

[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] To keep your pasta salad fresh, always rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking. This stops the cooking process and prevents it from becoming mushy. Also, let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving, allowing flavors to meld beautifully. [/info_box]

Creating this dish reminds me of summer cookouts with friends, where laughter and great food filled the air. fresh avocado pasta salad Everyone loved diving into this cheeseburger pasta salad! You might also enjoy this Grilled Corn Avocado Pasta Salad recipe.

FAQs

FAQ

How do I prevent my pasta from getting soggy?

Rinse cooked pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process immediately.

Can I make cheeseburger pasta salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! It tastes even better when allowed to chill overnight in the fridge.

What alternative dressings can I use for this salad?

Try ranch or thousand island dressing for different flavor profiles that complement well.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Cheeseburger Pasta Salad


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  • Author: Jennifer
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6

Description

Cheeseburger Pasta Salad combines the classic flavors of a cheeseburger with the comforting texture of pasta in a fun, vibrant dish. Perfect for summer gatherings or family dinners, this salad features juicy ground beef, crunchy pickles, and a creamy dressing that harmonizes all the flavors. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz rotini or penne pasta
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup diced dill pickles
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta al dente in salted boiling water. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until cooked through. Drain excess grease.
  3. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
  4. In a large bowl, combine pasta, beef, cheese, pickles, tomatoes, and onion. Pour the dressing over and toss gently until everything is coated.
  5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

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