If you’ve ever wished you could combine the juicy, flavorful goodness of a cheeseburger with the refreshing flair of a pasta salad, then you’re in for a real treat with this Cheeseburger Pasta Salad Recipe. It’s a vibrant, hearty dish that brings together the classic cheeseburger flavors in a fun, unexpected way using tender pasta, plant-based ground beef, tangy pickles, and a creamy burger sauce. Whether you’re looking for something impressive to bring to a summer cookout or a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and fresh, this recipe captures all the nostalgia and flavor of a cheeseburger without missing a beat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each contributing a key element to the textures and flavors that make this Cheeseburger Pasta Salad Recipe so irresistible. From the chewy pasta to the punchy pickles and creamy vegan mayonnaise, the balance here is perfect and straightforward.
- 16 ounces dried noodles of choice: Campanelle or elbow macaroni work great for holding the sauce and bits of the salad.
- 1 teaspoon avocado oil: Perfect for cooking the vegan ground beef without overpowering the other flavors.
- 12 ounces vegan ground beef: Provides the meaty, savory base that’s key to cheeseburger flavor without any animal products.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Brings out the depth of all the ingredients, especially the ground beef and pasta.
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper: Adds a subtle heat that perfectly complements the creamy elements.
- 1 cup vegan mayonnaise: The creamy binder that holds the salad together and adds richness.
- 1/2 cup ketchup: Classic burger tanginess that brightens the sauce and salad.
- 6 tablespoons sweet pickle relish: Adds sweetness and crunch that mimic that iconic burger bite.
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar: Provides acidity to balance the richness of the mayo and ketchup.
- 2 tablespoons mustard: Gives a slight sharpness that cuts through the creaminess beautifully.
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved: Fresh bursts of juicy sweetness add color and freshness.
- 1 1/2 cups dill pickle spears, chopped: Briny crunch that delivers the true cheeseburger vibe.
- 1 cup white onion, chopped: Sharp onion flavor that adds even more dimension.
- 1 cup vegan cheddar cheese shreds: Cheesy goodness that melts slightly into the salad for extra comfort.
- 4 cups shredded lettuce: Crisp, refreshing texture that keeps the salad light and balanced.
- 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds: Nutty crunch that finishes the salad with a little flair.
- Fresh minced parsley (optional): Adds a bright herbaceous note for garnish and freshness.
How to Make Cheeseburger Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your noodles according to the package instructions. It’s important to reserve about 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta water before you drain and rinse the pasta with cold water—this little trick helps create a silky, cohesive sauce that clings to every bite.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegan Ground Beef
While the pasta cooks, heat the avocado oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the vegan ground beef and season it with salt and fresh cracked black pepper. Cook it for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through and has a nice texture. Then, set it aside to cool at room temperature—this helps the salad stay fresh and evenly cool when mixed.
Step 3: Make the Burger Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the vegan mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, mustard, and the reserved pasta water until everything is combined into a smooth, tangy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—this sauce is the heart of the Cheeseburger Pasta Salad Recipe, capturing that iconic burger flavor in every creamy bite.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, toss the pasta noodles with about three-quarters of the burger sauce to coat them evenly. Add the cooled vegan ground beef, cherry tomatoes, chopped dill pickles, white onion, and vegan cheddar cheese shreds. Gently toss everything together, then cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours. This chilling period allows the flavors to marry beautifully.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Before serving, stir in the shredded lettuce and the remaining burger sauce to keep it crisp and fresh. Toss to combine, then garnish generously with toasted sesame seeds, additional vegan cheddar shreds, and a sprinkle of fresh minced parsley if you have it. The result is a dish that looks as exciting as it tastes, with vibrant colors and layers of flavor.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing with toasted sesame seeds offers a lovely nutty crunch, while vegan cheddar cheese shreds add a melty, gooey texture reminiscent of melted burger cheese. A little fresh parsley not only brightens up the plate but also adds a pop of herbaceous freshness that lightens the overall dish.
Side Dishes
This Cheeseburger Pasta Salad Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like crispy oven-baked fries or a fresh green salad. If you want to elevate your meal for a gathering, serve alongside grilled corn on the cob or garlic breadsticks for a complete, satisfying spread packed with different textures and tastes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this salad in mini individual mason jars or clear cups at parties so everyone can grab their own portion. Alternatively, layering ingredients in a trifle bowl before tossing can create a beautiful visual effect. You can even spoon this salad into hollowed-out tomatoes or small bread bowls for an adorable, portable meal presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep very well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The key is to keep the lettuce and garnishes separate if you want to maintain crispness, adding them back right before serving to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
This salad isn’t ideal for freezing because of the fresh vegetables and mayo-based sauce, which can separate and lose their texture once thawed. For best results, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated within a few days.
Reheating
Since this is meant to be a cold pasta salad, reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer it at room temperature, simply take it out of the fridge about 20 minutes before serving. Toss gently to refresh the flavors and texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular ground beef instead of vegan ground beef?
Absolutely! If you’re not committed to a plant-based version, regular ground beef will work just fine and will bring that classic cheeseburger taste to this creamy pasta salad.
What noodles are best for this recipe?
Campanelle or elbow macaroni are excellent choices since their shapes hold sauce well and contribute to the textural experience of the salad.
Can I make this salad gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap out the pasta for a gluten-free variety, and make sure the vegan ground beef substitute and condiments are also gluten-free to keep everything safe.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. The Cheeseburger Pasta Salad Recipe holds up nicely in the fridge for a couple of days. Just keep the lettuce aside until serving to keep it crisp.
How can I make this salad spicier?
You could add a dash of hot sauce to the burger sauce, toss in some sliced jalapeños, or even sprinkle red pepper flakes to bring that extra kick you crave.
Final Thoughts
This Cheeseburger Pasta Salad Recipe is one of those delightful dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, combining familiar flavors with a fun, fresh twist. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any casual gathering or weeknight meal. I encourage you to give it a try—once you do, it’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes that impress both family and friends alike!
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Cheeseburger Pasta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A delicious and dairy-free Cheeseburger Pasta Salad featuring vegan ground beef, pasta, fresh veggies, and a tangy homemade burger sauce. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal or potluck dish that combines the best flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a refreshing pasta salad format.
Ingredients
Pasta and Protein
- 16 ounces dried noodles of choice (campanelle or elbow macaroni)
- 1 teaspoon avocado oil
- 12 ounces vegan ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
Burger Sauce
- 1 cup vegan mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 6 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- 1/4 cup reserved starchy pasta water
Salad Add-ins
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 1/2 cups dill pickle spears, chopped
- 1 cup white onion, chopped
- 1 cup vegan cheddar cheese shreds
- 4 cups shredded lettuce
- 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
- Fresh minced parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Reserve 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. Rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it down and set aside.
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat avocado oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the vegan ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6-8 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
- Make Burger Sauce: In a small bowl, combine vegan mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, mustard, and the reserved pasta water. Whisk together until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta with 3/4 of the burger sauce. Add the cooked vegan ground beef, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped pickles, white onion, and vegan cheddar cheese shreds. Toss gently to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to let flavors meld.
- Serve: Just before serving, add shredded lettuce and the remaining burger sauce to the salad. Toss everything together until well mixed. Garnish with additional vegan cheddar cheese shreds, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh minced parsley if desired. Serve chilled.
Notes
- For best texture, make sure to cool the pasta with cold water to prevent it from sticking and becoming mushy.
- The reserved pasta water adds starchy moisture that helps the burger sauce adhere better to the pasta.
- You can customize the vegan ground beef substitute to your preference or use plant-based crumbles from your favorite brand.
- Refrigerate the assembled salad for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavor combinations before serving.
- To add extra crunch, consider including finely chopped celery or bell peppers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
