Pin This hearty bacon cheeseburger pasta salad combines all the flavors you love about a classic burger in a convenient, crowd-pleasing dish that's perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or meal prep. The creamy dressing brings everything together while the combination of pasta, ground beef, and crispy bacon delivers the ultimate comfort food experience.
I first created this recipe for my son's baseball team potluck when I needed something substantial that could sit out safely. It was such a hit that parents started requesting it for every team event, and my husband now asks for it regularly for his work lunches.
Ingredients
- Rotini pasta: creates the perfect base with ridges that catch all the delicious dressing
- Crispy bacon: adds smoky flavor and irresistible texture that makes this salad special
- Ground beef: provides hearty protein just like your favorite burger
- Cherry tomatoes: bring fresh juicy bursts of flavor use the sweetest ones you can find
- Red onion: adds zippy crunch and beautiful color look for firm onions with no soft spots
- Dill pickle: delivers that classic burger tanginess choose crisp kosher pickles for best results
- Romaine lettuce: provides fresh crunch without wilting quickly like iceberg might
- Sharp cheddar cheese: brings the authentic cheeseburger flavor freshly grated melts best with the warm components
- Mayonnaise: creates the creamy base for the dressing choose full fat for richest flavor
- Ketchup: adds familiar burger sweetness and tang use a quality brand without high fructose corn syrup
- Yellow mustard: provides classic burger flavor and helps emulsify the dressing
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until just al dente, typically 8 to 10 minutes. Be careful not to overcook as the pasta will continue to absorb dressing. Once done, immediately drain in a colander and rinse thoroughly under cold water to stop the cooking process. Shake well to remove excess water which would dilute your dressing.
- Prepare the bacon:
- Dice raw bacon into small pieces for even cooking. Heat a large skillet over medium heat without adding oil as the bacon will release its own fat. Add the diced bacon to the cold skillet then turn on the heat which helps render fat slowly for crispier results. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until pieces are deeply browned and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to paper towels, leaving the flavorful bacon grease in the pan.
- Cook the ground beef:
- Pour off all but about a tablespoon of bacon fat from the skillet. Return to medium high heat and add the ground beef. Break it into small crumbles using a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until no pink remains and some edges are caramelized for extra flavor. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to cool and absorb excess grease.
- Make the dressing:
- In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Whisk thoroughly until completely smooth with no streaks. Season with salt and pepper to taste, starting with about 1/4 teaspoon of each. The dressing should taste slightly more seasoned than you think necessary as the flavor will mellow when combined with other ingredients.
- Assemble the salad:
- In your largest mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked ground beef, crispy bacon pieces, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and diced pickle. Add the shredded romaine lettuce last so it stays crisp. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over everything. Pour the prepared dressing around the sides of the bowl rather than directly on top.
- Combine and chill:
- Using two large spoons or spatulas, gently fold all ingredients together from the bottom up until everything is evenly coated with dressing. Take care not to stir too vigorously which could break the pasta. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
Pin The secret to this recipe is definitely the dressing. I spent years perfecting the balance between tangy and creamy, and the addition of smoked paprika was a game changer that happened completely by accident when I ran out of regular paprika. My daughter now requests this for her birthday dinner every year instead of going out to a restaurant!
Make Ahead Tips
This pasta salad was designed for making ahead! If preparing more than 4 hours in advance, I recommend keeping the romaine lettuce separate until just before serving to maintain its crunch. The dressing can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best results when making ahead, reserve about 1/4 cup of the dressing to add just before serving to refresh the salad.
Ingredient Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half or all of the mayonnaise. The tanginess works beautifully with the other flavors. Ground turkey can replace beef for a leaner option. Be sure to add a teaspoon of olive oil to the pan since turkey is less fatty. Gluten free pasta works wonderfully in this recipe. Rice or corn based varieties hold up best in cold salads. For a vegetarian version, use plant based ground meat substitute and tempeh bacon. The smoky burger flavors still come through beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty salad with toasted sesame seed buns on the side for an interactive meal where guests can make mini sandwiches. For a fun presentation, serve individual portions in paper food boats like you'd get at a burger stand. Add a pickle spear and extra dressing on the side for authentic burger joint vibes. This salad pairs wonderfully with a crisp lager or root beer for the complete burger experience.
Storage Information
Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve after a day as everything melds together. If you notice the pasta has absorbed much of the dressing after storage, simply add a quick splash of olive oil and a squeeze of mustard, then toss to refresh. For best texture after refrigeration, let the pasta salad sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.
Pin This salad is a guaranteed hit at any gathering, offering a unique twist on beloved burger flavors.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I make bacon cheeseburger pasta salad in advance?
Yes, it can be made ahead and chilled for up to 24 hours. Toss gently before serving for best texture.
- → What type of pasta works best for this salad?
Rotini or fusilli are ideal as their shape holds dressing well, but penne or shells also work.
- → Can I substitute turkey bacon or make it vegetarian?
Absolutely. Use turkey bacon or vegetarian ground meat for lighter or meatless options.
- → How can I make the dressing lighter?
Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to reduce calories and add a tangy twist.
- → Are there extra toppings to enhance flavor?
Extra pickles, jalapeños, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds give an added burst of flavor and texture.