Jimmy Buffett Pasta Salad 

Jimmy Buffett Pasta Salad is a delightful fusion of classic cheeseburger ingredients transformed into a hearty pasta salad. Inspired by the flavors of a "Cheeseburger in Paradise," this dish combines ground beef, cheddar cheese, pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, and a creamy mayo-ketchup dressing. It's a perfect main course or side dish for summer gatherings, potlucks, or casual dinners.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 16 oz rotini pasta

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small yellow onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/4 cup red onion, diced

• 1 cup pickles, chopped

• 1 cup lettuce, shredded

• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded or cubed

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1/2 cup ketchup

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the rotini pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.

2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, diced yellow onion, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté until the onion is soft and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.

3. Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed onion and garlic. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 7–10 minutes. Drain excess grease and let the mixture cool.

4. Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ground beef mixture, cherry tomatoes, red onion, pickles, lettuce, and cheddar cheese. Stir to combine.

5. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and ketchup until smooth.

6. Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.

7. Serve: Serve immediately while slightly warm, or refrigerate and serve cold. Garnish with additional shredded cheese or chopped pickles if desired.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 420 kcal

• Protein: 16 g

• Fat: 24 g

  • Saturated Fat: 8 g

• Carbohydrates: 34 g

  • Fiber: 2 g

  • Sugar: 4 g

• Cholesterol: 50 mg

• Sodium: 589 mg

• Potassium: 304 mg

• Calcium: 161 mg

• Iron: 1 mg