Jimmy Buffett Pasta Salad

If you’re a Parrothead like me, you’ll love this Jimmy Buffett pasta salad, which is an ode to our favorite late beach bum. 

It’s packed with ground beef, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and a creamy special sauce. But instead of a “big warm bun,” rotini pasta soaks up all those amazing flavors.

Making this pasta salad transported me right back to seeing Jimmy play live, singing “Cheeseburger in Paradise.”

Put on your favorite Buffett tunes, round up the Coral Reefers, and treat yourself. As Jimmy would say, this salad is, “heaven on earth with an onion slice!”

Why You’ll Love This Jimmy Buffett Pasta Salad

Packed with Flavor: This pasta salad captures the essence of a classic cheeseburger. It delivers a familiar and comforting taste in every bite.

Quick and Easy: This recipe requires just 30 minutes of prep and cooking time. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

Nostalgic Comfort: The classic flavors of a cheeseburger in pasta salad form evoke nostalgic comfort. You’re transported back to backyard barbecues and summer days.

Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of pasta and cheeseburger ingredients makes this salad a standout at any potluck or barbecue.

Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Savory and hearty, it’s the star protein that gives this pasta salad a cheeseburger twist.
  
• Rotini Pasta: The fun corkscrew shape perfectly catches the creamy dressing and ingredients in every bite.
  
• Onion and Garlic: Aromatics provide the flavorful foundation for the beef.
  
• Olive Oil: It’s used to sauté the onion and garlic, enhancing their flavors.
  
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to boost and balance all the flavors.
  
• Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy pops of freshness and acidity brighten the dish.
  
• Dill Pickles: They add tangy crunch and quintessential cheeseburger flavor.
  
• Romaine Lettuce: Crisp, refreshing greens lighten up the pasta salad.
  
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, creamy, and melty, it’s the cheesy goodness that pulls it all together.
  
• Dressing: A creamy, tangy, and savory blend of mayonnaise, ketchup, and salt tastes just like a cheeseburger’s secret sauce.

How to Make Jimmy Buffett Pasta Salad

Making this salad is almost as easy as singing along to the song!

1. Cook the pasta. Cook the rotini pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.

2. Sauté the onions and garlic. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the yellow onion and garlic, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Cook the ground beef. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess grease.

4. Make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, and 1/2 tsp salt until smooth.

5. Combine the ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ground beef mixture, cherry tomatoes, red onion, pickles, lettuce, and cheddar cheese. Pour the dressing over top and toss until everything is evenly coated.

6. Serve the salad. Serve the pasta salad immediately while still slightly warm. It can also be chilled and served cold. Garnish with additional shredded cheese and chopped pickles if desired. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Jimmy Buffett Pasta Salad

Follow these Parrothead-approved tips for the best pasta salad.

• Pick your favorite pasta. Rotini or fusilli pasta works great in this salad as the spirals hold onto the dressing and mix-ins well. You can also use penne, farfalle (bowties), or cavatappi.
  
• Lean and mean. Use lean ground beef (90/10 or leaner) to avoid excess grease. You can also substitute ground turkey seasoned with a little beef bouillon for a lighter option.
  
• Give it a flavor boost. Season the ground beef with additional spices like cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder to amp up the taco-inspired flavors.
  
• Prep your veggies right. Dice the tomatoes, onions, and pickles into small, uniform pieces so you get some in every bite. Shred or finely chop the lettuce so it incorporates well.
  
• Do a dressing swap. For a tangier dressing, substitute some of the mayo with sour cream or plain Greek yogurt. You can also add a splash of pickle juice or Worcestershire sauce.
  
• Throw in some add-ins. Customize your pasta salad with extras like crispy bacon, diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, corn, black beans, cilantro, or Fritos for crunch.
  
• Serve it with all the fixins. Serve this hearty pasta salad alongside grilled burgers, hot dogs, barbecue chicken, or ribs. Round out the meal with fresh watermelon, coleslaw, and cornbread.

How to Store

This pasta salad is so easy to make ahead and store.

To Make Ahead: The pasta, ground beef mixture, vegetables, and dressing can be prepared separately and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, toss everything together.

To Store: Leftovers can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.