The Jimmy Buffett Cheeseburger Pasta Salad combines two favorite dishes into one. It mixes a classic cheeseburger with pasta salad, making it easy to enjoy the best of both.
The salad features tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, shredded cheddar, pickles, tomatoes, and onions. The creamy dressing, made from ketchup, mustard, and mayo, combines everything. The result is a dish with a mix of textures: chewy pasta, savory beef, and crunchy vegetables balanced with a creamy dressing.
The recipe can be adjusted to fit personal tastes. Use ground turkey or plant-based options instead of beef. You can also swap the cheese for pepper jack or smoked gouda. The pasta should be cooked al dente to avoid it getting too soft. Drain the beef well to keep the salad from becoming oily.
For the best flavor, chill the salad for at least an hour. It will allow the ingredients to blend better. If you are meal-prepping, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.
This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for family meals or gatherings. Its simplicity and flavor make it a favorite for many.
Ingredients For Jimmy Buffett Pasta Salad
- 8 ounces of pasta: Any type of pasta will do, but something like rotini or farfalle will hold onto the dressing and other ingredients well.
- 1 pound of cooked and peeled shrimp: You can use fresh or frozen shrimp for this recipe, just be sure to thaw and devein them before using.
- 1 cup of diced mango: Choose a ripe, juicy mango for the best flavor. If you’re not a fan of mango, you could also use diced pineapple or papaya.
- 1 cup of diced bell peppers: Red, yellow, and orange peppers will add a pop of color to the salad.
- 1/2 cup of diced red onion: This will add a bit of bite and crunch to the salad.
- 1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro: This fragrant herb will give the salad a bright, fresh flavor.
In addition to these main ingredients, you’ll also need some basic pantry staples to make the dressing:
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of lime juice
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 teaspoon of dijon mustard
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step By Step Instructions To Make Jimmy Buffett Pasta Salad
- Cook the pasta to al dente according to the package instructions. Drain the water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the dressing by whisking together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, diced mango, diced bell peppers, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro.
- Add the cooked and peeled shrimp to the mixing bowl, then pour the dressing over the top of the pasta salad.
- Gently toss everything together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate it for at least an hour, or up to 24 hours, to allow the flavors to meld.
- When you’re ready to serve, give the pasta salad a good stir to combine and taste for seasoning. If needed, add a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lime juice to brighten up the flavors.
- Serve the pasta salad chilled or warm, garnished with a few sprigs of fresh cilantro if desired.
This Jimmy Buffett Pasta Salad served warm and the perfect side dish for any summer cookout or beach party. Combining sweet mango, crunchy bell peppers, and savory shrimp will satisfy everyone’s taste buds.
Plus, the lime and cilantro dressing adds a bright, tropical flavor that will transport you to the sunny shores of the Caribbean. So grab your fork and dive into this delicious cheeseburger pasta salad – no passport required!
Put the leftovers in an airtight container then store them in the refrigerator.
Jimmy Buffett Cheeseburger Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of pasta: Any type of pasta will do but something like rotini or farfalle will hold onto the dressing and other ingredients well.
- 1 pound cooked and peeled shrimp or ground beef: You can use fresh or frozen shrimp for this recipe just be sure to thaw and devein them before using.
- 1 cup of diced mango: Choose a ripe juicy mango for the best flavor. If you’re not a fan of mango, you could also use diced pineapple or papaya.
- 1 cup of diced bell peppers: Red yellow, and orange peppers will add a pop of color to the salad.
- 1/2 cup of diced red onion: This will add a bit of bite and crunch to the salad.
- 1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro: This fragrant herb will give the salad a bright fresh flavor.
- In addition to these main ingredients you’ll also need some basic pantry staples to make the dressing:
For the dressing
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of lime juice
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 teaspoon of dijon mustard
- 1 clove of garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta to al dente according to the package instructions. Drain the water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the dressing by whisking together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, diced mango, diced bell peppers, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro.
- Add the cooked and peeled shrimp to the mixing bowl, then pour the dressing over the top of the pasta salad.
- Gently toss everything together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate it for at least an hour, or up to 24 hours, to allow the flavors to meld.
- When you’re ready to serve, give the pasta salad a good stir to combine and taste for seasoning. If needed, add a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lime juice to brighten up the flavors.
- Serve the pasta salad chilled or warm, garnished with a few sprigs of fresh cilantro if desired.
This easy-to-make Jimmy Buffett Pasta Salad will be the talk of any summer barbecue or beach party. Mango, bell peppers, and shrimp combine with bright and tangy lime and cilantro dressing to make a dish that will have you daydreaming about the Caribbean.
This pasta salad is great either cold or at room temperature as an accompaniment to any meal. Gather your supplies, get in the kitchen, and let Jimmy Buffett’s relaxing, beachy tunes wash over you as you prepare and devour your meal.
