Jimmy Buffett Cheeseburger Pasta Salad Recipe

The Jimmy Buffett Cheeseburger Pasta Salad Recipe brings together the tropical vibe of a summer BBQ and the comfort of a classic cheeseburger. Inspired by the laid-back lifestyle of Jimmy Buffett, this dish mixes juicy ground beef, creamy cheddar, crunchy pickles, and ripe tomatoes into a flavorful pasta salad that’s both satisfying and fun.
This pasta salad features al dente pasta, seasoned ground beef, shredded cheddar, diced tomatoes, onions, and pickles. A tangy, creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard ties it all together. Each bite balances tender pasta with rich cheeseburger flavors and crisp vegetables.
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.
Jimmy Buffett’s cheeseburger Pasta Salad is easy to prepare and perfect for family meals or gatherings. Its simplicity and flavor make it a favorite for many.
Serves: 4
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Ingredients for Jimmy Buffett Cheeseburger Pasta Salad
- 8 oz rotini pasta, cooked al dente
- 1 lb ground beef, seasoned with salt, pepper, and a dash of garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced dill pickles
- ½ cup diced red onions
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (firm and ripe)
- ½ cup chopped lettuce (optional for added crunch)
Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp pickle juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method: How to Make Jimmy Buffett Cheeseburger Pasta Salad
Step By Step Instructions to Make Jimmy Buffett cheeseburger Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta until al dente, drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a skillet, cook ground beef until fully browned. Drain excess grease and let it cool.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a bowl, whisk mayo, ketchup, mustard, and pickle juice until creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta, ground beef, tomatoes, pickles, onions, and cheddar cheese.
Step 5: Add Dressing
Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently until well coated.
Step 6: Chill and Serve.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving for the best flavor blend.
Substitutes and Variations
You can easily customize this cheeseburger pasta salad to fit your taste:
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or a plant-based option
- Try pepper jack or smoked gouda instead of cheddar
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed
- Add shredded lettuce or crispy bacon for extra texture
This Jimmy Buffett Pasta Salad is served warm and is the perfect side dish for any summer cookout or beach party. 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
Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta cooked al dente
- 1 lb ground beef seasoned with salt, pepper, and a dash of garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced dill pickles
- ½ cup diced red onions
- 1 cup diced tomatoes firm and ripe
- ½ cup chopped lettuce optional for added crunch
Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp pickle juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil pasta until al dente, drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef until fully browned. Drain excess grease and let it cool.
- In a bowl, whisk mayo, ketchup, mustard, and pickle juice until creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta, ground beef, tomatoes, pickles, onions, and cheddar cheese.
- Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently until well coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor blend.
This Jimmy Buffett Cheeseburger Pasta Salad is the perfect fusion of comfort food and tropical flair. Whether you’re hosting a summer party or packing lunch for the beach, this dish brings that “Parrothead” energy to your table. No grill? No problem. This chilled cheeseburger-in-a-bowl is all you need.