Neely's BBQ Pasta Salad
This easy recipe creates a vibrant BBQ pasta salad featuring tender fusilli pasta, savory pulled pork, and crisp vegetables, all tossed in a tangy, zesty mayonnaise and BBQ sauce dressing. Perfect as a hearty side dish or light meal for gatherings, it's designed to be served chilled for maximum flavor.
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot For cooking pasta
- 1 Colander For draining pasta
- 2 Large Mixing Bowls One for pasta, one for dressing
- 1 Whisk For combining dressing ingredients
- 1 Serving Spoon or Tongs For tossing and serving
Ingredients
Main
- 1 pound fusilli pasta
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch cayenne pepper
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup Neely's BBQ Sauce recipe follows
- 1 red bell pepper seeded and chopped fine
- 2 ribs celery chopped fine
- 2 whole scallions sliced thin
- 8 ounces pulled pork
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Chopped parsley leaves for garnish
- 2 cups ketchup
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 5 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/2 tablespoon ground mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Bring 4 quarts water to boil, in large pot, over high heat. Salt the water, add the pasta and cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain in a colander and allow to cool, then transfer to large bowl.
- In another large bowl, mix together vinegar, hot sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, mayonnaise and BBQ sauce. Add chopped vegetables and toss to coat. Pour BBQ dressing over pasta and mix well. Place the pork on top and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve, then garnish with parsley.
Notes
1. For optimal texture, cook the fusilli pasta to al dente. After draining, rinsing with cold water is crucial to stop the cooking process and prevent the pasta from becoming mushy, ensuring a pleasant bite in your cold salad. Ensure it's thoroughly cooled before mixing. 2. The refrigeration step is vital for this dish. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and deepen, transforming a simple mix into a harmonious BBQ experience. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but longer is better for full flavor development. 3. Adjust the hot sauce and cayenne pepper to your desired spice level. Taste the dressing before combining with the pasta to fine-tune the balance of tangy, savory, and spicy notes.