Creamy Pasta Salad with Cocktail Ribs

Ingredients

• 500 g pasta (fusilli or rotini recommended)
• 1 kg cocktail ribs (pork or beef)
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 3 bell peppers (mixed colors, diced)
• 0.5 red onion (finely diced)
• 0.5 cup corn (canned or frozen kernels)
• 0.5 cup barbecue sauce (for the ribs)
• salt and pepper (to taste)

Steps

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

2. 2

   While the pasta cooks, prepare the cocktail ribs. Place them in a baking dish or skillet, coat with barbecue sauce, and cook until tender and caramelized (approximately 20-30 minutes at 375°F/190°C if baking).

3. 3

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced bell peppers, red onion, and corn.

4. 4

   Add the mayonnaise to the pasta mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. 5

   Toss the salad thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated in the creamy dressing.

6. 6

   Serve the creamy pasta salad on a plate alongside the warm cocktail ribs.

Notes

The pasta salad can be made ahead of time and chilled in the refrigerator to allow flavors to meld. If the salad seems dry after chilling, add an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise before serving.

Nutrition per serving

• pasta
• salad
• ribs
• creamy
• lunch
• main course
• comfort food