There’s something so comforting about a big bowl of pasta salad, especially when it’s as delicious as this Creamy Ruby Tuesday Copycat Pasta Salad. I vividly recall the first time I tasted this dish at a friend’s barbecue; the creamy dressing, the delightful pops of sweet peas, and the savory bites of ham formed an unforgettable flavor harmony. After trying to recreate it at home, I realized just how easy it is to whip up in under 30 minutes—making it my go-to for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or when I’m just craving a taste of something special.
This pasta salad is the perfect blend of textures, with al dente rotini acting as a sturdy base. Versatile enough to cater to any crowd, you can easily customize it by adding your favorite veggies or swapping out proteins to suit your taste. Whether it’s summer picnics or cozy family dinners, this dish holds a special place in my heart—and I’m sure it will in yours too! Let’s dive into the recipe that effortlessly combines ease, flavor, and that comforting feeling we all crave from homemade meals.
Why is Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad a must-try?
Flavorful Delight: This pasta salad is a creamy explosion of taste with sweet peas and savory ham, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy days or last-minute invitations.
Versatile Options: Customize with your favorite veggies or proteins, from chicken to bacon, ensuring it suits everyone’s palate.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to five days, providing a quick lunch option for those hectic weekdays.
Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults will love this dish, making it an ideal side for family meals or potlucks.
Embrace these aspects and create magical moments around the table with this delightful recipe! Want to explore more irresistible ideas? Check out my collection of family-friendly side dishes.
Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad Ingredients
Discover the goodness that goes into this comforting Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad!
For the Salad
- Rotini Noodles – A perfect base for this salad; feel free to swap with farfalle, rigatoni, or penne for variety.
- Frozen Peas – Adds a burst of sweetness and vibrant color; fresh peas could work, but they might require additional cooking.
- Ham (small diced) – Provides savory flavor and protein; you can also replace it with cooked chicken or omit for a vegetarian twist.
For the Dressing
- Mayonnaise – Gives the salad its creamy texture; Greek yogurt can be a lighter substitute if you’re looking for a healthier option.
- Buttermilk – Adds a rich, tangy element; regular milk works too but will change the flavor slightly.
- Dried Ranch Seasoning – Enhances flavor perfectly; you can substitute it with homemade ranch (around 2 tablespoons).
- Garlic Salt – Boosts taste beautifully; regular garlic powder can be used if you’re in a pinch.
- Black Pepper – Just a hint adds the right amount of spice.
Each of these ingredients comes together to create the beloved Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad, ensuring it’s not only easy to prepare but absolutely delightful to enjoy!
How to Make Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad
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Cook the Noodles: Begin by boiling 1 pound of rotini noodles according to the package instructions. Once done, drain and rinse the noodles under cold water to halt the cooking process; this keeps them perfectly al dente.
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Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1¾ cups of mayonnaise, ¼ cup of buttermilk, 2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning, ½ teaspoon of garlic salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper until smooth and well combined.
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Mix the Salad Ingredients: In another large bowl, combine the cooked rotini noodles, 10 ounces of frozen peas, and 8 ounces of diced ham. This mixture will create a delightful contrast of flavors and textures!
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Combine and Coat: Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta mixture, and gently stir it all together, ensuring every piece is coated evenly for a deliciously rich flavor.
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Chill to Perfection: Cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully; a crucial step for the ultimate taste.
Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese for an extra touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad
- Rinse Thoroughly: Always rinse the pasta after cooking to prevent mushiness. This step preserves the desired al dente texture in your Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad.
- Chill Time is Key: Allow the salad to chill for at least an hour, as this helps enhance the flavors. Serving it immediately may result in an overly mayonnaise-y taste.
- Customize with Care: When adding extras like vegetables or proteins, keep in mind their cooking times; make sure they’re compatible with the rest of your ingredients for even distribution of flavor.
- Check the Seasoning: Taste the dressing before mixing it with the salad. Adjust the garlic salt and black pepper to your liking, ensuring a balanced flavor.
- Storage Savvy: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Mix well before serving again to revive its creamy goodness.
Make Ahead Options
This Creamy Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to save time during busy weeknights! You can prepare the pasta salad up to 24 hours in advance; simply cook the rotini and mix it with the peas and ham, then refrigerate without the dressing. For the best flavor, combine the dressing just before serving to maintain that creamy texture and prevent the pasta from absorbing too much moisture. If stored properly in an airtight container, the prepared salad can last up to 3 days in the fridge—just give it a good stir to refresh it before serving. Enjoy a delicious homemade meal with minimal effort on hectic days!
Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad Variations
Feel free to get adventurous and make this dish your own with these fun variations!
- Dairy-Free: Swap mayonnaise and buttermilk with a vegan alternative like cashew cream for a dairy-free delight.
- Protein-Packed: Use diced grilled chicken or turkey instead of ham for a healthy twist that adds extra protein.
- Veggie Boost: Toss in fresh spinach or diced bell peppers for vibrant color and added crunch; this brings freshness to every bite!
- Spicy Kick: Mix in a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños for those who enjoy a little heat; it’s a fantastic way to energize the dish!
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh basil or parsley to elevate the flavor profile, transforming your salad into a fragrant dish that delights the senses.
- Crunchy Texture: Mix in roasted nuts or sunflower seeds for an unexpected crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess.
- Zesty Flair: A splash of lemon juice can brighten the overall taste, lending a refreshing zing to each mouthful.
- Whole Grain Option: Swap rotini for whole grain pasta to introduce a heartier texture and boost the nutritional value of your salad.
Combine any of these ideas to explore new flavor profiles, making every serving of Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad a unique experience!
How to Store and Freeze Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad
Fridge: Store leftover Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Be sure to stir well before serving again to rejuvenate the flavors.
Freezer: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the salad for up to 2 months. Transfer to an airtight freezer-safe container, but note that the texture may change upon thawing.
Serving Temperature: If serving cold, allow the salad to chill in the fridge for at least one hour before enjoying. If you prefer it slightly warmer, let it sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes.
Reheating: If you’ve added protein like ham or chicken, consider warming individual portions in the microwave on low power for short intervals, stirring after each to maintain the salad’s creamy texture.
What to Serve with Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad?
This refreshing pasta salad is the perfect centerpiece for your next meal, bringing a burst of flavor and comfort to any table.
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Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken breasts provide a hearty protein that complements the creamy pasta salad beautifully, adding a smoky flavor contrast.
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Garlic Bread: The warm, buttery crunch of garlic bread is a delightful pairing. It offers a great texture that balances the creaminess of the salad.
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Fresh Garden Salad: A light garden salad with crisp lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers adds freshness, creating a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta salad.
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Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers add earthy flavors and vibrant color, enhancing the meal’s warmth and comfort factor.
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Fruit Salad: A light and sweet fruit salad can be a refreshing side, providing a pop of sweetness to balance the savory elements of the pasta dish.
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Ice-Cold Lemonade: Nothing quenches thirst like a glass of homemade lemonade, offering a tangy sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the creamy pasta salad.
Each pairing enhances the overall dining experience, ensuring that your Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad shines among your carefully selected sides.
Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad Recipe FAQs
What type of rotini noodles should I use?
Absolutely! You’ll want to use regular rotini noodles as they provide the perfect texture and shape for the salad. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to swap them out for farfalle, rigatoni, or penne pasta for a fun twist!
How should I store the leftover Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It’s important to stir the salad well before serving it again; this helps to revive the creamy dressing that may settle.
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Can I freeze the Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad?
Yes, you can freeze the salad, although keep in mind that the texture might change once thawed. For freezing, transfer the salad to an airtight freezer-safe container and store it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
What can I do if the salad is too creamy for my taste?
Very! If the salad tastes overly creamy after you’ve mixed it, I recommend adding a bit more buttermilk or a splash of lemon juice to balance it out. Mix thoroughly and taste again to adjust the seasoning as needed. You can also introduce a handful of fresh veggies for extra crunch!
Is this Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad suitable for my vegetarian friends?
Absolutely! To accommodate a vegetarian diet, simply omit the ham or replace it with a plant-based protein option. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or even chickpeas for a satisfying and hearty dish.
How can I tell if my ingredients, like the peas, are fresh?
Very good question! When selecting frozen peas, look for bright green, firm peas with no dark spots or freezer burn. For fresh peas, choose pods that are bright green and feel full; they should snap easily when bent. If they look wilted or have dark spots, they may not be fresh!
Get the Ultimate Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad Recipe at Home
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the Noodles: Boil 1 pound of rotini noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together 1.75 cups of mayonnaise, 0.25 cup of buttermilk, 2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning, 0.5 teaspoon of garlic salt, and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper until smooth.
- Mix the Salad Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the cooked rotini noodles, 10 ounces of frozen peas, and 8 ounces of diced ham.
- Combine and Coat: Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta mixture, and gently stir to coat evenly.
- Chill to Perfection: Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.