Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad Recipe

Okay, confession time: I’m usually not a “chain restaurant” person. But there’s one place that gets a special pass in my book, and that’s Ruby Tuesday, specifically their epic salad bar. You know the one: endless olives, perfectly diced hard-boiled eggs, crisp green peas, crunchy bell peppers, and don’t even get me started on the fruit salad. But hands down, my absolute obsession is their famous pasta salad.

Sadly, my closest Ruby Tuesday isn’t exactly around the corner. So what’s a girl to do? Create a copycat Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad version, of course! After some kitchen tinkering and taste testing (tough job, I know!), I nailed down a recipe that’s pretty freaking close to the real deal. Sure, it might not be 100% exact, but let me tell you, it’s deliciously close enough.

And guess what? I’m not the only one obsessed. Here’s what Sara, one of our lovely readers, had to say:

“This pasta salad is exactly what I’ve been searching for! It tastes just like Ruby Tuesday’s. I honestly can’t tell the difference. Perfect for our weekend BBQ. Thanks a million!” —Sara

Now, let’s get to the good stuff!

Recreating Famous Ruby Tuesday’s Pasta Salad at Home

This Copycat Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad recipe is the perfect blend of creamy, tangy ranch dressing, crisp veggies, savory ham, and delightful rotini pasta. It’s an irresistible side dish ideal for picnics, potlucks, and summer gatherings!

Ingredients

• Rotini Pasta: Those delightful spirals hold onto every last drop of dressing. I recommend dried pasta over fresh for the best texture.
• Ranch Dressing: Honestly, use your favorite brand. My personal pick? Hidden Valley all the way!
• Mayonnaise: I’m a Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise fan—it adds just the right creamy tang.
• Green Bell Pepper: Adds a delightful crunch that’s essential.
• Ham: Go for Boar’s Head Boneless Ham Steaks, diced into small cubes (about 8 oz, or roughly 2 cups). Fresh ham works great too!
• Frozen Peas: Trust me, frozen (not canned!) peas keep their lovely pop of texture.
• Salt and Pepper: Start with 1/4 teaspoon each, but always season to your taste.

How to Make the Best Ham and Pea Pasta Salad

1. Cook Your Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil (use at least 1/2 tablespoon kosher salt per pound of pasta). Cook the rotini just until it’s al dente, then drain and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. Make the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Add Veggies and Ham: Toss in diced green pepper, ham, and frozen peas. Stir to combine everything evenly.
4. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooled pasta to the mixture. Give everything another good stir.
5. Chill Out: Cover your bowl and pop it into the fridge until it’s thoroughly chilled.
6. Serve Cold: The pasta salad is best served cold, making it perfect for hot summer days.

Tips for Making the Best Pasta Salad

• Salt your pasta water generously; it truly makes a difference.
• Cook pasta just beyond al dente to avoid it becoming tough when chilled.
• Don’t chill the pasta separately; let it mingle with the dressing while still slightly warm to really soak up the flavors.

Chilling is Essential for Flavor

The hardest part is waiting, I know! But trust me, this pasta salad doesn’t hit its peak until it’s thoroughly chilled. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for big summer parties, giving you ample time to inflate those pretzel-shaped pool floats!

Storage

Keep your pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Stir well before serving to revive its creamy texture.

Variations of This Easy Ranch Pasta Salad

• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the dressing for brightness.
• Sprinkle in some cheese, cheddar, Swiss, Parmesan, or Asiago, all of which are fantastic.
• Mix in a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.
• Add diced red onions for an extra crunch and burst of flavor.
• Serve with grilled, cubed, or shredded chicken for added protein.
• Feeling adventurous? A pinch of garlic salt intensifies that savory ranch flavor.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

The homemade Ruby Tuesday pasta salad is great as both a main course and a side dish. To make it the highlight of your meal, pair it with other dishes and drinks. What to serve with pasta salad or side dishes for pasta salad can make your meal better.

For a full meal, try grilling chicken or salmon. These pair well with the pasta salad’s tangy taste. Add a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or grilled peaches for sweetness.

A crisp white wine or fruity sangria goes well with the pasta salad. These drinks balance their flavors.

• Grilled chicken
• Grilled salmon
• Fresh green salad
• Garlic bread
• Grilled peaches
• White wine
• Sangria

Choosing the right thing to serve with pasta salad makes a great meal. It lets the homemade Ruby Tuesday pasta salad shine.

FAQ

Closing Note

I’d love to hear what you think! Please leave a comment and star rating below. It’s the best (and totally free!) way to support the blog. Remember to double-check ingredients, keep an eye on expiration dates, and ensure your oven is calibrated correctly (I know, not crucial for this recipe, but still good advice!). Now go ahead, whip this up, and impress your friends at your next summer gathering!

Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 2 reviews

• Author: Brittany Harris
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 8
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Copycat Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad recipe is the perfect blend of creamy, tangy ranch dressing, crisp veggies, savory ham, and delightful rotini pasta. It’s an irresistible side dish ideal for picnics, potlucks, and summer gatherings!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 Pound Rotini Pasta
• 1 Cup Ranch Dressing (Honestly, use your favorite brand. My personal pick? Hidden Valley all the way)
• Mayonnaise (I’m a Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise fan—it adds just the right creamy tang.
• Green Bell Pepper: Adds a delightful crunch that’s essential.
• Ham: (Go for Boar’s Head Boneless Ham Steaks, diced into small cubes, about 8 oz, or roughly 2 cups. Fresh ham works great too!)
• ½ Cup Frozen Peas
• Salt and Pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Cook Your Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil (use at least 1/2 tablespoon kosher salt per pound of pasta). Cook the rotini just until it’s al dente, then drain and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. Make the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Add Veggies and Ham: Toss in diced green pepper, ham, and frozen peas. Stir to combine everything evenly.
4. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooled pasta to the mixture. Give everything another good stir.
5. Chill Out: Cover your bowl and pop it into the fridge until it’s thoroughly chilled.
6. Serve Cold: The pasta salad is best served cold, making it perfect for hot summer days.

Notes

• Salt your pasta water generously—it truly makes a difference.
• Cook pasta just beyond al dente to avoid it becoming tough when chilled.
• Don’t chill the pasta separately—let it mingle with the dressing while still slightly warm to really soak up the flavors.

• Prep Time: 20
• Chilling Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 10
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: No-Bake / Cold Prep
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 547kcal
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 128mg
• Fat: 33g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 47g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 16g
• Cholesterol: 37mg