Experience the nostalgic taste of Ruby Tuesday’s beloved Pasta Salad right in your own kitchen! This copycat recipe captures the incredibly creamy texture and vibrant flavors that made it a fan favorite, now made easy for you to enjoy anytime you crave it.
Unlock the Secret: A Copycat Recipe for Ruby Tuesday’s Creamy Pasta Salad
For many of us, the salad bar at Ruby Tuesday was more than just a place to grab a quick lunch; it was an experience. Among the array of fresh toppings and dressings, one item consistently stood out as a clear favorite: their signature pasta salad. Simple yet profoundly satisfying, its creamy texture and balanced flavors created a loyal following. When Ruby Tuesday locations began to close in various areas, many of us, myself included, felt a pang of loss – not just for the restaurant, but for that specific, delightful pasta salad.
That longing sparked a mission: to recreate that exact, irresistible flavor profile at home. After much experimentation, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that perfectly captures the essence of that original dish. It’s incredibly creamy, packed with familiar flavors, and surprisingly quick to prepare, coming together in just about 30 minutes of active time. Get ready to awaken your taste buds and bring a cherished memory back to life with this easy-to-follow copycat recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad
There’s a reason this pasta salad holds a special place in so many hearts. Beyond the nostalgia, it’s genuinely a fantastic dish that offers several compelling reasons to make it your next culinary project:
- Unmistakable Flavor: This recipe painstakingly recreates the unique, subtle tang and creaminess that sets the Ruby Tuesday version apart from generic pasta salads. It’s not just a pasta salad; it’s *the* pasta salad.
- Effortlessly Creamy: The dressing is the star, and our version achieves that perfect, luscious coating without being heavy or greasy. It clings beautifully to every piece of pasta and every ingredient.
- Quick & Easy Preparation: From start to finish, you can have this salad ready in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights, last-minute potlucks, or spontaneous cravings.
- Versatile & Customizable: While we aim for authenticity, this recipe is a fantastic base for your own creative additions. Feel free to incorporate your favorite vegetables or cheeses to make it uniquely yours.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner, a summer barbecue, a picnic, or a comforting lunch, this pasta salad is always a crowd-pleaser and travels well.
- Budget-Friendly: Making it at home is far more economical than dining out, allowing you to enjoy this favorite dish more often without breaking the bank.
Let’s dive into the simple steps and key ingredients that will transform your kitchen into a Ruby Tuesday haven!
Essential Ingredients for Authentic Flavor
Creating this copycat recipe relies on a few key ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving that signature Ruby Tuesday taste. While some substitutions are possible, sticking to these recommendations will yield the most authentic results.
The Pasta Base:
- Rotini Noodles: These spiral-shaped noodles are not just a visual match for the original Ruby Tuesday pasta salad; their twists and turns are perfect for capturing and holding onto the creamy dressing, ensuring every bite is flavorful. While rotini is highly recommended for authenticity, feel free to experiment with other medium-sized pasta shapes like cavatappi, farfalle (bowties), or even elbow macaroni if that’s what you have on hand. The key is to use a shape that can effectively cradle the dressing.
The Creamy Dressing Foundation:
- Mayonnaise: The heart of any classic creamy pasta salad. The quality of your mayonnaise truly makes a difference here. For the most authentic and robust flavor, opt for a full-fat, good-quality brand like Hellman’s, JFG, or Duke’s. These brands provide a rich, tangy base that is essential. While some people prefer Miracle Whip, it has a sweeter, tangier profile that will significantly alter the flavor profile of this copycat recipe.
- Buttermilk: This is arguably the secret ingredient that imparts that distinctive tangy, creamy richness to the Ruby Tuesday pasta salad. Real buttermilk is naturally thicker and has a unique cultured tang that cannot be perfectly replicated with substitutes. I strongly recommend using genuine buttermilk for the closest match to the original flavor and texture. For more details on buttermilk and its alternatives, check our FAQ section below.
- Dried Ranch Seasoning: Don’t underestimate the power of this ingredient! While it doesn’t make the pasta salad taste overtly like “ranch,” it provides a subtle, complex background flavor that elevates the dressing beyond a simple mayonnaise-based sauce. It adds depth and a hint of herbaceousness that is crucial for the copycat profile. If you prefer to avoid packaged mixes, you can absolutely use homemade ranch seasoning. Approximately 2 tablespoons of homemade seasoning typically equate to one standard packet.
- Garlic Salt & Black Pepper: These simple seasonings are essential for enhancing the overall savory profile of the salad. Garlic salt adds a foundational savory note with a touch of salinity, while fresh ground black pepper provides a subtle warmth and aroma. If you only have garlic powder, you can substitute it, but you may need to adjust the amount of added salt in the recipe to taste.
Fresh Add-ins:
- Frozen Peas: Bright green and bursting with sweetness, frozen peas are the ideal choice for this salad. They thaw quickly within the cold pasta salad and help keep the entire dish chilled. Using them from frozen also ensures they retain a slightly firm texture, avoiding the mushiness often associated with canned peas, which also tend to have a duller color.
- Ham (Small Diced): Diced ham adds a wonderful savory and slightly salty element that complements the creamy dressing and sweet peas. It’s an excellent way to use up leftover ham from holidays or simply a ham steak purchased for this purpose. Ensure it’s diced into small, bite-sized pieces for even distribution throughout the salad.
- Green Peppers (Optional): While I don’t recall green peppers being a prominent ingredient in the original Ruby Tuesday pasta salad from years past, recent insights from current employees indicate they are now included. If you enjoy the crispness and mild, slightly bitter flavor they add, feel free to dice one green pepper finely and incorporate it into your salad. This is a fantastic optional addition for those looking for a modern twist on the classic or who simply love green peppers.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe
Can I use homemade ranch seasoning?
Absolutely! If you prefer to skip the packaged ranch seasoning, you can easily use homemade. A good rule of thumb is that 2 tablespoons of homemade ranch seasoning blend will typically replace one standard packet. Using homemade allows you to control the ingredients and adjust the flavor to your liking.
Do I have to use buttermilk for the dressing?
For the most authentic Ruby Tuesday pasta salad flavor and creamy texture, buttermilk is highly recommended. It provides a unique tang and richness that regular milk cannot fully replicate. If buttermilk is unavailable, you can use regular whole milk, but avoid skim milk as it won’t yield the desired thickness and creamy consistency. While some recipes suggest adding vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk to create “fake buttermilk,” this method only sours the milk; it doesn’t thicken it or provide the complex richness of genuine cultured buttermilk. For this reason, I suggest using plain milk over a homemade soured milk substitute if real buttermilk isn’t an option.
Is chilling the pasta salad before serving really necessary?
Yes, chilling the pasta salad is highly recommended for at least an hour, or even longer if time allows. This crucial step allows all the individual flavors from the dressing, pasta, ham, and peas to meld and harmonize beautifully. If you serve it immediately after mixing, you might find the dressing has a more distinct “mayonnaise-y” taste because the flavors haven’t had a chance to fully integrate. The chilling period truly transforms the salad, making it more cohesive and delicious.
What other ingredients can I add to this pasta salad?
This pasta salad is wonderfully versatile and welcomes a variety of additions! For extra texture and freshness, consider adding finely diced broccoli florets, small cauliflower pieces, thinly sliced green onions, or crisp crumbled bacon bits. Diced red onion can also provide a pleasant bite and color. As an update from current Ruby Tuesday employees, diced green peppers are now a feature in their pasta salad, so feel free to include one if you enjoy them!
Can I add cheese to the pasta salad?
Absolutely! Adding cheese can elevate the flavor profile of this pasta salad to a new level, though it will subtly change the “copycat” aspect. Excellent choices include shredded mozzarella, diced cheddar cheese, provolone, or fontina for a meltier, milder flavor. For an extra layer of savory depth, try incorporating about ¼ cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese directly into the dressing mixture. This is a fantastic way to personalize your salad!
Do I need to rinse the pasta after cooking?
For this recipe, rinsing the pasta with cold water after cooking is essential. This serves two important purposes: first, it immediately stops the cooking process, preventing your pasta from becoming mushy and overcooked. Second, it washes away excess starch, which helps prevent the pasta from sticking together and ensures the dressing can coat each noodle more effectively. Always aim to cook your pasta al dente (firm to the bite) for the best texture in a cold pasta salad.
Can I use different types of pasta?
While rotini is the pasta shape traditionally used in the Ruby Tuesday version and is recommended for its ability to hold the dressing, you can certainly use other pasta shapes. Good alternatives include farfalle (bowties), rigatoni, penne, or even cavatappi. The most important consideration is to choose smaller, sturdy pasta shapes that can stand up to the creamy dressing and integrate well with the other ingredients. Avoid very thin or delicate pastas that might break apart easily.
Why use frozen peas instead of fresh or canned?
Frozen peas are the ideal choice for this pasta salad. They are conveniently pre-blanched and freeze quickly, retaining their vibrant green color and sweet flavor. When added to the salad, they will naturally thaw in the refrigerator, helping to keep the entire salad cold. Furthermore, because they start out firm from frozen, they are less likely to become mushy compared to fresh peas (if not blanched correctly) or canned peas, which often have a softer texture and a less appealing, duller color.
How should I store leftovers?
Any leftover Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 5 days. Before serving leftovers, give the salad a good stir to redistribute the dressing, as it may settle or thicken slightly when cold. Freezing this pasta salad is not recommended, as the creamy dressing and pasta can separate and become watery or mushy upon thawing.
How to Make Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad: A Step-by-Step Guide
Bringing this iconic pasta salad to life in your own kitchen is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect, creamy, and flavorful result every time.
Step 1: Cook and Prepare the Pasta
Begin by cooking your rotini noodles according to the package directions. For pasta salads, it’s always best to cook the pasta al dente, meaning it should be firm to the bite, not soft or mushy. Once cooked, immediately drain the pasta thoroughly in a colander. This is a critical step: rinse the hot pasta with cold water to halt the cooking process and remove excess starch. Allow the pasta to drain very well after rinsing; we want to ensure no excess moisture dilutes our delicious dressing. A well-drained pasta will absorb the dressing better and prevent a watery salad.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Creamy Dressing
While your pasta is cooling and draining, prepare the star of the show: the creamy dressing. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, buttermilk, dried ranch seasoning, garlic salt, and black pepper. Whisk all these ingredients together vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and well-combined. The goal is a uniform, luscious dressing free of lumps. Once prepared, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the remaining ingredients. Chilling the dressing separately helps it thicken slightly and keeps it cool, ready to mix with the pasta.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Add-ins
Once your pasta is cool and thoroughly drained, transfer it to another large mixing bowl. Add the frozen peas directly to the pasta – there’s no need to thaw them beforehand, as they will quickly defrost within the cold salad and help keep it chilled. Next, add the small diced ham. If you’re using optional green peppers or any other additions like cheese, this is the time to incorporate them. Gently stir everything together, ensuring the peas and ham are evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
Step 4: Dress and Chill the Salad
Retrieve your chilled dressing from the refrigerator and pour it over the pasta mixture. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently but thoroughly stir until every single piece of pasta, ham, and pea is generously coated in the creamy dressing. Ensure there are no dry spots. Once coated, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place the pasta salad back into the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour. This chilling period is crucial for allowing the flavors to marry and deepen, resulting in that perfectly balanced, authentic Ruby Tuesday taste.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Before serving, give the pasta salad one final good stir. This ensures the dressing is evenly distributed again, as it might settle or thicken slightly during chilling. Transfer to a serving bowl and prepare to delight your family and friends with this homemade copycat Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad. It’s perfect as a side dish, a light lunch, or a potluck showstopper!
Expert Tips for the Best Pasta Salad
- Don’t Overcook Your Pasta: Always aim for al dente pasta. Overcooked, mushy pasta will fall apart and become unpleasant in a cold salad.
- Rinse and Drain Thoroughly: As mentioned, rinsing with cold water stops cooking and removes starch. Ensure it’s very well-drained to prevent a watery dressing.
- Quality Mayonnaise Matters: Since mayonnaise is a primary ingredient in the dressing, investing in a good quality, full-fat brand will significantly impact the final taste.
- Chill Time is Your Friend: While you can eat it right away, the recommended 1 hour (or more) of chilling allows the flavors to truly meld and deepen, transforming a good salad into a great one.
- Adjust Consistency: If your dressing seems too thick after chilling, you can thin it slightly with an extra tablespoon or two of buttermilk or milk, stirring until you reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your salad before serving and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Different brands of ranch seasoning or ham can alter the overall saltiness.
Creative Customization Ideas
While this recipe aims for the classic Ruby Tuesday flavor, don’t hesitate to make it your own! Here are some ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:
- Add More Vegetables: Beyond green peppers, consider finely chopped carrots for a touch of sweetness and crunch, celery for freshness, or even corn kernels for extra color and texture.
- Protein Power-Ups: For a heartier meal, stir in cooked shredded chicken, diced turkey, or even some hard-boiled eggs for added protein.
- Herbaceous Twist: Fresh herbs like finely chopped chives, parsley, or dill can add a wonderful aromatic lift to the salad. Add them just before serving for maximum freshness.
- Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce in the dressing can give your pasta salad a subtle, exciting kick.
- Dress it Up with Toppings: Before serving, consider a sprinkle of paprika for color, a handful of crispy fried onions, or even some toasted nuts for crunch.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy pasta salad is incredibly versatile and makes an excellent accompaniment to a wide range of meals. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish, juicy burgers, hot dogs, or pulled pork sandwiches. It’s also a fantastic addition to any potluck, picnic, or barbecue spread. For a lighter meal, enjoy a generous bowl on its own, perhaps with a simple green salad on the side.
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Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad
Creamy and full of flavor, this copycat Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad is crazy popular, and now you can make it at home whenever the craving strikes!
Ingredients
- 1 pound rotini noodles (16 ounces)
- 1 ¾ cups mayonnaise
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- 2 Tablespoons dried ranch seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 10 ounces frozen peas
- 8 ounces ham, small diced
Instructions
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Cook 1 pound rotini noodles per the directions on the back of the box until al dente. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch. Ensure the pasta drains very well after rinsing to avoid excess moisture.
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In a large bowl, whisk together 1 ¾ cups mayonnaise, ¼ cup buttermilk, 2 Tablespoons dried ranch seasoning, ½ teaspoon garlic salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper until smooth and well combined.
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In another large bowl, stir together the cooled and drained pasta, 10 ounces frozen peas, and 8 ounces small diced ham.
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Add the prepared dressing to the pasta mixture and stir until everything is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to mingle and deepen.
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Give the pasta salad a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and ensure every spoonful is delicious.
Notes
- For more detailed information on substitutions or common questions, please refer to the FAQ and ingredient sections above.
- While delicious right away, chilling the salad for at least 1 hour is highly recommended. This allows the flavors to truly meld, preventing a distinct “mayonnaise-y” taste.
- Regular milk can be substituted for buttermilk, but the distinct copycat flavor will be altered.
- The dried ranch seasoning provides a fantastic background flavor that makes this dish special, without overtly tasting like ranch.
- Current Ruby Tuesday employees have noted that their pasta salad now includes diced green peppers. Feel free to add one finely diced green pepper if you enjoy it.
- Add peas directly from frozen; they will thaw as the salad chills and help keep it cold.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freezing is not recommended.
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Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 33g |
Protein: 11g |
Fat: 28g |
Sodium: 725mg |
Fiber: 3g |
Sugar: 3g
Nutritional Disclaimer
Please note that any nutritional information shared is an estimate. As “The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, if calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through your preferred online nutritional calculator. Calories and other nutritional values can vary significantly depending on the specific brands of ingredients used.
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