Name: Recipe for Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
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)

Recipe for Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad: When it comes to comfort food that hits all the right notes, Ruby Tuesday has become a go-to favorite for food lovers everywhere. But let’s be honest—nothing on their menu sparks quite as much joy (and cravings) as their iconic pasta salad. Creamy, refreshing, and downright addictive, this dish keeps fans coming back for seconds… and yes, sometimes thirds!

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The good news? You don’t have to wait for your next restaurant visit to enjoy it. This copycat recipe lets you whip up the beloved Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad right in your own kitchen. No long lines, no hefty bills—just you, a handful of simple ingredients, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Keep reading to discover what makes this salad so irresistible, how to tailor it to your taste, and foolproof tips for nailing it every single time. Get ready to bring a little Ruby Tuesday magic to your table!

Ruby Tuesday and Their Beloved Menu

Ruby Tuesday is a household name known for its casual dining experience and beloved recipes that blend crave-worthy food with homestyle comfort. Founded in 1972, the restaurant chain quickly became popular for its plentiful salad bar and an impressive menu filled with hearty classics and lighter options.

The pasta salad stands out for many as the epitome of simple, great-tasting food. Served most famously at their salad bar, it achieves that balance between indulgence (creamy dressing) and freshness (a host of vibrant vegetables). Recipes like this one have a way of uniting people—everyone remembers their first bite of Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad, right?

Now, let’s talk about what makes the recipe for Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad truly special.

What Makes Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad Special?

The recipe for Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad is much more than a standard pasta dish. It’s a masterclass in balance—it’s rich but not overpowering, hearty yet refreshing. Its allure lies in the creamy dressing enveloping the perfectly cooked pasta, paired with a delightful crunch from fresh veggies.

Here are a few reasons why it’s so special:

Versatility: It doubles as a stand-alone dish or as a side that pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, burgers, or even steaks.
Balanced Flavors: Savory, tangy, and slightly sweet—this salad checks all the flavor boxes.
Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Whether you’re hosting a family BBQ or prepping meals for the week, the recipe for Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad is always a hit.

It’s these qualities that allow this simple dish to elevate everyday occasions.

Key Ingredients in the Recipe for Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad

To create this delightful pasta salad, only a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients are needed. While we won’t include a step-by-step recipe here, here are the key components at a glance.

Pasta: Rotini works best due to its ability to hold onto the creamy dressing, although any short pasta would work in a pinch.
Fresh Veggies: Think diced tomatoes, red onions, and bell peppers for that satisfying crunch.
Protein Options (optional): Many love adding cubed ham, grilled chicken, or turkey for extra heartiness.
Creamy Dressing: A tangy mayo or sour cream-based dressing is the backbone of this pasta salad, with a dash of seasoning to enhance its flavor.

These ingredients are simple yet deliver a truly restaurant-quality result. Experimenting with these basics ensures this recipe is accessible to all cooks.

Why This Recipe Works for Home Cooks and Busy Parents

The recipe for Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad is the epitome of convenience—a reliable friend to home cooks and busy parents alike. Here’s why it’s so practical:

Quick to Make: It doesn’t require hours of cooking. You can whip it up in under 30 minutes, even on busy weeknights.
Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time to serve as an easy lunch or side dish throughout the week.
Loved by Kids and Adults Alike: Its universally appealing flavors make it kid- and parent-approved!
Customizable: Use what’s in your pantry and fridge—make it veggie-packed one day and protein-rich the next.

It’s perfect for anyone who loves flavorful meals with minimal fuss.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad

Making this pasta salad is straightforward, but these tips will elevate it to a whole new level of deliciousness:

Cook Pasta Al Dente

The texture of your pasta is key to a great salad. Overcooked pasta can turn mushy and ruin the dish. Cook your pasta just to al dente—it should have a slight firmness when bitten. This helps it hold its shape and gives the salad a satisfying, chewy texture.

Cool Pasta Completely Before Combining

Mixing hot pasta with your dressing can cause the dressing to thin out and lose its creamy consistency. After cooking, rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process, then let it cool completely. This step ensures a perfectly blended, creamy pasta salad.

Toss Just Before Serving

After assembling your pasta salad, give it one final toss right before serving. This ensures the dressing is evenly distributed, coating every ingredient beautifully, and prevents any settling at the bottom of the bowl.

Fresh Ingredients Are Key

Don’t underestimate the power of fresh veggies—they make all the difference! Choose the freshest tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and other vegetables to add a bright crunch and vibrant flavor to your salad. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can also elevate the dish with an extra burst of aroma and taste.

Don’t Skip the Tasting Notes

Before serving, taste your pasta salad and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Add a pinch more salt, a squeeze of lemon, or an extra grind of black pepper if needed. Remember, you’re the chef, and customizing the flavors ensures the salad is perfectly balanced to your taste.

Make It Ahead

Pasta salad often tastes better when made ahead of time. Letting it sit in the fridge for a few hours (or even overnight) gives the flavors time to meld together, creating a more cohesive and flavorful dish. Just remember to toss it again before serving to redistribute the dressing and ingredients evenly.

By following these tips, your pasta salad will go from simple to outstanding—packed with flavor, texture, and freshness in every bite!

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about the recipe for Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad is how versatile it is. Here are a few ways to shake things up:

Swap the dressing: Opt for a lighter vinaigrette or a Greek yogurt-based dressing for a healthier twist.
Add seasonal elements: Incorporate roasted zucchini, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes when they’re in season.
Experiment with cheese: Sprinkle in feta, shredded cheddar, or mozzarella pearls for a cheesy addition.
Make it vegan: Sub the dressing with a plant-based alternative to accommodate dietary preferences.

With so many options, this recipe can fit any occasion or preference.

The Nutritional Benefits of Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad

This dish strikes a delightful balance between indulgence and nutrition. Sure, the dressing is creamy, but the fresh veggies bring vibrant health benefits to the table. High in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, they help offset the indulgence of the pasta and dressing. By customizing the ingredients, you can even lower the calorie count or boost protein.

Also, adding lean proteins like grilled chicken or turkey turns this salad into a well-rounded meal.

How to Store the Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad

One of the reasons this recipe is so popular is its storage-friendly nature. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Fridge: Store in an airtight container and enjoy within 3 to 5 days.
Meal Prep: Divide into single-serving containers for a grab-and-go lunch option.

Simply give it a toss before eating, and you’re good to go!

Other Popular Ruby Tuesday Copycat Recipes

Love this recipe? Then you might also enjoy these Ruby Tuesday-inspired favorites:

Hickory Bourbon-Glazed Chicken – A delightfully smoky and sweet take on chicken.
Broccoli Cheese Soup – Creamy, cheesy, and utterly comforting.
Cheddar Biscuits – Perfectly fluffy biscuits with a hint of sharp cheddar.

Copycat recipes bring the Ruby Tuesday experience straight to your kitchen—at your convenience.

Bring the Ruby Tuesday Magic to Your Kitchen

The recipe for Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad isn’t just a dish—it’s the perfect representation of how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. Whether it’s for a quick meal, a potluck with friends, or meal prepping for the week, this salad delivers on freshness, flavor, and nostalgia all at once.

Why wait to try it? Gather those ingredients today and bring the magic of Ruby Tuesday straight to your table. Happy cooking!