Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad

This Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad is a creamy, flavorful, and refreshing dish perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light meal. Packed with tender pasta, crisp veggies, and a creamy dressing, this salad is a crowd-pleaser that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make – Simple ingredients and quick prep make this an effortless dish.
Restaurant-style flavor – Inspired by Ruby Tuesday’s famous pasta salad, it has that creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet taste.
Great for meal prep – Stays fresh in the fridge for days, making it ideal for busy weeks.
Customizable – Easily tweak the ingredients to fit your taste.
Crowd favorite – A guaranteed hit at potlucks, barbecues, and family gatherings.

Pure Comfort

This pasta salad is the perfect mix of comfort and freshness. The combination of al dente rotini, creamy dressing, and crunchy vegetables creates a balanced dish that’s both filling and refreshing. Whether served as a side dish or a light main course, it always hits the spot.

Ingredients

• 3 cups rotini pasta, cooked and cooled
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

For the Dressing:

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

What You Need

A mixing bowl, a whisk, a cutting board, and a sharp knife are all you need for this recipe. A large serving spoon will help mix everything evenly.

Time to Cook

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Steps to Make It

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Let it cool completely.
2. Prepare the dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
3. Chop the vegetables and ham into bite-sized pieces.
4. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl—pasta, ham, peas, bell peppers, cheddar cheese, and green onions.
5. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat everything evenly.
6. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Make It Perfect

For the best results, use freshly cooked and cooled pasta. Don’t overcook it, as it will become mushy when mixed with the dressing. If the salad seems dry after chilling, stir in a spoonful of mayo or a splash of milk to revive the creaminess.

Mix It Up

Want to switch things up? Try using grilled chicken instead of ham, swap the peas for corn, or add a handful of grape tomatoes for extra freshness. A pinch of paprika or garlic powder can enhance the flavor even more.

Perfect Partners

This pasta salad pairs well with grilled chicken, burgers, BBQ ribs, or sandwiches. Serve it with a refreshing iced tea or lemonade for the ultimate warm-weather meal.

Busy Day Hero

Since this salad stores well, it’s a perfect make-ahead option for busy days. Prepare it the night before, and you’ll have a ready-to-go dish for lunch or dinner.

Work Ahead

To save time, cook the pasta and chop the veggies ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the salad. You can also make the dressing in advance and keep it refrigerated.

Save Some For Later

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day! Avoid freezing, as mayo-based dressings don’t hold up well when thawed.

Everyone’s Happy

This pasta salad is a kid-friendly dish thanks to its creamy texture and mild flavors. It’s also great for picky eaters, as you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit different tastes.

Good For You Too

While deliciously creamy, you can make this salad lighter by using Greek yogurt instead of mayo or adding more fresh veggies. Whole wheat pasta is another healthy swap that adds fiber and nutrients.

Easy Clean Up

With just one pot for cooking pasta and one bowl for mixing, this recipe is a breeze to clean up. Use pre-cut vegetables to make prep even faster and mess-free.

Switch It Up

For a zesty twist, add a splash of lemon juice or Italian dressing. Want a spicy kick? Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.

Simply Perfect

Creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor, this Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad is a potluck favorite that never disappoints. It’s easy to make, easy to customize, and even easier to enjoy.

FAQs

1. Can I make this pasta salad the night before?

Yes! In fact, it tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours as the flavors meld.

2. What can I use instead of mayo?

Greek yogurt, sour cream, or a mix of olive oil and lemon juice are great alternatives.

3. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, bowtie, or even macaroni work well. Just make sure to cook it al dente.

4. How do I keep my pasta salad from getting dry?

If it seems dry after chilling, stir in a little extra mayo or a splash of milk before serving.

5. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and double-check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.

6. Is this recipe vegetarian?

Not as written, but you can omit the ham or replace it with chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian version.

7. Can I add more protein?

Of course! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even bacon would be delicious additions.

Conclusion

This Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad is creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering, a summer cookout, or meal prep for the week, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try this recipe today and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish right at home!

Discover More Delicious Recipes

If you love this Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad, you’ll definitely want to explore some other amazing dishes! Try this corkscrew pasta recipe for another twist on a classic pasta dish. Looking for a warm and comforting meal? This pastina soup recipe is a cozy choice. If you’re a fan of creamy, cheesy meals, you can’t go wrong with this million dollar chicken casserole recipe. For a lighter side, this broccoli cauliflower salad recipe is a nutritious and flavorful option. And if you want a fun and creative dish, check out this marry me chicken pasta recipe that’s packed with bold flavors. Enjoy exploring these delicious recipes!

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