Description
This creamy and flavorful copycat Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad is a perfect side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or a quick weekday meal. With tender rotini pasta, savory diced ham, sweet peas, and a rich ranch dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even better after chilling.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound rotini pasta
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Add-ins
- 8 ounces diced ham
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
-
Prepare the Dressing
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ranch dressing, garlic salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
-
Combine Ingredients
- Add the cooled pasta, diced ham, frozen peas, and diced green bell pepper (if using) to the dressing. Gently mix until everything is evenly coated.
-
Chill the Salad
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to enhance the flavors.
Notes
Dressing Variation: For a tangier taste, replace ranch dressing with a mix of 1 cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup buttermilk, and 1 tablespoon of dry ranch seasoning mix.
Extra Add-ins: Try adding shredded cheddar cheese or diced red onions for more texture and flavor.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup
- Calories: 438 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 725 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 37 mg
Keywords: Ruby Tuesday pasta salad, copycat recipe, ham and pea pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, ranch pasta salad