When life gets busy (as it inevitably does), we all need a recipe that’s quick, easy, and delicious enough to keep everyone happy. Enter Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad, a dish that’s become a staple for those who want something that feels like comfort food but won’t take hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re preparing for a family BBQ, bringing something to a potluck, or just looking for a simple side to round out dinner, this pasta salad is a guaranteed hit. With its creamy, tangy dressing and a pop of veggies, it’s a salad that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Plus, it’s got that satisfying crunch and freshness that hits all the right notes.
Why You’ll Love This Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad
Let’s face it: between work, kids, errands, and everything else, finding time to cook a meal that everyone will enjoy can be overwhelming. That’s why this Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad is here to save the day. It’s not only incredibly simple to make but also customizable, so you can tweak it to suit your family’s tastes. Need a dish that’s ready to go in under 30 minutes? Check. Want something that can be made ahead? Check. This pasta salad has you covered on all fronts.
Plus, with its balance of creamy dressing and fresh veggies, it’s the perfect accompaniment to just about anything grilled chicken, burgers, or even a simple veggie platter. And don’t be surprised if you find yourself going back for seconds (or thirds) it’s that good!
Ingredients for Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad
Here’s what you’ll need to make this crowd-pleasing dish:
- 1 pound rotini pasta : The spirals help hold onto that creamy dressing, making every bite perfect.
- 1 cup ranch dressing : This is the base of the creamy goodness. Feel free to use a lighter version or even a zesty one if you like a little extra flavor.
- ½ cup mayonnaise : For a little extra richness and smoothness.
- 1 teaspoon salt : Just enough to bring out all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper : Adds a subtle kick without overwhelming the other ingredients.
- 1 green bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup) : This gives the salad a nice crunch and vibrant color.
- ¾ cup frozen peas : They’re so easy and quick to throw in, and they add that perfect pop of sweetness.
- ¼ cup shredded carrots (optional, for extra crunch) : If you’re looking for a little more texture, throw in some shredded carrots. They add a nice bite and a burst of color!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad
Ready to dive into this recipe? Here’s how to whip up a batch of Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad that will have everyone asking for the recipe!
- Cook the Rotini Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes). You want it to be al dente not too soft! Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. This will keep the pasta nice and firm.
- Prep the Veggies: While your pasta is cooking, dice the green bell pepper into small pieces, and if you’re using shredded carrots, go ahead and shred them now. No need for perfection here just chop and shred until your veggies are ready to go.
- Mix the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ranch dressing and mayonnaise. Stir in the salt and pepper until everything is blended smoothly. You’re going for creamy, but not too thick, so feel free to add a little more mayo if you like a richer taste.
- Combine Everything: Toss the cooked pasta, diced bell pepper, peas, and shredded carrots (if using) into the bowl with the dressing. Stir it all together until everything is coated in that creamy goodness. Don’t worry if it seems a little thick at first it’ll loosen up as the pasta absorbs the dressing.
- Chill and Serve: If you have the time (or patience), cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. The flavors will have time to marry together, making each bite even better. If you’re in a rush, feel free to serve it right away!
Pro Tips for the Perfect Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad
- Make it your own: Don’t be afraid to swap out ingredients based on what you have at home. Add diced cucumbers, swap the peas for corn, or throw in some olives for a tangy kick. This pasta salad is incredibly versatile.
- Make it ahead: This salad actually tastes better the next day when the flavors have had a chance to meld together. Make it the night before and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
- Don’t skimp on the dressing: The dressing is what makes this salad shine, so be generous with it. You want each piece of pasta to be coated in that creamy, tangy goodness.
My Go-To for Family Gatherings
I can’t tell you how many times this Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad has saved me during family gatherings. One Sunday, I was hosting a BBQ and totally forgot I needed a side dish. With a few ingredients I already had in the fridge, I whipped this up in under 30 minutes. Not only did it save the day, but my cousins, my aunt, and even my picky little niece couldn’t get enough of it! If you’re looking for a quick recipe that’s also guaranteed to impress, this is it.
FAQs About Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad
Can I substitute the ranch dressing in this recipe?
Definitely! If you’re not a ranch fan, try using Italian dressing or even a yogurt-based dressing for a lighter option. The creamy mayo still helps bind everything together!
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, this pasta salad tastes better when you let it sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. It gives all the flavors time to meld together, making it even more delicious.
How long will this salad keep in the fridge?
This salad will last about 3-4 days in the fridge, which makes it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
Conclusion
The Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad isn’t just a great addition to a summer meal, it’s a recipe that can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you’re serving it up at a family gathering, a work potluck, or simply need something easy to make for the week ahead, this pasta salad has a way of bringing people together. And the best part? It’s super simple, even for those who are short on time but still want to impress.
Give it a trybecause nothing says “I’ve got this” like serving up a bowl of this colorful, creamy pasta salad. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad is a delicious and creamy pasta salad with fresh veggies, perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
1 pound rotini pasta
1 cup ranch dressing
½ cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 green bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup)
¾ cup frozen peas
¼ cup shredded carrots (optional, for extra crunch)
Instructions
1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside to cool.
2. In a large bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the dressing, then stir to combine.
4. Add the red bell pepper, green bell pepper, red onion, celery, carrots, peas, and parsley to the pasta mixture. Stir until well combined.
5. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
For a tangier dressing, adjust the vinegar and mustard to your liking.
You can add grilled chicken or bacon for extra protein.
This pasta salad can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Mixing and chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 calories
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Ruby Tuesday pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, summer pasta salad, vegetable pasta salad, cold pasta salad