Creamy Copycat Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad
The Best Copycat Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad
Looking for that classic Ruby Tuesday pasta salad taste?
Now you can make it at home quickly, easily, and with even more flavor!
This creamy ham and ranch pasta salad is the perfect mix of tangy, savory, and satisfying. Made with tender rotini, frozen peas, and a rich ranch-mayo dressing, it’s a must-have side dish for potlucks, BBQs, or quick weekday lunches.
Best part? It comes together in just 30 minutes, and it tastes even better after chilling!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tastes just like Ruby Tuesday’s pasta salad but better!
- Super creamy and flavorful, thanks to ranch, garlic, and ham
- Ready in 30 minutes great for last-minute prep
- Easy to customize with veggies, cheese, or protein
- Perfect for meal prep or parties gets better as it chills!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Here’s what goes into this creamy, classic pasta salad:
- Rotini Pasta – The perfect shape for holding onto all that rich, creamy dressing.
- Mayonnaise – Forms the base of the dressing, giving it that signature creamy texture.
- Buttermilk – Adds a slight tang and helps loosen the dressing for better coverage.
- Ranch Seasoning – Brings bold, herby flavor with minimal effort.
- Garlic Salt – Adds depth and a gentle garlic kick to the mix.
- Black Pepper – Balances the creaminess with a mild heat.
- Frozen Peas – Sweet and colorful, plus no need to cook just toss them in.
- Diced Ham – Adds a savory, hearty bite that pairs perfectly with the creamy dressing.
The Best Copycat Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad
Copycat Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad is a creamy, ranch-flavored side dish with rotini, ham, and peas—ready in 30 minutes and perfect for potlucks or meal prep!
Course: Side Dish Cuisine: American Keyword: Copycat Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad Recipe Prep Time: 15minutes minutes Cook Time: 15minutes minutes Total Time: 30minutes minutes Servings: 12
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients
For the salad
- 1 lb rotini pasta (about 16 ounces)
- 1¾ cups mayonnaise
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning mix
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 10 ounces frozen peas
- 8 ounces cooked ham, finely diced
How to Make Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad
- Cook the Pasta
- Boil rotini according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down.
- Shake off excess water dry pasta = better dressing coverage!
- Mix the Dressing
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Mayonnaise
- Buttermilk
- Ranch seasoning
- Garlic salt
- Black pepper
- Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Salad
- In another large bowl, combine:
- Cooked rotini
- Frozen peas (no need to thaw!)
- Diced ham
- Combine & Chill
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture.
- Stir well until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors develop.
- Serve & Enjoy
- Give it a good stir before serving.
- Garnish with parsley or shredded cheese if desired.
Tips & Tricks for Best Results
- Don’t skip the chilling time – it brings the flavors together and thickens the dressing.
- Use high-quality mayo for the best creamy texture.
- Peas can go in frozen – they’ll thaw and keep the salad nice and cool.
- Adjust creaminess after chilling with a splash of buttermilk or mayo.
- Rinse your pasta to prevent clumping and cool it down fast.
Storage & Freezing
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Stir before serving.
- Freezing not recommended – the creamy dressing may separate and change texture.
Nutrition
Calories: 438kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 28g | Sodium: 725mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better after chilling for 1–2 hours. The flavors blend beautifully, and the texture becomes perfect.
Do I need to rinse the pasta?
Absolutely. Rinsing stops the cooking and prevents the noodles from sticking. It also cools them down fast so you can mix everything right away.
Can I substitute ranch seasoning?
You can, but it will change the flavor. Try:
- Italian dressing mix
- Homemade ranch blend
- A creamy vinaigrette
How long does it last in the fridge?
Up to 5 days in an airtight container. Stir before serving and refresh with a splash of mayo or buttermilk if needed.
Conclusion
This copycat Ruby Tuesday pasta salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser: creamy, tangy, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding a crowd, this quick and easy side dish is sure to be on repeat all season long!
