Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad

Creamy and full of flavor, this Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad is perfect for gatherings, picnics, or a quick lunch at home. With its vibrant colors and delicious taste, it’s sure to please guests of all ages. This dish combines hearty pasta with turkey and peas, all coated in a zesty dressing that elevates any meal. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a main course, this pasta salad is a delightful addition to any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This pasta salad comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Rich in Flavor: The combination of creamy mayonnaise and tangy buttermilk creates a dressing that enhances the pasta and turkey beautifully.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it cold as a side dish or add more protein for a satisfying main course.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With its colorful ingredients and delicious taste, this salad is sure to be a hit at parties and potlucks.
• Easy Storage: Leftovers keep well in the fridge, allowing you to enjoy this tasty dish for days.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, having the right tools on hand is essential. These tools will streamline your prep work and help you create the perfect Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large pot
• Colander
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Spoon for stirring

Why These Tools Matter

• Large pot: Ideal for cooking pasta evenly without overcrowding.
• Colander: Ensures proper draining of cooked noodles, preventing sogginess.
• Mixing bowl: Provides ample space to mix ingredients thoroughly without spills.
• Whisk: Helps blend dressing ingredients smoothly for even flavor distribution.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 1 pound rotini noodles (16 ounces)
– 1 3/4 cups mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup buttermilk
– 2 Tablespoons dried ranch seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 10 ounces frozen peas
– 8 ounces turkey, small diced

How to Make Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Cook 1 pound of rotini noodles according to the package instructions.

1. Bring water to a boil in a large pot.
2. Add the rotini noodles and cook until al dente.
3. Drain well and rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process. Ensure all water is removed after rinsing.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients:

1. Combine 1 3/4 cups mayonnaise with 1/4 cup buttermilk.
2. Add 2 tablespoons dried ranch seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
3. Mix until smooth and well blended.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In another large bowl, combine the pasta with the other ingredients:

1. Stir in the cooked rotini noodles.
2. Add 10 ounces of frozen peas and 8 ounces of small diced turkey.
3. Pour the dressing over the mixture and stir gently until everything is evenly coated.

Step 4: Chill Before Serving

Cover your salad and place it in the fridge:

1. Let it chill for at least one hour so flavors can meld together.
2. Before serving, give it a good stir to refresh the consistency.

Enjoy your homemade Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad as a delightful side or main dish!

How to Serve Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad

This delicious Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad is versatile and can be served in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet dinner, here are some serving suggestions to make the most of this creamy delight.

As a Standalone Dish

• A light meal: Serve the pasta salad by itself for a refreshing and filling dish any time of day.

Paired with Grilled Chicken

• Grilled chicken: The smokiness of grilled chicken complements the creamy pasta salad perfectly. Top sliced chicken breast over a generous portion for a heartier meal.

In a Wrap

• Wrap it up: Use large lettuce leaves or tortillas to create wraps filled with Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad for a fun twist that’s easy to eat on the go.

With Fresh Vegetables

• Veggie platter: Serve the pasta salad alongside an array of fresh vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers for a crunchy contrast.

As a Picnic Staple

• Perfect picnic fare: Pack it in your picnic basket! This pasta salad is great for outdoor gatherings and pairs well with cold drinks.

Topped with Cheese

• Cheese lovers delight: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top before serving to enhance the flavor profile and add creaminess.

How to Perfect Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad

To elevate your Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad, consider these simple tips that will enhance both flavor and texture.

• Chill before serving: Allowing the salad to sit in the fridge for at least an hour helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
• Adjust seasoning: Don’t hesitate to taste and adjust seasonings according to your preference, adding more garlic salt or black pepper if desired.
• Add variety: Incorporate other ingredients like diced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes to add color and extra crunch.
• Use quality mayonnaise: A good-quality mayonnaise will make all the difference in taste; opt for homemade or premium brands.
• Make ahead: Prepare this pasta salad a day in advance. It keeps well, allowing flavors to deepen overnight.
• Stir gently: When mixing in the dressing, stir gently to avoid breaking up the pasta and turkey too much.

Best Side Dishes for Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad

Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its creamy texture and flavors. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Bread – Warm, buttery garlic bread makes for a delightful accompaniment that everyone loves.
2. Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar salad provides crisp romaine with tangy dressing, balancing out the richness of the pasta.
3. Fruit Salad – A fresh fruit salad adds sweetness and brightness while providing a refreshing contrast.
4. Coleslaw – Creamy coleslaw offers crunch and acidity, making it a fantastic partner for this hearty dish.
5. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies bring earthiness and additional nutrition to your meal.
6. Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs are an enjoyable side that adds texture.
7. Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn on the cob is easy to prepare and adds seasonal flair; grill it for extra flavor!
8. Baked Beans – Flavorful baked beans provide depth with their sweet and savory notes, rounding out your plate perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the Rinsing Step: Not rinsing the cooked pasta can lead to a gummy texture. Always rinse with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process.
• Over-Seasoning: Adding too much seasoning can overpower the salad’s flavor. Stick to the recommended amounts and taste before adding more.
• Not Allowing Enough Chill Time: Serving immediately can result in flavors that don’t meld well. Refrigerate for at least one hour to enhance taste.
• Ignoring Ingredient Freshness: Using stale or expired ingredients will affect the dish’s quality. Always check expiration dates for mayonnaise and other perishable items.
• Inaccurate Measurements: Eyeballing ingredients can lead to an unbalanced salad. Use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store the pasta salad in an airtight container.
• item It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• item Make sure it is completely cooled before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad

• item It’s best not to freeze, as mayonnaise-based salads may separate when thawed.
• item If you must freeze, consider omitting peas and turkey beforehand for better results.
• item Use a freezer-safe container if freezing is necessary, and consume within 1 month.

Reheating Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover the salad with foil. Bake until heated through, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely, and heat in short intervals until warmed, stirring between each interval.
• Stovetop: Heat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed throughout. Add a splash of buttermilk if it seems dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad?

Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad is a creamy pasta dish that combines rotini noodles, turkey, peas, and a flavorful ranch dressing. It’s perfect as a side dish or light meal.

Can I customize this Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad?

Yes! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots, substitute turkey with chicken or lamb, or use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter version.

How long does Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, this pasta salad can last up to 3 days. Make sure it’s in an airtight container.

Can I make Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad is great for meal prep. Just prepare it a few hours before serving or even the day before for optimal flavor blending.

Is there a vegetarian version of Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad?

You can easily make it vegetarian by omitting turkey and adding extra veggies like cucumbers or cherry tomatoes while keeping the dressing intact.

Conclusion

This Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad is not just creamy and delicious; it’s also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether as a side dish at barbecues or a quick lunch option, you can customize it with your favorite ingredients. Give it a try and enjoy its delightful flavors!