Copycat Ruby Tuesday Ranch Pasta Salad recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish that the whole family will love, you’re in for a treat with this Copycat Ruby Tuesday Ranch Pasta Salad recipe! This vibrant salad is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family gatherings. With its creamy ranch dressing and colorful veggies, it’s not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience that brings everyone to the table. Plus, it’s simple enough that even novice cooks can whip it up without stress!

What makes this salad even better is how customizable it is. You can add your favorite ingredients or swap things out based on what you have on hand. It’s truly a crowd-pleaser that you’ll find yourself making again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for busy days. Just cook the pasta, toss in some veggies, and mix with dressing!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love pasta, and the ranch flavor makes it appealing to everyone. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies too!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This salad tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours—or overnight! Perfect for meal prep.
• Versatile Flavor: The creamy ranch dressing combined with fresh vegetables creates a delightful taste that pairs well with any main dish.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Whether at a picnic or dinner party, this salad is sure to impress guests of all ages.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this Copycat Ruby Tuesday Ranch Pasta Salad recipe requires only simple, wholesome ingredients that you may already have in your pantry or fridge. Let’s gather everything you need!

For the Pasta Salad:

• 8 oz (about 2.5 – 3 cups dry) rotini pasta (or other suitable shape)
• 1.5 – 2 cups small fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup frozen sweet peas, thawed
• 6-8 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled (or 1/2 – 3/4 cup real bacon bits)
• Optional: 1/2 cup shredded carrots

For the Copycat Ranch Dressing:

• 1 cup good quality mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (or 1/4 cup sour cream + 1/4 cup milk)
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
• 1.5 teaspoons dried dill weed
• 1 teaspoon dried chives
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1-2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (or white vinegar), to taste
• 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, but recommended)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/8 – 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• Tiny pinch of MSG (Accent) – strictly optional

Variations

One of the best parts about this pasta salad is its flexibility! You can easily adapt it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some fun variation ideas:

• Add more crunch: Toss in some chopped bell peppers or celery for extra texture.
• Swap the protein: Try adding grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier version.
• Go green: Mix in spinach or arugula for an added boost of nutrients and flavor.
• Change up the dressing: If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with different dressings like Italian or balsamic vinaigrette.

How to Make Copycat Ruby Tuesday Ranch Pasta Salad recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

Start by mixing your ranch dressing ingredients together. In a bowl, add the dried parsley, dill, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce if using, salt, pepper, and optional MSG. Whisk until smooth and well combined—this step ensures all those delicious flavors meld beautifully!

Step 2: Chill the Dressing

Cover your dressing and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to deepen and develop fully. If you can wait longer—like overnight—your patience will be rewarded!

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While your dressing chills, cook your rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain and rinse under cold running water immediately to stop cooking. This step keeps your pasta from becoming mushy and helps keep it firm when mixed with other ingredients.

Step 4: Blanch the Broccoli

Next up is preparing your broccoli! After draining it well, quickly blanch it by transferring it into an ice bath—a bowl filled with cold water and ice—to stop cooking right away. This method preserves that bright green color and crisp texture!

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine your chilled pasta with broccoli florets, thawed sweet peas, bacon (or bacon bits), and optional shredded carrots. Pour about three-quarters of your chilled ranch dressing over everything—reserve some for later adjustments if needed.

Step 6: Toss Well

Gently toss all ingredients together until everything is nicely coated in that creamy ranch goodness! Be careful not to break up the pasta; we want those lovely spirals intact.

Step 7: Chill Again

Cover your salad and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving—this step helps all those wonderful flavors meld together beautifully! If you can let it chill overnight? Even better!

Step 8: Final Touches

Before serving, give it another quick taste test! Adjust salt and pepper if needed; then serve this delightful dish chilled. Enjoy every bite as you share this beloved recipe with family and friends!

Pro Tips for Making Copycat Ruby Tuesday Ranch Pasta Salad recipe

Creating the perfect pasta salad is easy when you have a few helpful tips up your sleeve! Here are some pro tips to ensure your Copycat Ruby Tuesday Ranch Pasta Salad turns out delicious every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables not only enhance the flavor but also add vibrant colors to your dish. Fresh broccoli and peas will make your salad pop!
• Chill thoroughly: Allowing your pasta salad to chill for at least 2 hours (or overnight) helps the flavors meld together beautifully. This waiting time is crucial for achieving the best taste!
• Customize to your liking: Feel free to add in other vegetables like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes. This flexibility allows you to tailor the salad to suit your personal taste preferences.
• Adjust dressing consistency: Start with less dressing and add more as needed. You want each piece of pasta and veggie coated nicely without drowning in sauce, ensuring a balanced flavor throughout!
• Store properly: To keep leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This will help maintain the crispness of the veggies and prevent sogginess.

How to Serve Copycat Ruby Tuesday Ranch Pasta Salad recipe

Presenting your pasta salad can be just as important as making it! Here are some delightful ideas on how to serve this dish that will impress family and friends.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Chopped parsley or chives can give your dish a fresh finish and a pop of color.
• Lemon wedges: Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a zesty touch that guests can squeeze over their portions if they like.
• Shredded cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, adds creaminess and richness.

Side Dishes

• Grilled chicken skewers: These flavorful skewers are perfect for adding protein and complementing the creamy pasta salad.
• Crispy roasted potatoes: The crunchiness of roasted potatoes pairs well with the softness of the pasta salad, creating a satisfying texture contrast.
• Mixed green salad: A light mixed greens salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing balance to the rich ranch flavors.
• Garlic breadsticks: Soft garlic breadsticks are always a hit and can be used to scoop up any leftover pasta salad!

Enjoy preparing this delicious Copycat Ruby Tuesday Ranch Pasta Salad recipe, and don’t forget to share it with loved ones—everyone will want a taste!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Copycat Ruby Tuesday Ranch Pasta Salad recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or potlucks. Here’s how to keep your delicious salad fresh:

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container.
• Keep it refrigerated for up to 3-5 days.
• If the dressing thickens too much after a few days, simply stir in a splash of buttermilk or milk to loosen it up.

Freezing

• While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the pasta salad if needed.
• Place the salad in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion.
• To thaw, transfer to the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

• This pasta salad is typically served cold, so there’s no need to reheat.
• If you prefer it warm, gently toss in a pan over low heat until warmed through, but be aware that this may alter the texture.

FAQs

If you’re wondering about some specifics regarding this recipe, here are some common questions!

Can I make the Copycat Ruby Tuesday Ranch Pasta Salad recipe without bacon?

Absolutely! You can omit the bacon or use plant-based alternatives like coconut bacon or simply add more veggies for extra flavor.

How long does the Copycat Ruby Tuesday Ranch Pasta Salad recipe last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this pasta salad will last about 3-5 days in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before serving!

What other vegetables can I add to this pasta salad?

Feel free to get creative! Bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or even diced cucumbers would be excellent additions to enhance both flavor and nutrition.

Is it okay to use gluten-free pasta for this recipe?

Yes, gluten-free pasta works wonderfully! Just follow the cooking instructions on the package for best results.

Can I customize the dressing in this recipe?

Definitely! You can tweak the ranch dressing ingredients according to your taste preferences. Try adding different herbs or spices to make it uniquely yours.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Copycat Ruby Tuesday Ranch Pasta Salad recipe as much as I do! It’s not just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors and colors that brings everyone together at the table. Whether you’re prepping for a family dinner or bringing a dish to share with friends, this pasta salad is sure to impress. Happy cooking!