⭐ Ingredients (Serves 8–10)
Pasta & Mix-Ins
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12 oz rotini pasta (classic choice; tri-color is also excellent)
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1 cup frozen green peas (thawed)
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½ cup diced red onion
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½ cup sliced celery
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½ cup sliced black olives (optional, but often included)
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½ cup diced red bell pepper
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½ cup julienned carrots (optional but adds color/crunch)
Creamy Ruby Tuesday–Style Dressing
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1 cup mayonnaise
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¼ cup sour cream
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2 tbsp sugar (sweetness is part of the signature flavor)
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2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tbsp Dijon mustard
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1 tbsp ranch seasoning or ½ packet dry ranch mix
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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Optional: 1–2 tsp pickle juice for extra tang
🍝 Instructions (Restaurant-Quality Method)
1. Cook the Pasta
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Cook rotini until just past al dente—slightly tender but not mushy.
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Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
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Toss with a little oil so it doesn’t stick while cooling.
Perfect texture is key: Ruby Tuesday’s pasta salad is soft but structured, never mushy.
2. Prepare the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together:
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mayo
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sour cream
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sugar
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vinegar
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lemon juice
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Dijon
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ranch seasoning
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garlic & onion powders
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salt & pepper
Taste and adjust:
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More sugar → sweeter
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More vinegar or lemon → tangier
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More ranch → more savory
3. Combine the Salad
Add cooled pasta to the bowl.
Fold in:
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peas
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cheddar
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onions
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celery
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peppers
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olives
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carrots
Stir gently to avoid breaking the pasta.
4. Chill for Best Flavor
Refrigerate at least 2 hours, ideally 4–6 hours or overnight.
The flavors meld and the dressing thickens into that iconic creamy texture.
Before serving, taste again and add a splash of vinegar or a spoon of mayo if needed.
⭐ Chef’s High-Value Tips for Authentic Flavor
✔ Use real mayo
The richness is key—avoid low-fat versions if copying the exact restaurant taste.
✔ Don’t skip the sugar
Ruby Tuesday’s version has a distinct mild sweetness. 1–2 extra teaspoons can make it spot-on.
✔ Rotini holds the dressing best
Its spirals trap the creamy sauce perfectly.
✔ Chill long enough
The salad improves dramatically after a few hours.
✔ Add cheddar cubes, not shreds
Shreds disappear—cubes mimic the original texture.
🌈 Optional Add-Ins (All Still Taste Authentic)
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Diced ham
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Extra ranch seasoning
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Cherry tomatoes (added right before serving)

🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pairs beautifully with:
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Picnic & potluck tables
🥗 Variations
1. Ruby Tuesday Garden Bar–Inspired “Expanded Version”
Add:
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Broccoli florets (lightly blanched)
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Extra shredded cheddar
2. Lightened-Up Version
Substitute:
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½ mayo with Greek yogurt
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Reduce cheddar
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Add cucumbers and cherry tomatoes
3. Italian Twist
Use:
- 8 ounces macaroni, cooked and drained
- 8 ounces ham, 1/4" cubed, about 2 cups
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, 1/4" cubed
- 1 (10-ounce) package frozen peas, cooked and drained
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise (not salad dressing)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan or Romano cheese
- 2 teaspoons dried tarragon
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper








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