Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad

If you’ve ever found yourself craving that creamy, comforting pasta salad from Ruby Tuesday, you’re in for a treat!

This is one of those dishes I love to bring to potlucks
or make for a casual weekend lunch — and honestly, it always disappears fast.

And the best part? It’s so simple to make at home —
it’s perfect for meal prep, a quick side dish,
or just when you want something a little indulgent and satisfying.

Make a big bowl and keep it in the fridge for easy lunches all week!

For Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad

Rotini Pasta – The classic curly pasta that holds onto all that creamy dressing perfectly.
Mayonnaise – This is the base of the dressing, making it super creamy and rich.
Buttermilk – Adds a subtle tang that keeps the dressing from feeling too heavy.
Ranch Seasoning – For that signature flavor boost.
Garlic Salt – Brings out all the savory flavors in the salad.
Black Pepper – Adds a little hint of spice and balance.
Frozen Peas – No need to thaw — just toss them in, and they’ll chill the salad as they defrost.
Cooked Chicken – 8 ounces, diced small. Adds savory, meaty bites throughout the salad.

Homemade Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad Recipe

Craving Comfort? Whip Up Ruby Tuesday's Famous Pasta Salad at Home! Miss the flavors of your favorite restaurant salad? Bring the taste of Ruby Tuesday into your kitchen with this simple and delicious pasta salad recipe!

Print Pin

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Homemade Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad Recipe

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 30

Servings:

Notes

Ingredients:

1 pound (16 ounces) rotini noodles
1 ¾ cups mayonnaise
¼ cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons dried ranch seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
10 ounces frozen peas
8 ounces cooked chicken, finely diced

Instructions:

Prepare the Pasta:
- Cook the rotini noodles according to the package instructions.
- Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Ensure the pasta is thoroughly drained.
Make the Dressing:
- In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, buttermilk, ranch seasoning, garlic salt, and black pepper.
- Whisk until smooth.
Combine Ingredients:
- Add the cooked pasta, frozen peas, and diced cooked chicken to the dressing bowl.
- Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
Chill:
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors blend.
Serve:
- Stir the salad well before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors.

Additional Notes:

Serving Suggestion: Although it’s tempting to serve immediately, chilling for about an hour enhances the flavors and reduces the initial mayonnaise-heavy taste.
Substitutions: Substitute milk for buttermilk if preferred, though it may slightly alter the authentic flavor.
Enhancements: Current updates from Ruby Tuesday employees suggest adding diced green peppers for an extra crunch.
Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freezing is not recommended.

Nutrition

Save

Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?
Yep! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, milk works fine as a substitute. Just know that the buttermilk adds a little tang, so swapping it for milk will make the dressing a bit milder. Still delicious though!
Do I need to chill it before serving?
You can serve it right away, but trust me — giving it at least an hour in the fridge makes all the difference. The flavors get to know each other, and it won’t taste overly mayonnaise-y. Totally worth the wait!
Can I add other ingredients?
Absolutely! Some diced green peppers, red onions, or shredded cheese are great add-ins. You could even toss in some broccoli or smoked turkey if you want to jazz it up a bit.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Sure thing! Rotini holds the dressing really well, but feel free to use what you have — bowties, penne, or even macaroni would work. Just keep the pasta-to-dressing ratio about the same.
How long will leftovers last?
Leftovers keep great for up to 5 days in the fridge. Just store it in an airtight container. Give it a good stir before serving to wake everything up.