Creamy Ham and Pea Pasta Salad

There are few things as comforting and universally loved as a classic pasta salad, and the one from Ruby Tuesday holds a special place in many hearts. This extraordinary copycat version of the Ruby Tuesday Ham and Pea Pasta Salad recipe promises to transport you straight to the restaurant’s famous salad bar, right from the comfort of your own kitchen. Meticulously recreated to capture that signature flavor and creamy texture, this recipe is more than just a dish; it’s a nostalgic culinary experience waiting to happen. Whether you’re planning a casual family dinner, a lively barbecue, or a festive potluck, this vibrant and flavorful pasta salad is guaranteed to be a show-stopping hit that everyone will adore.

While pasta salads are traditionally associated with the warm, sunny embrace of summer months, offering a refreshing, chilled respite from the heat, this particular ham and pea rendition transcends seasonal boundaries. Its delightful combination of perfectly cooked, tender pasta, savory chunks of ham, sweet bursts of peas, and a luscious, creamy dressing makes it a welcome addition to any meal, any time of year. We find ourselves craving this delightful dish year-round, a testament to its irresistible appeal and comforting, well-balanced flavors. It’s truly a versatile side dish that complements a wide array of main courses, from succulent grilled chicken and tender steaks to hearty sandwiches or even as a light lunch on its own. Its effortless preparation and widespread appeal make it a perennial favorite for gatherings big and small.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Ham and Pea Pasta Salad

This Ruby Tuesday copycat recipe isn’t just exceptionally delicious; it’s also incredibly practical, easy to prepare, and a joy to serve. Here’s why this particular ham and pea pasta salad is destined to become a cherished staple in your culinary repertoire:

• Effortlessly Quick Preparation: In today’s busy world, efficiency in the kitchen is highly valued. This ham and pea pasta salad can be assembled in a remarkably short amount of time, with active prep taking less than 15 minutes. This makes it an ideal choice for last-minute potlucks, spontaneous get-togethers, or simply when you need a quick, satisfying, and flavorful side dish without a lot of fuss. Imagine having a gourmet-tasting salad ready in minutes!
• Utilizes Common Pantry Staples: Forget about specialty ingredients and arduous grocery store hunts. For the most part, the basic components of this recipe are items you likely already have on hand in your pantry and refrigerator. We focus on common, accessible ingredients that deliver maximum flavor without requiring a special trip, making this dish both convenient and budget-friendly for any home cook.
• A Universally Loved Crowd-Pleaser: The Ruby Tuesday salad bar is renowned for its diverse selection, and this particular ham and pea pasta salad consistently ranks as one of its most cherished items. Its balanced profile of creamy, savory, and subtly sweet flavors, combined with satisfying textures, resonates with almost everyone, from the pickiest eaters to the most discerning gourmets. Prepare to receive enthusiastic compliments and frequent requests for your secret recipe!
• The Ultimate Versatile Side Dish: This pasta salad boasts incredible versatility, pairing beautifully with virtually any main course. It’s an impeccable accompaniment to grilled favorites like chicken, fish, or steak, a refreshing counterpoint to hearty sandwiches or wraps, and a superb addition to any buffet or holiday spread. Its creamy texture and refreshing profile offer a perfect contrast to richer entrees, balancing the meal beautifully.
• A Classic Barbecue and Potluck Essential: No backyard barbecue, picnic, or casual gathering feels complete without a standout pasta salad. This Ham and Pea Pasta Salad is a quintessential dish for such occasions, offering a delightful and often preferred alternative to traditional potato salad or coleslaw. It travels exceptionally well and, like many good pasta salads, its flavors only deepen and improve as it chills, making it perfect for preparing ahead and sharing.

With so many compelling reasons to try it, this Ham and Pea Pasta Salad is more than just a recipe; it’s a guaranteed success for any meal or occasion.

Gather Your Groceries: Essential Ingredients for Success

Crafting this exceptional Ruby Tuesday copycat pasta salad requires a handful of simple yet crucial ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the dish’s distinctive flavor, creamy texture, and overall appeal. The beauty lies in the synergy of these everyday items, transforming them into something truly special:

While the full, precise quantities are detailed in the recipe card at the very bottom of this post, here’s a brief, helpful overview of what you’ll need to create this amazing dish, along with some insights into why each ingredient is chosen:

• Rotini Pasta: The spiral shape of rotini pasta is not just visually appealing; it’s functionally perfect for this salad. Its intricate twists and turns are exceptionally good at catching and holding the rich, creamy dressing, ensuring every single bite is packed with maximum flavor. While rotini is ideal, you could also achieve excellent results with other short pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, fusilli, or medium shells.
• Mayonnaise: This forms the creamy, luscious base of our dressing. Choosing a good quality, full-fat mayonnaise is highly recommended for the best flavor and texture, as it provides the essential richness and binds all the other ingredients together seamlessly. It’s the backbone of the salad’s signature creaminess.
• Buttermilk: Adding buttermilk introduces a delightful, subtle tang and helps to thin the mayonnaise-based dressing to the perfect, pourable consistency without diluting its flavor. This slight acidity brightens the entire salad. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, a simple substitute can be made by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to one cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.
• Ranch Dressing Mix: This is arguably the “secret weapon” that gives this pasta salad its signature zest, savory depth, and herby complexity, faithfully mirroring the beloved Ruby Tuesday original. A single packet of dry ranch seasoning mix is all you need to infuse the dressing with that distinct, irresistible flavor.
• Cooked Ham: Diced or finely chopped ham provides a wonderful salty, savory, and substantial element to the salad. Opt for a good quality, lean cooked ham. Leftover holiday ham (like Christmas or Easter ham) works absolutely perfectly and is a fantastic way to utilize it, or you can conveniently purchase pre-cooked diced ham from your local grocery store.
• Frozen Peas: Sweet, tender, and vibrant green, frozen peas add a welcome pop of color, a delicate sweetness, and a burst of fresh flavor that complements the ham beautifully. Remember to thaw them thoroughly before incorporating them into the salad to ensure an even temperature and soft texture.
• All-Purpose Seasoning: A well-balanced blend of spices, typically including salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, can significantly elevate the overall taste profile of the salad. If you have a favorite homemade all-purpose seasoning blend, now is the time to use it; otherwise, a good quality store-bought blend will do the trick. (A link to our homemade seasoning blend is usually provided in the full recipe card).
• Salt and Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are essential for adjusting the flavor to perfection. You’ll add them to taste at the end, ensuring all the flavors are perfectly balanced and harmonized. Remember to be mindful of the saltiness from the ham and ranch mix when adding extra salt.

Carefully selecting and preparing these quality ingredients will ensure your copycat Ruby Tuesday Ham and Pea Pasta Salad is nothing short of spectacular and truly tastes like the restaurant original.

Step-by-Step Recipe Walkthrough: Crafting Your Perfect Pasta Salad

Creating this beloved Ham and Pea Pasta Salad is surprisingly straightforward and doesn’t require advanced culinary skills. Follow these detailed, easy-to-understand steps to ensure a perfect outcome every time, yielding a creamy, flavorful salad that will impress everyone. For precise measurements and additional helpful tips, make sure to refer to the complete, printable recipe card located at the very end of this post.

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta to Perfection. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your rotini pasta and cook it according to the package directions, aiming for an “al dente” texture. This means it should be firm to the bite, not mushy, as it will continue to soften slightly in the dressing. Once cooked, immediately drain the pasta in a colander. Crucially, rinse the pasta thoroughly under cold running water. Rinsing serves two vital purposes for a cold salad: it rapidly stops the cooking process and washes away excess starch, which prevents the pasta from sticking together and ensures a lighter, fluffier texture. Allow the pasta to cool completely and drain any remaining water before moving on.

Step 2: Prepare the Signature Creamy Dressing. While your pasta cools, turn your attention to the heart of the salad – its creamy, flavorful dressing. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, buttermilk, the dry ranch dressing mix, and your preferred all-purpose seasoning. Using a sturdy whisk, mix these ingredients vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth, beautifully combined, and entirely free of any lumps. The buttermilk will subtly thin the mayonnaise, creating a luxurious, pourable dressing that will perfectly coat every single ingredient. Take a moment to taste the dressing at this stage and adjust the seasoning if you feel it needs a little more zing or salt.

Step 3: Integrate Ham and Peas into the Dressing. Once your creamy dressing is perfectly blended, it’s time to add the primary protein and vegetable components. Gently add the chopped cooked ham and the thoroughly thawed frozen peas to the mixing bowl with the dressing. Using a large spoon or spatula, stir these ingredients carefully but thoroughly, ensuring that the ham and peas are evenly coated with the rich, flavorful dressing. This crucial step allows these key ingredients to begin absorbing the dressing’s delicious flavors, which will significantly enhance the overall taste profile of the finished salad.

Step 4: Combine All Ingredients and Final Seasoning. Now, add the completely cooled and well-drained pasta to the bowl with the dressed ham and peas. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently fold all the ingredients together. The goal is to evenly distribute the dressing and components without mashing or breaking the pasta. Once everything is thoroughly combined, taste the salad and season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Remember, ham can be quite salty, so always taste before adding more salt to avoid over-seasoning. Serve immediately for a fresh and crisp texture, or for an even richer flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least one to two hours to allow all the delicious flavors to meld and deepen.

Pro Tip for Perfect Seasoning: Always taste your ham before adding it to the salad. Some varieties of ham can be considerably saltier than others, which will directly impact the overall seasoning balance of your finished pasta salad. By tasting it first, you can make a more informed decision about how much additional salt (if any) to add, ensuring a perfectly seasoned and harmonious dish.

Elevate Your Salad: Creative Variations and Substitution Ideas

While the classic Ruby Tuesday Ham and Pea Pasta Salad recipe is absolutely perfect and delicious as written, it also serves as a fantastic, flexible base for culinary creativity. Feel completely free to experiment with these exciting variations and clever substitutions to tailor the dish to your personal taste preferences, dietary needs, or simply to utilize ingredients you already have on hand. These ideas can transform the salad while retaining its core appeal:

• Creamy Dressing Alternatives:
  • Sour Cream for Tang: For a tangier and slightly richer dressing, consider replacing some or all of the buttermilk with an equal amount of sour cream. This addition provides a lovely depth of flavor and a slightly thicker consistency.
  • Pre-Made Ranch Dressing: If you prefer the ultimate convenience, you can certainly use a bottle of your favorite creamy, prepared ranch dressing instead of the dry ranch seasoning mix and buttermilk. You may need to adjust the amount of mayonnaise to achieve your desired consistency.
• Fresh Vegetable Boosters:
  • Crisp Bell Peppers: Finely chopped green bell pepper (for a classic touch) or vibrant red peppers (for a hint of sweetness and color) add a wonderful refreshing crunch and a subtle vegetable note.
  • Pungent Red Onion: For those who appreciate a subtle sharpness and an extra layer of crunch, finely mince a quarter to a half cup of red onion. To mellow its pungency, you can rinse the chopped onion under cold water for a few minutes before adding it.
  • Tender Artichoke Hearts: Marinated artichoke hearts, well-drained and chopped, introduce a unique, slightly briny and tangy flavor, along with a tender, meaty texture that pairs surprisingly well with the ham and creamy dressing.
  • Crunchy Fresh Broccoli: Small, bite-sized fresh broccoli florets can add a healthy crunch and a touch of earthiness. For a slightly softer texture, you can blanch them quickly before adding.
• Delicious Cheese Additions:
  • Savory Parmesan Cheese: A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese can add a delightful salty, nutty, and umami kick that beautifully complements the savory ham.
  • Sharp Cheddar Cheese: For a more robust, familiar flavor and a creamier texture, grate some sharp cheddar cheese directly into the salad. It’s a comforting addition that many love.
  • Bold Blue Cheese: For adventurous palates, crumbled blue cheese can offer a bold, pungent contrast that creates a sophisticated and intensely flavorful salad experience.
• Protein Swaps and Enhancements:
  • Shredded Chicken Breasts: For a leaner or poultry-based option, substitute the ham with shredded or diced cooked chicken breasts. This instantly transforms it into a hearty and equally delicious chicken pasta salad.
  • Crispy Bacon Bits: Crumble some crispy, cooked bacon bits into the salad for an irresistible added layer of smoky, salty flavor and a delightful textural crunch.
• Extra Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic Salt or Powder: If you’re a garlic lover, consider using garlic salt in place of regular salt (adjusting other salt additions accordingly) or adding a pinch of garlic powder to the dressing for an extra garlicky punch.
  • Fresh Herbs: A handful of finely chopped fresh parsley, dill, or chives can brighten the flavors considerably and add a wonderful aromatic touch and vibrant color.
• Textural Play with Toppings:
  • Crunchy Tortilla Chips: For an unexpected and delightful textural crunch, consider serving the pasta salad with a side of crushed tortilla chips, allowing guests to add them just before eating to maintain their crispness.
  • Toasted Nuts or Seeds: A light sprinkle of toasted slivered almonds, sunflower seeds, or even pepitas could add another layer of pleasant crunch and a subtle nutty flavor.

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe truly your own! These simple yet impactful additions can transform your ham and pea pasta salad into a new, personalized family favorite that perfectly suits your taste.

❤ Sharing is Caring – Connect with Us on Social Media! ❤

Essential Kitchen Gear for This Recipe

To effortlessly prepare this delightful Ham and Pea Pasta Salad, you’ll find that you only need a few fundamental kitchen tools. These are generally common items that most home cooks already possess, ensuring that this recipe is not only easy to make but also widely accessible without requiring specialized equipment.

Firstly, you’ll need a generously sized pot for cooking your pasta to that perfect al dente texture, and a reliable colander for efficiently draining and rinsing it afterward. For thoroughly mixing the creamy dressing and then gently combining all the ingredients, a spacious mixing bowl is absolutely essential, paired with a sturdy whisk to achieve a smooth, lump-free dressing. Finally, to present your culinary masterpiece with flair, a beautiful salad bowl will be perfect for serving your vibrant and irresistible pasta salad.

In the detailed recipe card below, you’ll discover links to some of our highly recommended kitchen tools. Please note that these are affiliate links. As a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, which greatly helps us to continue creating and bringing you more amazing recipes and helpful content.

Discover More Irresistible Pasta Salad Recipes You’ll Adore!

If you’ve found joy in preparing and savoring the Ruby Tuesday Ham and Pea Pasta Salad, then you’re truly in for a treat! Our extensive collection features a wide array of equally delicious and wonderfully easy-to-make pasta salad recipes that are perfect for any occasion imaginable. Whether you’re seeking light and refreshing options for summer picnics, hearty and satisfying meals for family dinners, or unique flavor combinations to impress your guests, there’s a pasta salad here to fulfill every craving and culinary desire. Dive into these fantastic creations and expand your repertoire!

• Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
• Italian Pasta Salad

Explore these diverse recipes and add even more delightful pasta salads to your culinary repertoire, ensuring you always have a perfect dish for any occasion!

Storing Leftovers: Keeping Your Pasta Salad Fresh and Delicious

Proper storage is absolutely paramount to enjoying your delicious Ruby Tuesday Ham and Pea Pasta Salad leftovers while meticulously maintaining its quality, safety, and fresh taste. This type of salad, like many dishes that feature a rich, mayonnaise-based dressing, requires careful handling to preserve its best attributes.

To store any remaining portions of your pasta salad, it is crucial to transfer it into an airtight container. This essential step serves multiple purposes: it prevents the pasta from drying out, safeguards against absorbing any unwanted odors from other foods in your refrigerator, and most importantly, it significantly slows down bacterial growth. Place the sealed container promptly in the refrigerator, where it will remain fresh and delightful for up to 3 days. While the salad is wonderfully fresh on the day it’s made, many culinary enthusiasts find that the flavors meld and deepen even further after a day or so in the fridge, transforming leftovers into an even more enjoyable culinary experience!

However, due to the inherent properties of mayonnaise in the creamy dressing, this particular recipe does not fare well with freezing. The emulsified mayonnaise will inevitably separate upon freezing and thawing, resulting in an undesirable watery, oily, and curdled texture that will compromise the salad’s creamy consistency and delightful taste. For this very reason, we strongly advise against freezing this specific pasta salad to preserve its signature luscious texture and delicious flavor profile. Enjoy it fresh, and savor those wonderful chilled leftovers within a few days!

Melanie’s Insider Kitchen Notes & Tips for Perfect Pasta Salad

The Magic of Resting for Optimal Flavor: As with many other creamy salads, this ham and pea pasta salad truly benefits from a dedicated period of rest. Allowing your Ruby Tuesday Ham and Pea Pasta Salad to chill thoroughly in the refrigerator for several hours, or even better, overnight, provides ample time for all the delicious flavors to fully marry and deepen. During this resting period, the pasta itself absorbs more of the rich, savory dressing, and all the individual ingredients get a crucial chance to harmonize, resulting in a much richer, more complex, and wonderfully balanced taste. This characteristic makes it an ideal make-ahead dish for effortlessly elegant parties, stress-free potlucks, or efficient weekly meal prep.

Beyond the transformative resting period, here are a few more invaluable tips straight from my kitchen to yours, designed to help you achieve pasta salad perfection every single time:

• Always Cook Pasta Al Dente: This is a golden rule for all cold pasta salads. “Al dente” translates to “to the tooth,” meaning the pasta should be firm but not hard, offering a slight bite. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and lose its structural integrity, leading to a less appealing texture in a cold salad.
• Chill All Components Thoroughly: A truly refreshing and delightful cold pasta salad relies on properly chilled ingredients. Ensure that all components, especially the cooked pasta, are completely and thoroughly chilled before you begin combining them. This helps maintain the integrity and consistency of the dressing and preserves the crisp freshness of any vegetables.
• Season in Layers for Depth: Don’t wait until the very end to dump all your salt and pepper. Instead, build flavor gradually. Ensure your pasta water is adequately salted, taste your dressing as you prepare it, and then make final seasoning adjustments after all ingredients are combined. This layering approach ensures a more nuanced and well-rounded flavor profile.
• The Quality of Ham Matters: The type and quality of ham you choose can significantly impact the overall flavor of your pasta salad. Opt for a good quality, lean ham that isn’t excessively salty. Whether you’re using finely diced deli-sliced ham or savory leftover holiday ham, a superior quality ham will make a noticeable difference in the final taste.
• Taste and Adjust Before Serving: Even after the flavors have melded during chilling, always give your pasta salad a final taste test just before serving. Sometimes, the pasta can absorb more of the dressing, and a quick adjustment of salt, pepper, or even a tiny splash more buttermilk can bring it back to perfect balance.

Frequently Asked Questions: Your Pasta Salad Queries Answered

We truly hope you immensely enjoy recreating this beloved Ruby Tuesday Ham and Pea Pasta Salad Recipe right in the comfort of your own home! If you’ve had the wonderful opportunity to try it, or any other fantastic recipe from our site, please don’t hesitate for a moment to share your experience and let us know in the comment section below exactly how it turned out for you. We absolutely love hearing from our cherished readers – your feedback, stories, and culinary triumphs make our journey even more rewarding and inspiring!

If this delightful recipe has brought a touch of joy and deliciousness to your kitchen, we would be incredibly grateful if you could kindly consider giving it a well-deserved 5-star rating! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Your invaluable support and enthusiastic ratings mean the world to us and play a significant role in helping other food enthusiasts discover these delicious, tested creations.

Stay connected with us for a continuous stream of more amazing recipes, insightful cooking tips, and culinary inspiration! You can effortlessly follow us and join our growing community on PINTEREST, FACEBOOK, and INSTAGRAM to catch all our latest updates, mouth-watering posts, and engaging culinary content.

Ruby Tuesday Ham and Pea Pasta Salad