Best Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad Recipe

Introduction

Pasta salads are a versatile and refreshing dish, perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a side dish for a family dinner. One popular pasta salad recipe that has gained popularity is the Ruby Tuesday pasta salad. Known for its vibrant colors and delicious flavors, this salad is a crowd-pleaser that you can easily recreate in your own kitchen. In this blog post, we will share with you the secret recipe for making the famous Ruby Tuesday pasta salad, so get ready to impress your friends and family with this delectable dish!

Ingredients

To recreate the Ruby Tuesday pasta salad, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound of tri-color rotini pasta
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup of black olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup of feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup of fresh basil, chopped
• 1/2 cup of Italian dressing
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a large pot, cook the tri-color rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to add a generous amount of salt to the boiling water to flavor the pasta. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

2. In a large salad bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, feta cheese, parsley, and basil. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

3. Add the cooked and cooled tri-color rotini pasta to the bowl and gently toss to combine all the ingredients.

4. Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta salad and toss again until everything is well coated. You can adjust the amount of dressing according to your preference.

5. Season the pasta salad with salt and pepper to taste. Remember to taste as you go and add more seasoning if needed.

6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together. This will also help the pasta salad to become chilled and refreshing.

7. Before serving, give the pasta salad a final toss to make sure all the ingredients are well combined. Garnish with additional fresh herbs like parsley or basil, if desired.

8. Serve the Ruby Tuesday pasta salad as a side dish or a main course for a light and satisfying meal.

FAQ

1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this salad?

Absolutely! While the tri-color rotini pasta adds visual appeal to the dish, you can use any type of pasta that you prefer or have on hand. Bowtie pasta, penne, or even macaroni will work well.

2. Can I add other vegetables to the pasta salad?

Yes, feel free to get creative and add your favorite vegetables to the salad. Bell peppers, carrots, or even broccoli florets can be great additions to enhance the flavor and texture.

3. Can I make the pasta salad in advance?

Yes, the Ruby Tuesday pasta salad can be made in advance. In fact, it tastes even better after being refrigerated for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving.

4. Can I make a vegan version of this salad?

Certainly! To make a vegan version of the Ruby Tuesday pasta salad, simply omit the feta cheese and use a vegan Italian dressing. You can also add some protein-rich ingredients like cooked chickpeas or tofu to make it more filling.

5. How long can I store the pasta salad?

The pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to give it a good mix before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Now that you have the recipe for the famous Ruby Tuesday pasta salad, it’s time to put on your apron and start cooking. This delicious salad is sure to become a favorite among your family and friends, making any meal a special occasion. Enjoy!