A Refreshing Delight: Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad

Introduction:

Craving a refreshing and satisfying pasta salad? Look no further than the delightful Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad. This vibrant and flavorful dish is inspired by the popular salad served at Ruby Tuesday restaurants. With its combination of tender pasta, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing, this salad is a perfect side dish or even a light meal on its own. So, let’s dive into the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and some valuable tips to create a mouthwatering Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad that will elevate your dining experience.

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 8 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

 

Step 1: Cooking the Pasta

• Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
• Drain the cooked pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down.
• Set aside.

Step 2: Preparing the Dressing

• In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Taste and adjust the seasonings according to your preference.
• Set the dressing aside.

Step 3: Assembling the Salad

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley.
• Gently toss the ingredients together to distribute them evenly.

Step 4: Adding the Dressing

• Pour the prepared dressing over the salad.
• Use a spatula or large spoon to gently fold the dressing into the salad, ensuring all the ingredients are coated.

Step 5: Chilling and Serving

• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container.
• Place the salad in the refrigerator and allow it to chill for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together.
• Before serving, give the salad a final gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and garnish with additional chopped parsley, if desired.

Tips for Perfect Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad:

1. Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite vegetables. You can add bell peppers, sliced radishes, or even shredded carrots for extra color and crunch.
2. If you prefer a creamier dressing, increase the amount of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt to your desired consistency.
3. For a tangier flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the dressing.
4. To make the salad more substantial, you can add diced grilled chicken, cooked shrimp, or chickpeas for a protein boost.
5. Allow the salad to chill for at least an hour before serving to enhance the flavors and let the dressing infuse into the pasta and vegetables.
6. Leftover pasta salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to give it a good toss before serving again to redistribute the dressing.
7. Serve the Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad as a side dish alongside grilled meats or as a refreshing main course on warm summer days.

Conclusion:

Delight in the refreshing flavors of Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad—a vibrant and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its colorful vegetables, tender pasta, and tangy dressing, this salad is sure to impress your taste buds. Follow the step-by-step instructions, incorporate the valuable tips, and enjoy every forkful of this delightful pasta salad. Whether served as a side dish or a light meal, Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad will bring a burst of flavor to your table. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the refreshing combination of flavors, and savor the delightful experience this salad brings.