The Creamy Southern Pasta Salad with Peas and Bacon is a nostalgic nod to one of Ruby Tuesday’s most beloved salad bar staples. It features tender rotini pasta combined with a classic medley of cheddar cheese, crisp peas, savory ham or bacon, and a tangy-smooth blend of ranch and mayo dressing. It’s the kind of dish that brings comfort to your table while making everyone reach for seconds. Perfect for backyard barbecues, potlucks, picnics, or simple weeknight dinners, this pasta salad is both delicious and convenient. It can be made ahead of time, travels well, and pairs beautifully with grilled meats or sandwiches. Plus, it’s incredibly flexible feel free to swap in turkey, add in chopped celery, or use Greek yogurt for a lighter twist. Whether you’re channeling summer vibes or just craving creamy goodness, this dish delivers big flavor in every bite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
-
1 box (16 oz) rotini pasta, cooked and cooled
-
1 cup frozen green peas, thawed
-
1 cup diced ham or cooked bacon bits
-
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
-
1/4 cup diced red onion
-
1/2 cup ranch dressing
-
1/2 cup mayonnaise
-
Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions:
-
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and let cool completely.
-
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, green peas, ham or bacon, cheddar cheese, and red onion.
-
In a small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing and mayonnaise until smooth.
-
Pour the dressing mixture over the pasta salad and toss to coat evenly.
-
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
Creamy Southern Pasta Salad with Peas and Bacon: A Classic Comfort Dish for Every Occasion
Few dishes capture the heart of Southern comfort food quite like a creamy pasta salad. This beloved side dish, made popular by Ruby Tuesday’s legendary salad bar, blends tender pasta, savory bits of bacon or ham, sweet green peas, sharp cheddar cheese, and a creamy dressing made of ranch and mayonnaise. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, summer cookouts, or quick lunches, the Creamy Southern Pasta Salad with Peas and Bacon is a dish that never goes out of style. It’s simple to prepare, easy to customize, and offers a crowd-pleasing flavor that appeals to all ages.
Whether you’re looking to recreate that nostalgic restaurant experience or just searching for a cold pasta salad that holds up well in the fridge, this version of Ruby Tuesday’s pasta salad is sure to become a regular rotation in your kitchen. Let’s explore what makes this recipe so special and why it continues to earn rave reviews from families and foodies alike.
The Inspiration Behind the Dish
The inspiration for this dish traces back to the iconic Ruby Tuesday salad bar, a favorite feature of the casual American dining chain. Guests often visited for the endless options of cold salads, including the highly requested pasta salad. Its creamy texture, perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, and satisfying bite made it a go-to side for countless diners.
Recreating this pasta salad at home not only allows you to enjoy it year-round, but also gives you full control over the ingredients and flavors. Many home cooks enjoy adapting it based on what’s in their pantry or tailoring it to meet dietary preferences. Still, the essence of the dish remains rooted in comfort and simplicity.
Why This Pasta Salad Stands Out
At first glance, it might seem like a simple cold pasta salad, but a few key elements elevate it to a restaurant-quality dish. The choice of rotini pasta helps trap the creamy dressing in its twists and turns, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor. Sweet green peas add a burst of freshness and a pop of color, while sharp cheddar cheese introduces a welcome richness. Bacon or ham contributes a savory umami element that contrasts beautifully with the creamy base.
Perhaps what truly sets this dish apart, however, is the dressing. A combination of mayonnaise and ranch dressing creates a tangy, velvety coating that ties everything together. It’s comforting yet bright, flavorful yet balanced a dressing that enhances rather than overwhelms.
Ideal Occasions to Serve This Dish
This pasta salad is one of those versatile recipes that shines in a wide range of settings. It’s a staple at backyard barbecues, where it sits comfortably beside grilled meats and baked beans. During holidays and special gatherings, it adds a cold, creamy counterpoint to heavier main courses. And because it’s so easy to make ahead, it’s perfect for meal prepping lunches or providing a reliable side for weekday dinners.
Here are a few great occasions to serve it:
-
Potlucks: It travels well and holds its flavor and texture for hours.
-
Picnics and Outdoor Events: Serve it chilled straight from a cooler.
-
Weeknight Family Dinners: Pairs easily with roasted chicken or sandwiches.
-
Lunchboxes: A quick, filling option for adults and kids alike.
-
Holiday Buffets: Offers a creamy contrast to hot casseroles and roasts.
Customization Tips and Variations
One of the best things about this pasta salad is its adaptability. With just a few swaps, you can change the flavor profile to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Below are some suggestions to put your own twist on the dish:
-
Protein Options: Swap bacon with diced turkey, shredded chicken, or plant-based bacon bits for a healthier or vegetarian option.
-
Dressing Tweaks: Replace mayo with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter, tangier base.
-
Add-ins: Consider mixing in cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded carrots, olives, or red bell peppers for extra crunch and nutrition.
-
Spice It Up: Add a touch of smoked paprika, black pepper, or even hot sauce for a spicy kick.
-
Cheese Lovers: Experiment with crumbled feta, gouda, or pepper jack for different cheese flavors.
You can also make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta varieties just make sure they hold up well after being chilled, as some tend to get mushy.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
Another reason this pasta salad remains a top choice for busy families is its storage friendliness. It can be made a day in advance and kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In fact, letting it chill overnight allows the flavors to meld even more beautifully.
-
Storage Time: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
-
Freezing: Not recommended, as the creamy dressing may separate when thawed.
-
Meal Prep Tip: Store dressing separately and mix it in just before serving to keep the pasta fresh and vibrant.
If the salad seems dry after sitting in the fridge, just add a small splash of milk or an extra spoonful of mayo/ranch to revive the texture before serving.
Pairing Suggestions
While delicious on its own, this pasta salad also shines as part of a broader menu. If you’re looking to serve it alongside other dishes, here are a few excellent pairing ideas:
-
Grilled Proteins: Think BBQ chicken, steak skewers, or bratwurst.
-
Classic Sandwiches: Pair with turkey clubs, BLTs, or roast beef hoagies.
-
Fresh Greens: Serve with a side of arugula or spinach salad with vinaigrette.
-
Cornbread or Rolls: A slice of warm bread adds the perfect final touch.
These combinations work particularly well when serving guests or offering buffet-style meals during celebrations.
Why It’s a Family Favorite
Every family has a handful of go-to recipes that stand the test of time, and this creamy pasta salad is one of them. Kids love the creamy, cheesy flavor; adults appreciate the nostalgic comfort it brings; and everyone can agree on how easy it is to make. It’s the kind of dish that feels homemade but tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant. It’s also a clever way to sneak some vegetables into a dish that doesn’t feel overtly “healthy.”
In multi-generational households, this pasta salad often becomes a bridge dish something both grandma and the kids will devour with equal enthusiasm. It works well for picky eaters and also lends itself to bold flavor modifications for more adventurous palates.
Conclusion:
Creamy Southern Pasta Salad with Peas and Bacon is more than just a side dish it’s a testament to the beauty of simplicity done right. Its timeless appeal lies in its perfect balance of textures and flavors: the chewy pasta, the crunch of peas, the richness of cheese, and the smoky saltiness of bacon, all wrapped in a dreamy creamy dressing. Whether you’re honoring a Ruby Tuesday classic or creating your own kitchen tradition, this dish is a guaranteed hit.