Creamy Deli Pasta Salad
This delightful Creamy Deli Pasta Salad brings together the rich flavors of ham and sweet peas, all enveloped in a creamy mayonnaise dressing. A perfect copycat of the beloved Ruby Tuesdays version, this salad features corkscrew macaroni that captures every bit of the luscious dressing, making it an ideal side dish or main course for picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings. With its vibrant colors and satisfying textures, it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any occasion!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
corkscrew macaroni
1 lb (dry)
mayonnaise
1 - 1 1/2 cup (to taste)
cubed ham
1/2 lb (any style, cubed)
baby peas
1 (15 ounce) can (drained)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the corkscrew macaroni and cook according to the package directions until al dente.
2
Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, mayonnaise, cubed ham, and drained baby peas.
4
Mix everything together until well combined and the pasta is evenly coated with the mayonnaise.
5
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
6
Before serving, give the salad a good stir to redistribute the dressing, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Deli Pasta Salad?
It is a delightful salad featuring corkscrew macaroni, ham, and sweet peas in a creamy mayonnaise dressing, similar to the Ruby Tuesday version.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
This recipe requires 4 main ingredients: corkscrew macaroni, mayonnaise, cubed ham, and canned baby peas.
What type of pasta is best for this salad?
The recipe calls for corkscrew macaroni, which is ideal for capturing the creamy dressing in its ridges.
How much macaroni do I need?
You will need 1 pound of dry corkscrew macaroni.
What kind of ham should I use?
You can use any style of ham, as long as it is cubed into bite-sized pieces; a half-pound is recommended.
Can I use frozen peas instead of canned?
The recipe specifies one 15-ounce can of baby peas, drained, but you can substitute thawed frozen peas if preferred.
How much mayonnaise should I add?
Use between 1 and 1.5 cups of mayonnaise, depending on your personal taste and desired creaminess.
Does this recipe require cooking the pasta to a specific texture?
Yes, the pasta should be cooked until it is al dente according to the package directions.
Why should I rinse the pasta under cold water?
Rinsing the pasta under cold water cools it down quickly and stops the cooking process to maintain the right texture.
How long should the pasta salad be refrigerated before serving?
It should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill properly.
Is this pasta salad suitable for low cholesterol diets?
Yes, this recipe is categorized as a low cholesterol dish.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What is the main dressing for this salad?
The dressing is primarily made of mayonnaise, which provides a rich and creamy texture.
Can this be served as a main course?
Absolutely, it works well as both a satisfying main course or a side dish for various events.
Is this recipe good for picnics?
Yes, it is considered an ideal picnic food because it is served cold and travels well.
Should I stir the salad again after refrigeration?
Yes, give the salad a good stir right before serving to redistribute the dressing evenly.
What makes this a Ruby Tuesday copycat recipe?
It mimics the flavor profile of the famous restaurant version by using the specific combination of corkscrew pasta, ham, and peas.
Do I need to add salt to the pasta water?
Yes, the instructions suggest bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil for the macaroni.
What size should the ham cubes be?
The ham should be cubed into small, uniform pieces that are easy to eat alongside the macaroni.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, making it at least 30 minutes ahead is required, but it can be prepared several hours in advance.
What are the primary flavor profiles?
The dish features rich ham flavors and sweet notes from the baby peas, balanced by the creamy dressing.
Is this a cold or warm pasta dish?
This is a cold pasta dish, intended to be served chilled.
What type of container should I use for mixing?
A large mixing bowl is recommended to ensure there is enough space to coat all the pasta evenly.
Can I use a different type of pea?
While baby peas are recommended for their sweetness and size, standard garden peas can also be used.
What should I do with the liquid from the canned peas?
The liquid should be drained away before adding the peas to the pasta mixture.
Is there a specific way to prepare the ham?
The ham should simply be cubed; any style of ham works for this recipe.
Can I add extra seasonings?
The basic recipe uses mayonnaise to taste, but you can certainly add salt or pepper if desired.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is to bring a large pot of salted water to a boil to cook the macaroni.
Is this dish suitable for potlucks?
Yes, its creamy texture and crowd-pleasing ingredients make it a popular choice for potlucks.
How do I ensure the pasta is evenly coated?
Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a large bowl and give it a final stir after it has chilled.