Copycat Ruby Tuesday’s Pasta Salad

There used to be a Ruby Tuesday’s right near our house. Oh how we loved to go there for lunch and hit the salad bar. It was the best salad bar around. Ice cold. Always stocked. And lots and lots of great ingredients. And salads. Well, the restaurant closed years ago unfortunately. But I can still enjoy the memories and tastes. Like with this copycat Ruby Tuesday’s pasta salad. Creamy. Fresh. Cold. Crunchy. A wonderful combination of tastes and textures. And oh so easy.

Copycat Ruby Tuesday's Pasta Salad

Cold. Ice Cold.

I think the key to this copycat Ruby Tuesday’s pasta salad is to serve it cold. Very cold. Not like ‘ice is forming on the pasta’ cold but close to it. Our Ruby Tuesday’s always kept their salad bar crazy cold. They had a salad bar attendant that would walk by every once-in-a-while with a handheld temperature gauge and make sure that every single dish was just right. And well-stocked, too. It was like salad bar heaven. You know it was good when I still think about it all these years later.

Also try my copycat of a classic diner-style chef salad.

Copycat Ruby Tuesday's Pasta Salad

Copycat Ruby Tuesday’s Pasta Salad

Inspired by a recipe from Stress Baking
Easy and delicious!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Get happy time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 35 minutes
Course Pasta Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 325 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Cook the pasta per the package instructions. Rinse it with cold water and drain well. Set aside until completely cooled.
  • In a very large bowl, combine the Ranch dressing, mayonnaise, salt and pepper.
  • Add the green pepper, ham and peas. Stir.
  • Add in the pasta and stir to combine. Make sure everything gets coated well in the dressing.
  • Cover and refrigerate.
  • Serve cold.

Notes

Stir before serving. If the salad gets too dry, stir in some more Ranch dressing.

Nutrition

Calories: 325kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 9gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 654mgPotassium: 185mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 97IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 18mgIron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword copycat, pasta salad
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Copycat Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Coleslaw

This copycat Dickey’s Barbecue Pit coleslaw is my kind of coleslaw. Creamy without being too much so. A little vinegary without killing me. And a little sweet without being over-the-top sweet. I can eat it by itself. And I can eat it heaped up on a smoked BBQ chicken sandwich. All day long, too.

Copycat Dickey's Barbecue Pit Coleslaw
Copycat Dickey's Barbecue Pit Coleslaw

Life’s Complicated Enough

This isn’t some high-falutin’ coleslaw recipe. It’s not supposed to be. Just simple, good flavors. And good crunch. I’ve had some good slaws that have lots and lots of ingredients. This ain’t that. You want to change it up, go for it. The most I’d do is maybe add a pinch of celery seed but that’s just because I’m addicted to celery seed in slaws. I don’t think that’d make this copycat Dickey’s Barbecue Pit coleslaw fancy, though. At least, I hope not!

This slaw reminds me a bit of my copycat of Marzetti’s Classic Original slaw dressing.

Copycat Dickey's Barbecue Pit Coleslaw

Copycat Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Coleslaw

This isn't some high-falutin' coleslaw recipe.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Coleslaw
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 254 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Place all but the slaw mix into a medium bowl.
  • Whisk until well-combined.
  • Add the slaw mix and stir until coated.
  • Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

Stir again before serving.
Add a few pinches of celery seed for a flavorful twist!

Nutrition

Calories: 254kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 2gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 13gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 487mgPotassium: 192mgFiber: 3gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 117IUVitamin C: 39mgCalcium: 44mgIron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword coleslaw, creamy
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Copycat Famous Dave’s Creamy Sweet and Sour Coleslaw

Do you make ‘the face’ when you taste horseradish? You know the one. The one where your mouth puckers up and your face gets all scrunched in. Well, if you do you’re going to make it big time with this copycat Famous Dave’s Creamy Sweet and Sour coleslaw. That’s assuming you make it ‘full power’, with the two tablespoons of prepared horseradish in the recipe. No one, and I do mean NO ONE, is going to feel any different about you if you use less. This is a great creamy slaw. With all of the horseradish it has a very sharp taste, but that fades away to creamy sweetness. It’s a different experience, and a really great change from the usual just creamy and sweet coleslaw.

Copycat Famous Dave's Creamy Sweet and Sour Coleslaw

The Perfect Sandwich Topper

I found this copycat Famous Dave’s Creamy Sweet and Sour coleslaw to be pretty good on its own. But I liked it much more on top of a pulled pork sandwich. The sinus-clearing hit of horseradish contrasted perfectly with the BBQ sauce I used on my sandwich. And the sweetness of the slaw tamed some of the heat in the sauce, too. It doesn’t have to be a BBQ sandwich either. You can put this slaw on a cold cut sub. Or a chicken sandwich. Anywhere you want a good, in-your-face hit of horseradish, this is the slaw for you.

Also try some diner-style coleslaw.

Copycat Famous Dave's Creamy Sweet and Sour Coleslaw

Copycat Famous Dave’s Creamy Sweet and Sour Coleslaw

Creamy. Sweet. And a big kick of horseradish in every bite.
4 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Coleslaw
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 460 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Place the coleslaw mix in a large bowl.
  • Whisk the remaining ingredients in a small bowl until combined. Add to the coleslaw mix.
  • Stir to mix well.
  • Refrigerate until ready to use.

Notes

Stir again before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 460kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 2gFat: 42gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 25gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 24mgSodium: 533mgPotassium: 179mgFiber: 3gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 123IUVitamin C: 33mgCalcium: 48mgIron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword coleslaw, tangy
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Copycat Hard Rock Cafe Coleslaw

The last Hard Rock Cafe we visited, in the Mall of America, is long gone. That is too bad since we loved the cool music-themed items. And the food. But hey, at least we can make a copycat Hard Rock Cafe coleslaw at home now. This is a big favorite in our house. It’s easy to make. Like crazy easy. And delicious. Creamy. A little sweet. Crunchy. It’s my kind of coleslaw.

Copycat Hard Rock Cafe Coleslaw

Good Things Take Time

As easy as this copycat Hard Rock Cafe coleslaw is to make, it cannot be rushed. It needs some quality time in the fridge for the flavors to get perfect. And they will. Sure, you can give it a taste or two moments after making it, and you’ll like it. But to love it, give it that overnight ‘soak’. Or more. Up to two days for maximum coleslaw love. It’s worth it.

Also try my fantastic copycat of Marzetti’s Classic Original Slaw dressing!

Copycat Hard Rock Cafe Coleslaw

Copycat Hard Rock Cafe Coleslaw

A deliciously creamy, slightly sweet slaw that is one of my favorites!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 day
Course Coleslaw
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 290 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Whisk together all of the ingredients except for the coleslaw mix in a large bowl until smooth.
  • Add the coleslaw mix and stir to coat.
  • Cover and refrigerate for 24-48 hours.

Notes

Stir before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 1gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 17gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 16mgSodium: 256mgPotassium: 132mgFiber: 2gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 99IUVitamin C: 26mgCalcium: 36mgIron: 0.4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword coleslaw, creamy
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Copycat Marzetti Classic Original Slaw Dressing

Boy, oh boy, did this copycat Marzetti Classic Original slaw dressing ever hit the spot. I was looking for that great Marzetti flavor but in a homemade version that, if I wanted to, I can play with a bit. A little less vinegary perhaps. A little sweeter maybe. Or just like the original. I can make the call. This is good stuff and it makes for a mighty good coleslaw!

Copycat Marzetti Classic Original Slaw Dressing

Mighty Good

This copycat Marzetti Classic Original slaw dressing is much like the great dressing you can find in your grocer’s refrigerated section (by the packaged salads and refrigerated salad dressings). Creamy with a bit of that vinegar ‘tang’ and a little sweetness. This recipe makes enough for a 14 ounce bag of slaw mix. By ‘makes enough’ I mean the slaw will be nicely dressed but not overly so. If you like a coleslaw with a whole lot of dressing, you’ll either have to make more or grab some at the store!

Also try my copycat of the classic (no, really!) McDonald’s Chef Salad!

Copycat Marzetti Classic Original Slaw Dressing

Copycat Marzetti Classic Original Slaw Dressing

A delicious copycat of the store favorite!
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Course Coleslaw
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 472 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the dressing

For the coleslaw

  • 14 ounces coleslaw mix with carrots, etc.

Instructions
 

For the dressing

  • Place all ingredients into a medium bowl and whisk until smooth.
  • Add the coleslaw mix and fold until well-combined and the sugar is dissolved.

Notes

Stir again before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 472kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 2gFat: 42gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 25gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 24mgSodium: 384mgPotassium: 184mgFiber: 3gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 134IUVitamin C: 36mgCalcium: 49mgIron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword coleslaw, copycat, dressing
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Copycat McDonald’s Chef Salad

If I had to choose a salad as my favorite, this copycat McDonald’s Chef Salad would be it. Not because it’s fancy. But because it reminds me of diner salads. The kind that would be in a refrigerated glass case, wrapped in plastic wrap. Premade that morning. McDonald’s served these for a few years. They came in plastic containers with a packet of your favorite dressing. Nothing fancy but reminiscent of the classic.

Copycat McDonald's Chef Salad

Oh the Ham and Turkey!

I often slice sandwich meats to top my salads. This copycat McDonald’s Chef Salad called for something a bit more. Roasted turkey and smoked ham cut into thin almost-matchstick-like strips. They make this salad better. A lot better. Don’t skimp on the meats. Grab some good stuff out of the meat case. It’s more than worth it.

Great Eggs

To make the perfect hard-boiled eggs for my salads, I ‘cheat’. I use an egg cooker. I laughed when my mom gave us one of these cookers years ago. Well, I don’t laugh now. I love it. Every single time I get perfectly cooked eggs. And they shell easy. I have to say I’ll never make boiled eggs in a pot again.

Great Cheese

You really need to shred your own cheese for this salad. Or any salad. Or any dish. It makes a big difference. The cheese is creamier. Tastier. It doesn’t have that ‘stuff’ on it that keeps it from sticking together like you’ll find in bagged pre-shredded cheese. This shredder makers it super-easy to shred cheese and it’s easy to clean too. It also grates cheese!

Also try my loaded chef’s salad.

Copycat McDonald's Chef Salad

Copycat McDonald’s Chef Salad

A tasty classic!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 1
Calories 289 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup iceberg lettuce chopped
  • 1 cup green leaf lettuce chopped. I like a combination of green and red leaf lettuce
  • 1/4 cup roasted turkey cut into thin strips
  • 1/4 cup smoked ham cut into thin strips
  • 1 radish sliced thin
  • 6 slices cucumber
  • 4 quarters tomato or use 3 halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1/4 cup Monterey jack cheese shredded
  • 3 halves hard-boiled eggs
  • kosher salt to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • your favorite salad dressing to taste

Instructions
 

  • Combine the chopped lettuces and place onto a plate.
  • Add the remaining ingredients and serve.

Notes

Best served on a cold plate!

Nutrition

Calories: 289kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 22gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 894mgPotassium: 410mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 3607IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 449mgIron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword chef’s salad, copycat
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Copycat Chili’s Ranch Salad Dressing

I love simple and easy. But still delicious. Ranch is always my go-to dressing of choice. This copycat Chili’s Ranch salad dressing hit the spot. It was perfect on my chef’s salad. Nice and creamy without being too thick. Tasty. But not complicated. I had all of the ingredients on-hand. Some ranch dressings have a lot of ‘stuff’ in them. Not bad stuff, just lots of it. That makes me tend to shy away from making them. Not this one. This is a great dressing!

Copycat Chili's Ranch Salad Dressing

Pickle Juice for the Win

The recipe for a copycat Chili’s Ranch salad dressing calls for pickle juice. You know, that stuff in the jar after you’ve taken the last dill pickle. I never ever throw that juice out. It’s great in recipes like this. It’s also great as a chicken marinade. It lasts forever. It’s not hurting anyone. Leave it in the back of the fridge because some day you’re going to need it and you’ll be happy you have it!

I bought these little dressing cups to try and help me with my Ranch dressing addiction. The theory is that they keep me from over-dressing my salads. And they often do just that. Unfortunately, though, the kitchen isn’t that far away and refilling these little cups doesn’t take long!

Also try some homestyle garlic ranch salad dressing.

Copycat Chili's Ranch Salad Dressing

Copycat Chili’s Ranch Salad Dressing

Inspired by a recipe from The Sauce Chick
Easy and delicious.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 2
Calories 256 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Place all ingredients into a small bowl and whisk until combined and smooth.
  • Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Stir before serving.
Need ideas for putting together the ultimate salad? Check out my salad inspirations!

Nutrition

Calories: 256kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 1gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 13gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 451mgPotassium: 57mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 210IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 41mgIron: 0.1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword copycat, Ranch
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Copycat Pizza Hut Creamy Italian Salad Dressing

Boy oh boy did this copycat Pizza Hut creamy Italian salad dressing ever bring back memories. I was addicted to this dressing, especially in my college years when you could pick up a personal pan pizza or a hot sub and a side salad for cheap. I’d always ask for extra dressing. I could drink this stuff. I was so happy that this recipe came as close to the original as I’ve found. The right flavor. And the right consistency.

Copycat Pizza Hut Creamy Italian Salad Dressing

Ranch and Xanthan Gum for the Win

There are two keys to making this copycat Pizza Hut cream Italian dressing as close to the original as possible. The first is to use a quality Ranch dressing. One that’s full of flavor. For me, that means Hidden Valley Ranch original. The second is xanthan gum. Found in just about every store-bought food item you can find, it’s a thickener. It’s what gives this dressing that great thickness. A little goes a long ways, so just add the little amount the recipe calls for and let it do its thing.

This dressing is great on a sub sandwich too. Like really great!

This dressing is perfect on a classic diner chef salad!

Copycat Pizza Hut Creamy Italian Salad Dressing

Copycat Pizza Hut Creamy Italian Salad Dressing

Deliciously creamy. A truly wonderful dressing!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 252 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Place all but the xanthan gum into a food processor or blender.
  • Process until smooth and combined.
  • Add the xantham gum and process a little more until thick.

Notes

Stir dressing before serving. Store in the fridge until ready to use.
Need ideas for putting together the ultimate salad? Check out my salad inspirations!

Nutrition

Calories: 252kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 1gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 13gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 345mgPotassium: 59mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 286IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 41mgIron: 0.2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword copycat, dressing, Italian
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Copycat Classic Diner Chef Salad

I wanted a salad that would harken back to earlier times. When I could walk into a diner, order a burger, some fries, and a salad. This copycat classic diner chef salad reminds me of the salads the waitress would grab out of the little fridge on the counter by the pass to the kitchen. They were usually behind glass doors that slid open. Covered in plastic wrap, they were made fresh every morning. And they always hit the spot. Just like this one. And I always got it with Ranch dressing. Even though they had French. Maybe there were other dressing choices but my brain always stopped once it heard ‘Ranch’.

Copycat Classic Diner Chef Salad

Diners And Salad Bars

Whenever I get lucky enough to find a decent salad bar at a restaurant, which is kinda rare these days, I end up making a copycat classic diner chef salad. Not just because it’s easy. It has all of my favorite things on it. From fresh mushrooms to ham to bacon to green onions. For me, it’s the perfect combination.

There used to be a Ruby Tuesday restaurant by our house that always had the ultimate salad bar. And some of the best Ranch dressing around. I sure miss it. But to make up for it being gone, and there being no good diners near me, I made these at home.

It might seem a bit odd, but I think freshly-shredded cheese is a must on a salad. You want fresh vegetables, why not fresh cheese? That pre-shredded stuff isn’t as creamy. And it’s not as tasty. So I always take the few extra minutes to shred my own.

Also try my copycat McDonald’s chef salad.

Copycat Classic Diner Chef Salad

Copycat Classic Diner Chef Salad

Inspired by a recipe from Berly’s Kitchen
The perfect classic salad.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 251 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 head iceberg lettuce cleaned, cored, sliced or shredded as desired
  • 1 ounce cheddar cheese shredded
  • 12 cherry tomatoes rinsed, halved
  • 1/2 small onion white, red, or sweet, sliced into rings
  • 1/2 cup mushrooms rinsed, sliced
  • 1 medium carrot peeled, sliced or shredded
  • 1/2 medium cucumber peeled, sliced
  • 4 large eggs hard-boiled, peeled, halved
  • 4 slices bacon cooked, chopped
  • 4 green onions rinsed, sliced thin
  • 1/4 cup ham diced
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Assemble your salad by dividing the lettuce between four plates.
  • Add remaining ingredients and season well.
  • Serve with your favorite dressing.

Nutrition

Calories: 251kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 15gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 213mgSodium: 393mgPotassium: 516mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 3622IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 117mgIron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword classic, salad
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Italian Salad Dressing

Could this be it? Could I have found the perfect Italian dressing? For years I’ve searched. Only to find dressings that were too vinegary. Or too thin. Or too herby. Always ‘too’ something. Well, this copycat Texas Roadhouse Italian salad dressing was perfect for me. Nothing too strong. The perfect consistency. This is the first Italian salad dressing I could actually just drink. This was a real winner for me!

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Italian Salad Dressing

Give It A Rest

The recipe for this copycat Texas Roadhouse Italian salad dressing calls for you to let it sit for 10 minutes before serving. The dressing needs that time to ‘get happy’. The dry seasonings need to rehydrate. Flavor things. If you rush it you won’t get dressing happiness.

If you have the time, I’d like it rest overnight before serving. Always give it a stir or shake before serving. And if you’ve refrigerated the dressing, set it out on the countertop at least 30 minutes before using. Cold dressings don’t mix as well, specially if they contain oils that solidify in the fridge.

Also try a copycat of the Texas Roadhouse honey French dressing.

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Italian Salad Dressing

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Italian Salad Dressing

Inspired by a recipe from Full Form Today
Incredibly delicious and smooth.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 4 cups
Calories 1201 kcal

Ingredients
  

First Step Ingredients

Second Step Ingredients

Third Step Ingredients

Final Step Ingredients

Instructions
 

First Step

  • Add the apple cider vinegar, sugar, granulated garlic, white and black peppers, onion powder and salt and kosher salt to a medium bowl. Whisk to combine.

Second Step

  • Add the dried oregano, basil, and minced garlic. Whisk to combine. Let mixture rest for 10 minutes.

Third Step

  • Add the mustard and honey. Whisk thoroughly.

Final Step

  • While whisking, slowly drizzle in the oil. Continue whisking until the dressing shows no signs of separating.
  • Taste and add more salt if desired then whisk some more.
  • Serve immediately.
  • Refrigerate any leftovers. Let come to room temperature before serving, shaking or stirring first.

Notes

This recipe makes a HUGE batch of dressing. Feel free to cut it in half. Or, use any leftover dressing as a great marinade for chicken or steak!
Need ideas for putting together the ultimate salad? Check out my salad inspirations!

Nutrition

Calories: 1201kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 2gFat: 110gSaturated Fat: 17gPolyunsaturated Fat: 63gMonounsaturated Fat: 25gTrans Fat: 1gSodium: 1181mgPotassium: 172mgFiber: 2gSugar: 52gVitamin A: 38IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword copycat, Italian
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!