RECIPE: Ruby Tuesday's Ham & Pea Pasta Salad

Ruby Tuesday's pasta salad is like crack to me. I could eat a plate of that stuff -- forget the lettuce, tomatoes, and whatever else. 

I set out to find the perfect copycat recipe. I found many different websites, with many different recipes, and I've tried several different versions. I've tweaked an ingredient here and there, and now I've finally got the perfect version.

This isn't an exact recipe (clearly, as I omit the peas) but tastes very similar. Honestly, in my humble opinion, this one tastes even better.

INGREDIENTS

1 lb. box of rotini
1 c. ranch dressing (I used Hidden Valley Ranch)
1 c. mayo
1 (small) pkg. diced ham
8 oz bag cheddar cheese, shredded
2 tbs. of french fry seasoning
(I use Paula Deen's seasoning mix because it's delicious.)

Paula Deen's seasoning mix: 1 c. salt, 1/4 c. pepper, 1/4 c. garlic powder
Mix them together in a small bowl and pour into an empty salt shaker.
(Caution: This is a lot of seasoning -- way more than 2 tbs. So, don't dump the entire thing into with the pasta salad.)

DIRECTIONS

1. Cook noodles; drain. Allow noodles to cool.

2. Mix noodles with the remaining ingredients -- ranch, mayo, ham, cheese, and french fry seasoning (or the seasoning mix); stir well.

3. Refrigerate at least two hours prior to serving.

PS. You can always add the peas if you'd prefer. I always end up picking around them, so I chose to omit them from my recipe altogether.