Ruby Tuesday Apple Salad Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Ruby Tuesday apple salad is a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The creamy dressing ties together the fresh apples, crunchy pecans, and tangy dried cranberries, making every bite a new experience. The addition of celery provides a subtle crispness, while the sweet and tart apples make it a perfect light meal or side dish. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual family dinner or serving it as a show-stopping salad at a gathering, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients

• ½ cup sour cream

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 ½ teaspoons lemon juice

• 1 Granny Smith apple

• 1 gala or Fuji apple

• ½ cup dried cranberries

• ⅓ cup pecans

• ¼ cup celery

• Butterhead lettuce leaves for serving

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, sugar, and lemon juice. Cover and refrigerate until the salad is ready to be assembled.

2. Rinse and dice the celery and set aside.

3. Chop the pecans into smaller pieces and set aside.

4. Rinse and dice the Granny Smith apple, then set aside.

5. Rinse and dice the Fuji or Gala apple, and set aside.

6. In a large salad bowl, combine all the prepared ingredients (apples, celery, cranberries, and pecans).

7. Remove the dressing from the fridge and pour it over the salad ingredients.

8. Toss everything together gently until the dressing evenly coats the salad.

9. Serve the salad on a bed of butterhead lettuce leaves for an extra touch of freshness.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Add chicken or turkey: For a heartier version, add grilled chicken or turkey breast to make this salad a complete meal.

• Use walnuts or almonds: Swap out the pecans for walnuts or sliced almonds for a different nutty flavor.

• Try different fruits: Add a handful of diced pears or grapes for additional sweetness and variety.

• Lighten the dressing: For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream or mayonnaise.

Storage/Reheating

This salad is best served fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. To store, cover the salad in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated. Note that the lettuce may wilt if it sits for too long, so it’s best to add the lettuce just before serving. The dressing can be kept separately and added right before serving to maintain the salad's freshness.

FAQs

1. Can I make this apple salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dressing and chop the ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to combine everything just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.

2. What can I substitute for sour cream?

Greek yogurt works as a great substitute for sour cream if you want a tangier flavor and a lighter option.

3. Can I use other types of apples?

Yes! You can use any apple variety you prefer, such as Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Pink Lady, depending on your taste preference.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients used in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just make sure to double-check the labels on any processed ingredients.

5. Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes, substitute the sour cream and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives, such as vegan sour cream and mayo, to make it completely vegan.

6. How do I keep the apples from turning brown?

To prevent the apples from browning, toss them with a little lemon juice after dicing, which will help preserve their color.

7. How long does the salad last in the fridge?

The salad can last up to 1 day in the fridge. However, the lettuce will wilt over time, so it's best to serve it immediately or store it without the lettuce.

8. Can I add cheese to this salad?

Yes, you can add crumbled feta cheese, goat cheese, or even shredded cheddar for an added savory element.

9. Can I make this salad without celery?

Yes, if you don’t like celery, you can omit it from the recipe. The salad will still be delicious without it.

10. What should I serve with this apple salad?

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, such as chicken or steak, or can be served as a light side dish with your favorite entrée.

Conclusion

Ruby Tuesday’s apple salad is a refreshing and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its mix of crisp apples, creamy dressing, and crunchy nuts, it's a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to satisfy. Whether you enjoy it as a light lunch, a side dish, or even as a light dinner, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation. Try it out today, and enjoy the deliciousness of this classic restaurant favorite at home!

Print

Ruby Tuesday Apple Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A refreshing and easy-to-make apple salad with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors. This copycat recipe from Ruby Tuesday features crisp apples, crunchy pecans, and tangy cranberries, all tossed in a creamy dressing.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

½ cup sour cream

½ cup mayonnaise

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 ½ teaspoons lemon juice

1 Granny Smith apple

1 gala or Fuji apple

½ cup dried cranberries

⅓ cup pecans

¼ cup celery

Butterhead lettuce leaves for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, sugar, and lemon juice. Cover and refrigerate until the salad is ready to be assembled.
2. Rinse and dice the celery and set aside.
3. Chop the pecans into smaller pieces and set aside.
4. Rinse and dice the Granny Smith apple, then set aside.
5. Rinse and dice the Fuji or Gala apple, and set aside.
6. In a large salad bowl, combine all the prepared ingredients (apples, celery, cranberries, and pecans).
7. Remove the dressing from the fridge and pour it over the salad ingredients.
8. Toss everything together gently until the dressing evenly coats the salad.
9. Serve the salad on a bed of butterhead lettuce leaves for an extra touch of freshness.

Notes

• For a heartier version, add grilled chicken or turkey breast.
• Swap out the pecans for walnuts or sliced almonds for a different nutty flavor.
• Try adding diced pears or grapes for additional sweetness and variety.
• For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream or mayonnaise.
• To keep the apples from browning, toss them with a little lemon juice after dicing.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 10mg