Description

Creating a pasta salad for your boyfriend’s lunches is a fantastic idea! It’s not only delicious but also customizable and can be packed with flavors and textures that keep well, making it a perfect side dish for lunches throughout the week. Here’s how to whip up a hearty and flavorful pasta salad that’s sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

Garden Rotini: For a colorful and fun base.
Regular Rotini: Adds texture and holds onto the dressing well.
Colby Block Cheese & Sharp Cheddar Block Cheese: Cut into cubes for bites of cheesy goodness.
Italian Style Shredded Cheese: For an extra layer of cheesy flavor.
Pepperoni & Salami: Sliced or cubed for a hit of spicy, savory taste.
Diced Ham: Adds a sweet and salty flavor.
Bacon Bits: For a smoky crunch.
Green Pepper & Red Pepper: Diced for a crisp, fresh contrast.
Red Onion: Finely chopped for a sharp bite.
Bottle of Italian Dressing: For dressing the salad.
Packet of Italian Dressing Mix: To amplify the flavors.
Pepper: To taste, for a bit of spice.
Banana Peppers: Optional, for a tangy kick if you can get the jar open!

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the garden and regular rotini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool down the pasta. This ensures your pasta salad isn’t too soft and has a nice bite.
Prepare the Ingredients: While the pasta cooks, dice the Colby and sharp cheddar cheeses into small cubes, slice the pepperoni and salami (if not pre-sliced), and chop the ham, green peppers, red peppers, and red onion. If you manage to open the jar, slice the banana peppers into rings.
Mix the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the diced cheeses, pepperoni, salami, ham, bacon bits, green peppers, red peppers, and red onion. If using, add the banana peppers. Toss everything together until well mixed.
Dress the Salad: Pour the Italian dressing over the salad, according to your preference for how moist you’d like the salad to be. Sprinkle the Italian dressing mix over the salad and add pepper to taste. Toss the salad again to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing and seasoning.
Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Garnish Before Serving: Right before packing the salad for lunch, give it a good mix and sprinkle some Italian style shredded cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish.

Notes

Tips for the Perfect Pasta Salad:

Pasta Choice: Using two types of rotini adds visual appeal and texture, but feel free to use any pasta you prefer.
Cheese Variety: The combination of Colby, sharp cheddar, and Italian shredded cheese adds depth. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses based on taste preference.
Make-Ahead: Pasta salad tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to blend, making it perfect for meal prep.
Customize: The beauty of pasta salad is its versatility. Feel free to add or substitute ingredients based on what’s available or to suit dietary preferences.

This pasta salad is not only a delicious side for your boyfriend’s lunches but also a versatile dish you can enjoy at home. It’s packed with a variety of flavors and textures that make every bite interesting and satisfying. Enjoy the process of making it and the pleasure of tasting it!