How to Cook Pasta for Pasta Salad
Servings: 6 cups
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta of choice
- 1 tablespoon fine sea salt
- 8 cups water
- 1-2 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
Remaining Pasta Salad Ingredients
- dressing
- vegetables
- meat
- herbs
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.*It is important to use well salted water in order to season the pasta. This is the best opportunity for seasoning the pasta.
- Once the water is boiling, add the pasta to the pot. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches a soft texture, but still has a slight firmness to it. Aim for about 2-3 minutes past al dente as the pasta will firm up a bit when cooled.
- When the pasta is cooked to the desired doneness, carefully drain it into a colander to remove excess water.
- If the pasta you are using directs you to rinse the pasta, give it a quick rinse under cold water.
- Transfer the drained pasta to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Toss with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil and spread the pasta out into an even layer to allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. This helps prevent the pasta from clumping together.
- After 5 minutes, while the pasta is still warm, add it to a large mixing bowl along with ¼ of the salad dressing and toss to combine. The pasta will absorb the dressing best while it is still warm, which yields an extra flavorful salad.
- Once the pasta has cooled the rest of the way, about 10-15 minutes, add your remaining salad ingredients, such as vegetables, proteins, herbs, and dressing (reserve about ¼), and toss everything together until well combined.
- For best flavor, chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Toss with the reserved dressing and serve.
Notes
Make Ahead
- Undressed Pasta. Cook the pasta according to the above directions up to and including the step of tossing with olive oil and spreading on a baking sheet. Allow to cool completely. Transfer the cooled pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When ready, add the remaining ingredients and toss to combine.
- Dressed Pasta. Cook the pasta according to the above directions up to and including the step of adding ¼ cup of dressing. Transfer the dressed pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 1 day. Then, when ready, add the remaining ingredients and toss to combine.
