Pasta Salads

Versatile and easy to make, pasta salads are now recognized as part of the cook's repertoire. The range of possibilities for pasta salads extends from simple side salads with dressings and vegetables to more substantial salads made with fish or meat. Alternatively, a selection of different pasta salads can be served as an accompaniment to various salamis and cold meats. Eggless pasta works best as it holds its shape well after cooking; short pasta such as macaroni, rigatoni and lumache, or thin ones like linguine, are ideal shapes for distributing the dressing. The texture of the pasta used in a salad is important too; take care not to overcook it and always rinse it after cooking to wash away the starch. The ingredients and dressing should be tossed while the pasta is still warm so that it absorbs the flavorings.