1. Roasted vegetables

    A drizzle over vegetables straight from the oven.

  2. Grain bowls

    Rice or quinoa, whatever's in the fridge, and a splash.

  3. Make your own

    Three parts oil, one part vinegar, salt and mustard.

Italian pasta salad

Recipe · Made with salad dressing

Italian pasta salad

Serves 625 minutes, plus chillingEasy

Method

  1. 1Cook the pasta in well-salted water until just tender. Rinse under cold water and drain well.
  2. 2Toss the pasta with the tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, salami and mozzarella.
  3. 3Pour over the dressing, toss again and season with salt and pepper.
  4. 4Chill for at least 30 minutes. Before serving, add a splash more dressing and tear over the basil.

  • Oil first

    In a vinaigrette, a good oil near the top of the ingredients usually means better flavor.

  • Fridge or shelf

    Refrigerated dressings tend to taste fresher. Shelf-stable ones are handy for the pantry.

  • Sugar

    Some bottled dressings are sweeter than you'd expect. A quick look at the label tells you.