I also always have some long pasta in my pantry — most of the time, it's bucatini, but it might be spaghetti or long fusilli ... Using a fork (you can totally use the tongs or a wooden spoon ...

Short pasta like fusilli works best for pasta salads because all the little folds and pockets work to trap the dressing, herbs and all the smaller ingredients. Bring a large saucepan of salted ...