First, don't overcook your pasta. Nobody wants mushy pasta in their salad! So make sure to cook it al dente, which means it's firm to the bite. Then, rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. Second, don't be shy with the dressing! You don't want a dry and bland salad, so make sure to add enough dressing to coat all the ingredients. But don't overdo it and make it soupy, either. Third, choose the right pasta shape. Some shapes work better than others for pasta salad. You want a shape that will hold up well and not get lost in the mix. So think rice-shaped orzo, penne, fusilli, rotini, or any other short shape that can hold onto dressing and other ingredients. Fourth, add plenty of flavor. Pasta salad can be pretty plain if you don't season it properly. So be sure to add enough salt and pepper, as well as some fresh herbs, spices, or even a bit of crumbled vegan feta cheese to give it a little extra oomph. And finally, be patient and let it chill! Pasta salad needs to chill for at least an hour before serving so the flavors can meld together and the dressing can soak into the pasta. Don't rush it, just pop it in the fridge and let it work its magic.