Overdressing or Underdressing the salad - You want all of the ingredients to be coated but not overly dressed. 2. Overcooking the Pasta - It's best to cook the pasta to al dente, because if the pasta is overcooked then it will get soggy and too soft. 3. Not using a Variety of Textures - You want the salad to have some crunchy ingredients, some crispy ingredients, and some soft, creamy ingredients.