Tert, for pasta salad, I always use an oil dressing, like Italian dressing,
especially for a potluck, so it can sit out for a few hours without going
bad.

I add radishes, celery, bell peppers, mild onion, zucchini...you can really
beef it up with veggies. Even mushrooms, although they tend to turn black
after a few hours. They aren't bad, just unattractive.

N.