Perfect for an outdoor party or picnic, pasta salad is a versatile summer side dish. But we've all had less-than-spectacular renditions: if not well-made, they can be rubbery, starchy or bland. My formula for a lighter, fresher, more salad-like salad includes a high proportion of vegetables, so the dish isn't all about the pasta. You can customize your recipe with whatever vegetables are freshest, along with cheese, herbs, and a bright vinaigrette that packs a lot of flavor.