-Cooking the pasta "al dente" is usually about 1 minute less than the package directs. Taste the pasta before removing from the boiling water. It should be just a tiny bit firm. Not too soft, but not hard either. Do not rinse with cold water. Remove from water and set aside. It will continue to cook a bit while it cools down. Toss with a tablespoon of olive oil if desired. -This salad may be made two days before serving. -The salad may need to have more mayo added after sitting in the fridge for a day. The pasta will absorb the mayo and the salad may seem a bit dry. Add mayo, a tablespoon at a time, tossing well after each addition. -You may also add a tablespoon or two of milk to loosen up the salad a bit if you don't want to add more mayo. Be careful to not add too much milk or your salad will get runny and flavors in the salad will become diluted.-You may use light mayo if you'd like, but the result will not be the same. Light mayo or Miracle Whip will change the flavor of this salad.