Your pasta water should be as salty as the ocean. Yes, really. I’d recommend at least 2 tablespoons of Kosher salt and honestly I probably add closer to a 1/4 cup. Add it to the water after it comes to a boil, and just before adding the pasta. If all you have is regular table salt, try 1-3 tablespoons instead. Salting your pasta water is your first chance to season the pasta itself. And you will be surprised at what a difference it makes in the overall flavor of the pasta.

Cook the pasta just until al dente. Set your timer for 1 minute less than the recommended cooking time. So if your pasta should boil for 9-11 minutes, set your timer for 8 minutes and start testing the pasta then. Once it’s just al dente – tender but still has a bit of a toothsome bite – take it off the heat and strain it.

Toss the cooked pasta immediately in olive oil and add a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Then allow it to cool to room temp before assembling the salad. If you’re in a hurry, stick the pasta in the fridge for a few minutes to cool it down more quickly.

The dressing will thicken as it sits on the peanut pasta salad, so I recommend waiting to add the dressing until you’re ready to eat. If you end up with leftovers that are already dressed, you can add a splash of lime juice or soy sauce to loosen up the sauce and make it smooth and creamy again.