How to Make Cold Pasta Salad

* 1 pound pasta (such as rotini, penne, or macaroni)

* 1/2 cup mayonnaise

* 1/4 cup Dijon mustard

* 1/4 cup chopped red onion

* 1/4 cup chopped celery

* 1/4 cup chopped carrots

* 1/4 cup chopped cucumber

* 1/4 cup chopped tomato

* 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

* Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, red onion, celery, carrots, cucumber, tomato, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Add the cooked pasta to the bowl and stir to coat.

4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

Tips

* To make a vegetarian pasta salad, omit the bacon.

* To make a vegan pasta salad, omit the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard and use a vegan-friendly dressing instead.

* For a gluten-free pasta salad, use gluten-free pasta.

* This pasta salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.