This easy and delicious pasta salad features an interchangeable array of ingredients which you may have on hand.
If not, it is worth the trip to the grocery store for what you need.
We had this salad when we were rushing around in the hot summer time, making this in the morning to eat that night insured us of an evening meal that would be cool, refreshing, light and delicious. We would store it in a Tupperware container with tight-fitting lid. 
I remember the teal color of the bottom on the container and the opaque lid which we were instructed to ‘burp’ once filled with food. I can still see this container sitting on the top shelf of the refrigerator right next to a glass jar of orange juice and a waxed paper carton of milk.  The contents of a 1970’s refrigerator held my fascination! 
The basic recipe is simple. What makes it nice are the variety of things you can add depending on what you have available or if you want this as a side dish or a meal.
Using the pasta shape you prefer, boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Make enough pasta to serve 8.  
Remove to a colander and drain well. 
After the pasta has cooled, place it into a large mixing bowl and add 1 cup of mayonnaise, I cup of chopped artichoke hearts, 1 tbs of capers, 1/4 tsp of black pepper and salt to taste.  Mix well.  
This is best when refrigerated overnight or for 5 hours while you are at work.
Savory Add ins:
1 cup of cooked, chilled shrimp
1 chopped bell pepper
As a complete meal add:
1 cup cooked, shredded chicken 
2 chopped boiled eggs
2 cans of Albacore tuna
1/2 cup of any sort of relish.
Serve with old fashioned melba toast or with water crackers.
It is wonderful to have a meal like this waiting when you return home from a long day.  It is equally wonderful to plan to serve this salad as a light summer meal. 
It is beautiful served in antique blue and white soup bowls with a white linen napkin and heirloom silver flatware.  
A fresh-cut lemon wedge and sprinkled garden herbs makes a meal to remember.  
Iced tea with a sprig of mint from the garden or a glass of lemonade with a stem of rosemary are perfect accompaniments. 
Something this simple and uncomplicated is authentic and special.
I think we can all use a little more ease in our lives. Save recipe for the summer.
You will glad you di.!