Crunchy celery, creamy dates, toasty nuts and sharp cheese add up to a salad that’s anything but staid.

For Ina Garten, the key to a great, well-balanced pasta salad isn't what you mix in, but how much pasta you use.

Before indulging in a plate full of Christmas ham and beef, fluffy dinner rolls and potatoes, and sugar-glazed carrots, get ...