What country did cold pasta salad originate in?

It's impossible to pinpoint the exact origin of cold pasta salad. It's a dish that likely evolved independently in various cultures across the globe. Here's why:

* Pasta itself originated in Italy, but cold pasta dishes weren't as common historically as hot pasta dishes.

* Salads with cold ingredients have existed for centuries in many cultures. Think Greek salads, potato salads, or Asian noodle salads.

* The modern concept of cold pasta salad as a "mixed salad" with various ingredients likely emerged in the 20th century. This could have happened in different regions independently, influenced by the popularity of cold salads and the widespread availability of pasta.

Therefore, it's more accurate to say that cold pasta salad is a globally popular dish with roots in various culinary traditions. It's a testament to the adaptability of pasta and the human tendency to combine different flavors and textures in creative ways.