I never do this and my pasta is fine.

I believe it helps stop it sticking together, but I always skip it and haven’t had real problems.

salt makes the water boil at a higher temperature. and you can make ice colder by adding salt ,especially useful when making homeade icecream

I’ve never given it a thought, I don’t do it and my pasta seems fine

Most recipes have salt added. Watch cooking shows and the judges, chefs always go on about seasoning. I used to add salt then boil the water. Then someone told me water takes longer to boil with salt, so now I boil it then add salt and pasta

I always thought it was because salted water boiled faster, but I’ve been told that’s wrong. It does help the pasta absorb some salt, and therefore some flavour.

I never add salt to the water. It is a step you absolutely can skip if you prefer not to use extra salt !

Salt water boils faster than non salted water. It only needs a small amount but doesn’t make a huge difference without it any way

I’ve always assumed flavour. I sometimes add a dash of oil to help or not stick together. I dont Usually add salt to pasta

I think it is for flavour , but technically the sauces have got enough salt and really not needed . Sometimes I add it and other times I don’t . Normally I just put in a pinch anyway as it is a habit . If there are concerns with diet , skip it altogether and add it at the dinner table if need be .

Suppose to help the pasta separate
I cook it without and never noticed a difference but my palate isn’t as refines as a chef who likes everything well ‘seasoned’ I’m happy to eat most things plain we consume enough salt in food without adding it

keeps the water boiling faster, I add a little oil too to stop the pasta from sticking together

I think adding salt to the pasta water is merely for seasoning/ flavouring. You can cook your pasta without salt if it worries you.

Gives it a nice flavour so you can eat it without sauce etc. Fresh & hot the best thing that’s how I love pasta

I hate using salt also but my MIL gave me some natural salt that is full of minerals so that is what I use…..I think it’s supposed to stop the pasta from sticking??? but I know it adds the flavour onto the pasta.

The pasta tastes nicer and I use lite salt.

I use a dash of olive oil and that seems to work for me as I don’t add salt to my food either

I don’t salt the water either. Never had an issue .

I do prefer a little bit of salt for taste; it does depend on how you cook your pasta and like your pasta. Some people prefer it with salt and some without; so it would appear a personal preference.

I’ve never salted the water, and no-one has ever said anything!