Macaroni & Ham Salad

A make-ahead salad good for those warm summer nights.

2 teaspoons salt
2 quarts boiling water
1 cup elbow macaroni
1 cup diced cooked ham
1/2 cup diced cheddar cheese
1/2 cup thinly-sliced celery
1/4 cup grated carrot
1 teaspoon grated onion
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup canned tomato sauce
1 tablespoon vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon dry mustard
Crisp lettuce leaves

Bring the water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add the 2 teaspoons of salt, then gradually add the elbow macaroni. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender, about ten minutes.

Drain, then mix in a bowl with the ham, cheddar cheese, celery and carrot. In a small bowl, put the onion, mayonnaise, tomato sauce, vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and dry mustard. Whisk mixture smooth, then pour over the macaroni. Mix well, and chill thoroughly before serving over the lettuce. Serves four.