Ham and Cheese Pasta Salad

1 cup dry elbow macaroni

¼ cup light mayonnaise

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

¼ teaspoon onion powder

teaspoon ground black pepper, or more to taste

½ cup finely chopped cooked ham

½ pint grape tomatoes, cut in half

1 large celery stalk, finely chopped

½ cup finely shredded cheddar cheese

Lettuce leaves for serving, if desired

Cook pasta according to package directions. Rinse with cold water and drain well; set aside.

Meanwhile, combine the remaining ingredients (except the lettuce leaves) in a medium bowl. Add drained pasta to the cheese mixture and stir well. Serve immediately over lettuce leaves, if desired.

Serves two as an entree, four as a side dish.

Nutrition values per side-dish serving: 232 calories, 11 g fat (4 g saturated), 22 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 10 g protein, 28 mg cholesterol, 472 mg sodium.