– 1½ tablespoon salt, (or more, to taste), divided – ½ pound macaroni, (or similar short pasta) [0.23 kg] – 1 large carrot, diced and boiled – 1 bell pepper, diced into small cubes – 1 medium red onion, minced – ½ cup sweet peas, (from a can, see notes) – 1 cup sweet corn, (from a can, see notes) – ½ pound york ham, [0.23 kg] diced into small cubes (optional, see notes)
Heat ½ galon [2 liters] of water over medium-high heat in a large pot till it reaches a rolling boil, add a tablespoon of salt. Cook the pasta in the salted water a minute longer than instructed in the package, so you get pasta that is slightly softer than al-dente. Stir regularly to prevent it from sticking. Drain water, and let the pasta cool to room temperature.