Perfect classic ham salad for using leftover ham! This is a really easy recipe that can be quickly completed with just a few ingredients. Simple yet delicious ham salad can be enjoyed as a sandwich or it pairs well with crackers too. Whenever I make this ham salad, I always pack it for lunch!
How To Make Ham Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups fully cooked ham, roughly diced (leftover or get honey-roasted ham from a shop for a sweeter flavor)
- 1 cup celery, roughly chopped (for a delicious crunch)
- 1/2 cup onion, roughly diced
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Optional Add-Ins
- 3 tablespoons sweet relish
- 1 teaspoons mustard or dijon
- ½ cup dill, chopped
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
1. Place the ham, onion, and celery separately in a food processor and pulse a few times until they are finely minced, but not pureed!
2. Transfer the finely minced ham mixture to a mixing bowl. Add all the remaining ingredients (mayonnaise, sweet relish, mustard, dill, salt, and pepper) to the bowl and mix well until fully combined.
Note: Please refrain from using excessive mayonnaise unless you’re aiming for a runnier salad like mine. I can’t fathom why I chose to squeeze out my entire mayonnaise tube! I felt utterly disappointed, but I’ve granted myself forgiveness, recognizing I’m no gourmet chef—just a learner embracing lessons from mishaps!
3. Serve the ham salad with crackers, as a sandwich, or store it in the fridge until ready to serve.
Equipment
Ham Salad Variations
Ham and Cheese Delight
Take your ham salad to the next level with a cheesy twist!
- Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese to the ham salad mixture for an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.
- Mix in 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce and a dash of hot sauce for a tangy kick.
- Serve this variation on whole grain bread for a hearty sandwich.
Mediterranean Ham Salad
How about a trip to the Mediterranean? Swap out the mayo for creamy Greek yogurt, and let the magic begin.
- Replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped Kalamata olives, 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese, and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh oregano for Mediterranean flair.
- Include diced cucumber and cherry tomatoes for a refreshing twist.
Ham and Apple Crunch
Calling all crunchy munchers and flavor fanatics!
- Mix in 1 cup of diced crisp apples (such as Granny Smith) to add sweetness and crunch.
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped toasted walnuts for nutty richness and texture.
- Drizzle with a honey Dijon dressing for a well-balanced sweet and tangy flavor.
Ranch Ham Salad
- Replace the mayonnaise with ranch dressing for a tangy and creamy taste.
- Mix in 1/2 cup of diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley, and 1 teaspoon of dried dill for a refreshing herbaceous twist.
- Serve as a wrap in a tortilla with lettuce and tomato.
Ham and Avocado Bliss
Your ham salad is about to get a velvety makeover with the addition of creamy diced avocados.
- Add 1 diced avocado to the ham salad mixture for a creamy and buttery element.
- Mix in 1 tablespoon of lime juice and 1 teaspoon of ground cumin for a zesty Southwestern flavor.
- Serve in lettuce cups for a low-carb option.
Spicy Ham Salad
Heat seekers, this one’s for you!
- Add 1/4 cup of diced jalapeños or green chilies for a spicy kick.
- Mix in 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and a squeeze of lime juice for bold flavors.
- Top with crushed tortilla chips for added crunch and serve as a dip.
Ham and Cranberry Delight
Get ready to jingle your taste bells with this festive twist!
- Mix in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries for a sweet and tart contrast.
- Add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh sage and a pinch of nutmeg for a festive holiday twist.
- Serve on toasted bread or as a festive appetizer with crackers.
Feel free to get creative and customize these variations to your taste. Ham salad is versatile, and you can experiment with different ingredients to create a variety of delicious combinations!
Frequently Asked Questions
Store ham salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below for up to 3-4 days, avoiding freezing due to potential texture changes.
It’s not recommended to freeze ham salad as the mayonnaise and other creamy components can lead to texture changes and separation when thawed.
Certainly! In fact, ham salad often tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld. Prepare it a few hours or up to a day in advance, allowing it to chill in the refrigerator for optimal taste.
You can create a delicious vegetarian version using ingredients like chickpeas, tofu, or tempeh as the base. Combine these with your favorite vegetables, herbs, and a tasty dressing for a satisfying alternative.
Ham Salad
Ingredients
- 3 cups fully cooked ham roughly diced (leftover or get honey-roasted ham from a shop for a sweeter flavor)
- 1 cup celery roughly chopped (for a delicious crunch)
- 1/2 cup onion roughly diced
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins
- 3 tbsp sweet relish
- 1 tsp mustard or dijon
- 1/2 cup dill choppped
- 1 green onion thinly sliced
Instructions
- Place the ham, onion, and celery separately in a food processor and pulse a few times until they are finely minced, but not pureed!
- Transfer the finely minced ham mixture to a mixing bowl. Add all the remaining ingredients (mayonnaise, sweet relish, mustard, dill, salt, and pepper) to the bowl and mix well until fully combined.Note: Please refrain from using excessive mayonnaise unless you're aiming for a runnier salad like mine. I can't fathom why I chose to squeeze out my entire mayonnaise tube! I felt utterly disappointed, but I've granted myself forgiveness, recognizing I'm no gourmet chef—just a learner embracing lessons from mishaps!
- Serve the ham salad with crackers, as a sandwich, or store it in the fridge until ready to serve.
