Our Classic Ham Salad recipe combines the rich, smoky flavor of ham with a touch of sweetness from relish. This easy-to-make dish is a perfect way to repurpose leftover ham, serving as a delicious spread for sandwiches or a tasty topping for a fresh lettuce cup.
– 1 pound ham, cubed (1-½ to 2 cups) – 2 large hard boiled eggs, chopped – ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese – ½ cup mayonnaise – ¼ cup sweet pickle relish – 2 to 3 green onions – 2 tablespoons minced celery – 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard – 1 tablespoon lemon juice – dash of Tabasco, optional – ¼ teaspoon black pepper
We used a food processor to mince the ham but you can use a sharp knife. If you chop it into really fine chunks then it turns into a spread (similar to tuna salad or egg salad). However, this recipe also works great if you chop the ham into large cubes.
Hard-boiled eggs add a creamy, soft texture that contrasts nicely with the firmer texture of the chopped ham. I toss it into the food processor with the ham and blend it right in. You can use less mayo if you use hard-boiled eggs because they also act as a binder.
Toss the chopped ham into a bowl along with all the other ingredients then give it a stir. I like to start with a bit less mayo than the recipe calls for and then add more if it looks like it needs it. Check out the recipe notes for additional add-ins. Cheddar cheese is my favorite but I also like to add in a bit of chopped dill pickle.
here are some flavor variations – Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños, extra Tabasco, or Sriracha for a spicy twist. – Cheese Variation: Swap cheddar with Swiss or Gouda for a different flavor – Dill Pickle Twist: Add 1/3 cup chopped dill pickles and 1 tablespoon of dill pickle juice to the original recipe.
You can use this ham salad as: – A spread for sandwiches – Add a dollop to lettuce cups. – Toss it into pasta salad – A dip for chips. – A spread for crackers. – It makes a great appetizer for New Years Eve celebrations.
This Ham Salad recipe is a fantastic way to use leftover holiday ham. It’s a versatile recipe and you can use it as a dip, sandwich spread, or salad topping. Give it a try and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures!
If you try this recipe, be sure to leave a review on the blog!