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Home » Cuisines » American » Old Fashioned Ham Salad

Old Fashioned Ham Salad

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When it comes to quick, satisfying meals, few things hit the spot like a well-made ham salad. This recipe, with its perfect blend of flavors and textures, promises to be a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re hosting a lunch, looking for a simple dinner option, or needing a dish for a potluck.

A ham salad sandwich on white bread.

This is one of those old fashioned recipes that my grandpa would make. I’m not sure why he called it a salad but it is made the same way as a tuna salad or egg salad. Let’s dive into why this Ham Salad recipe is a must-try!

Here is Why This Ham Salad Recipe Works

  • Easy to Make: This is a fast and easy recipe. I used a food processor to mince the ham but you can use a sharp chefs knife to chop it finely.
  • Flavorful Balance: The combination of savory ham, creamy cheese, and tangy pickle relish creates a delightful balance of flavors.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Whether it’s in a sandwich, over crackers, or in lettuce cups, this ham salad adapts to your serving needs.
  • Customizable: Easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

If you like this recipe, try our turkey salad.

Ingredients for our Creamy Ham Salad Spread

Here is a grocery list of the ingredients you will need for this easy ham salad recipe. Scroll down to the printable recipe card for all the details.

  • Meat: Leftover Ham
  • Produce: Green onions (scallions), Celery, lemon. 
  • Pantry: Shredded cheddar cheese, Black pepper
  • Condiments: Mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Sweet pickle relish, Tabasco (optional)
  • Other: Hard-boiled eggs
Ingredients used to make a ham minced salad.

You can use ham from the deli or our leftover smoked ham. We also have a bourbon glazed ham and a simple spiral ham that make fantastic leftovers.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Mayonnaise: You can swap yogurt or sour cream for the mayo to make a lower fat salad spread. 
  • Sweet Pickle Relish: Try chopped dill pickles for a less sweet version.
  • Dijon Mustard: Regular mustard or honey mustard can be used as substitutes.

How to Make this Old Fashioned Salad with Leftover Ham

Here is a brief overview to get an idea of what to expect with this creamy ham salad. Scroll down to the printable recipe card for all the details.

Ham and hard-boiled eggs in a food processor.
  1. Pulse ham and eggs in a food processor until finely chopped.
  2. Transfer to a bowl and mix in the remaining ingredients.
  3. Adjust mayo to taste and serve as desired.
Minced ham in a food processor.
Combining the ingredients for a minced ham salad.

Ham Salad Variations

When it comes to this versatile Ham Salad, the options are endless, whether you’re enjoying it as a standalone salad, a hearty salad sandwich, or finding a delicious way to use up those ham leftovers. Here are some delightful variations to elevate your lunch.

  • 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.
  • Herb Infused: Mix in fresh herbs like parsley or dill for added freshness.
  • Dill Pickle Twist: Add 1/3 cup chopped dill pickles and 1 tablespoon of dill pickle juice to the original recipe.

Tips for Success

Incorporating this Ham Salad recipe into your meal plan? Here are a few tips to ensure success:

  • Avoid over-processing the ham to prevent it from turning into a paste.
  • Adjust the seasoning to taste, especially since the ham brings its own saltiness.
  • Serve it chilled.
A bowl of minced ham salad with crackers on the side.

Serving Suggestions

One of the joys of this old fashioned Ham Salad recipe is its incredible versatility, making it a perfect addition to a wide range of recipes. Not only is it great for sandwiches, but it’s also versatile in other dishes.

I like to incorporate it into a pasta salad for a hearty and flavorful meal. It is particularly great for picnics, potlucks, or as a hearty lunch option.

For a lighter meal serve the ham salad in salad cups. These can be made from lettuce, endives, or even hollowed-out cucumbers for a fun and nutritious twist.

Some more ways to use up leftover ham are our ham and cheese strata, ham and red beans, and our ham and turkey pinwheels.

A ham salad sandwich next to a bowl of soup.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Ham Salad?

We don’t recommend freezing this ham salad since it has mayo in it and the texture will change when it thaws. 

How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use low-fat mayo or swap the mayo for greek yogurt. You can also add more veggies like diced bell peppers. 

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!

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A ham salad sandwich on white bread with lettuce.

Creamy Ham Salad

Our Old Fashioned Ham Salad blends savory, smokey ham with a hint of sweetness from relish. This recipe effortlessly transforms your leftover ham to use as a sandwich spread or to serve over a bed of lettuce. 
5 from 19 votes
Print Pin Save
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 198kcal
Author: Dahn Boquist

Ingredients

  • 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 scallions, minced
  • 2 tablespoons minced celery
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • dash of Tabasco optional
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • Place the cubed ham and the eggs in a food processor. Pulse several times until it is finely chopped. Don't let it process too long, or it will become a paste. 
  • Transfer the ham mixture to a large bowl and add the rest of the ingredients. Taste and add additional mayo if desired. See the notes for extra add-ins.
  • Serve with lettuce cups or in a sandwich or topped on crackers. 

Notes

  • Since ham is already fairly salty, this recipe doesn’t call for additional salt but feel free to add it if desired. 

Optional Add-ins

  • Add diced jalapeños or Sriracha for a spicy twist.
  •  Swap cheddar with Swiss or Gouda.
  • Mix in fresh herbs like parsley or dill for added freshness.
  • Add 1/3 cup chopped dill pickles and 1 tablespoon of dill pickle juice to the original.
  • Diced red onion or shallots for extra crunch. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1/4 cup | Calories: 198kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 79mg | Sodium: 661mg | Sugar: 3g

Dahn Boquist

Dahn is a retired nurse, recipe creator, home cook, baker, and self-proclaimed foodie. She loves creating in the kitchen and cooking for family and friends. She lives in Washington State with her husband and dog. When she isn't cooking or baking, you can usually find her spending time with her grandchildren or exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

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Recipe Rating




Cicka

Friday 5th of April 2024

Ovo je bolje od sladoleda a verujem da se isto tako može jesti kao što se i sladoled jede pogotovu kada je salata dobro rashladjena . Ništa ja tu ne bih ni dodala ni oduzela . Možda bih dodala seckane na kockice i skuvane pa oceđene i ohladjene krompire ako ima na primer više gostiju na ručku . Te "staromodne " salate i sve što je "staromodno " je i najbolje .

Dahn Boquist

Friday 5th of April 2024

Thank you Clicka!!

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