This classic recipe for Ham Salad is here to stay and soon become one of your favorite ways to use leftover ham after the holidays.
This Classic Homemade Ham Salad is here to stay.
Ham salad is a dish made by combining diced or ground ham, mayonnaise, and various other ingredients such as mustard, pickles, onions, and celery. It is often used as a spread for sandwiches or as a dip for crackers or vegetables. The specific ingredients and ratios may vary depending on the recipe or personal preference.
In this article, you will learn how to make this simple yet delicious ham salad in less than 10 minutes, using ingredients from your pantry.
This recipe is one of the most popular and traditional recipes in the southern part of the US and is part of the family of salads made with mayo. If you enjoy egg salad, tuna salad, or chicken salad, this recipe will become one of your favorites in no time.
Any ham salad recipe will use cooked or canned ham that has been cubed, minced, or ground. Technically speaking, if you ground the ham and mix it with the rest of the ingredients, the texture will be more like a spread than a salad.
For this reason, I used the food processor to chop the ham, but I left some bigger pieces, as I like more texture and body in this salad.
Some other names for this ham salad:
Ham salad is popular in the Upper Midwest and Southeastern regions of the United States, which have long histories of pork and ham production.
While researching the recipe, I discovered different names for it. Amish ham salad, Classic Ham Salad, or Ham and Egg Salad use the same basic ingredients, like ham, mayo, celery, and onions. However, some replace the mayo with cream cheese or use herbs and spices to elevate the taste.
It may also be referred to as “ham spread” or “ham salad spread” in some regions.
What are the main ingredients in this ham salad?
Are you wondering if you have to go shopping for the ingredients? Here is a list of items you will need for the recipe.
For specific amounts, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the article.
- Cooked Ham
- Eggs
- Green Celery
- Red Onion or Green Onion
- Pickles or sweet pickle relish
- Mayonnaise
- Mustard
How to make this easy ham salad?
Step 1. Prepare the ingredients.
Boil the eggs, chop the ham, and dice celery, onions, and pickles. Squeeze the pickles to remove as much juice as possible so you don’t end up with a watery salad.
Step 2. Make the dressing.
Grab a small bowl and combine mayo and mustard, mixing until blended.
Step 3. Assemble the salad.
Mix ham, eggs, celery, onion, and pickles in a larger bowl. Pour the mayo dressing over the mixture and mix to combine.
Step 4. Serve it or hide it and eat it all by yourself. :- )
Yes, it is so good that you will want to keep it all for yourself. However, you can serve it in multiple ways.
a. In a sandwich, with some lettuce and fresh tomatoes, maybe some crumbled cooked bacon.
b. As an appetizer, served chilled on bread, crackers, pita/tortilla chips or lettuce leaves.
c. By itself, with a light salad next to it, for lunch or dinner.
Questions from readers:
This salad lasts in the fridge for up to 5 days if you store it in an airtight container. The best way to serve it is chilled. Leftovers sitting on the table for multiple hours (during a party, for example) must be tossed.
It is not recommended to freeze ham salad as the texture and taste may be affected after thawing. Freezing can cause the mayonnaise and other ingredients to separate and the texture to become mushy. It is best to store ham salad in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
You are right. There is no salt because the ham and mayo are both salty. Therefore, there is no need to add extra salt to it. However, as with any recipe, adjust the salt according to your taste.
This ham salad is considered special because it is a versatile and easy to make dish that can be enjoyed year round. It is often served at picnics, parties, and family gatherings. Additionally, it is a traditional dish that has been passed down through many generations.
More recipes to love:
Check out the web story for this salad: How To Make The Best Ham Salad
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Ham Salad Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 16 ounces cooked ham finely diced or ground
- 2 hard-boiled eggs chopped
- 2 celery ribs finely diced
- 1 medium red onion finely diced
- ⅔ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup pickles finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon mustard
Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the ingredients.
- Boil the eggs, chop the ham, and dice the celery, onions, and pickles. Squeeze the pickles to remove as much juice as possible so you don't end up with a watery salad.
Make the dressing.
- Combine mayo and mustard in a small bowl and mix until well blended.
Assemble the salad.
- In a larger bowl, mix ham, eggs, celery, onion, and pickles.
- Pour the mayo dressing over the ham mixture and mix to combine.
Serve.
- Serve it on bread or crackers, as a lunch sandwich, or as an appetizer.
Notes
- Hot sauce (1 teaspoon or according to your taste)
- Replace mayo with cream cheese (8 ounces)
- Replace red onions with green onions
- Add cayenne pepper or paprika
Nutrition