This easy and flavorful Ham Salad is the perfect way to use up leftover ham, turning it into a delicious lunch, snack, or picnic dish. Whether served in a sandwich, with crackers, or as a party appetizer, this spreadable treat is sure to be a hit!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

16 ounces cooked ham, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup dill relish (or minced dill pickles)
2 tablespoons minced onion
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Bread or crackers, for serving

Directions

To a food processor fitted with the blade attachment, add the ham and pulse until finely chopped (similar to the texture of bacon bits). Alternatively, finely chop the ham by hand.
In a large bowl, combine the ground ham, mayonnaise, relish, and onion. Stir to combine.
Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste.
Cover and chill the ham salad until ready to serve.
Serve with bread for sandwiches or with crackers.

Nutrients (per ½ cup serving)

Calories: 280 kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g
Monounsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0.03g
Cholesterol: 89mg
Sodium: 1565mg
Potassium: 341mg
Fiber: 0.3g
Sugar: 0.3g
Vitamin A: 35 IU
Vitamin C: 27 mg
Calcium: 10 mg
Iron: 1 mg

Why Ham Salad Is Perfect for Leftovers

One of the best things about Ham Salad is its ability to make the most of leftover ham. After a big holiday meal or a Sunday roast, there’s often a good amount of ham left over, and while it’s delicious on its own, it can be hard to find new ways to enjoy it. That’s where Ham Salad comes in. By chopping up the leftover ham and combining it with a few simple ingredients like mayonnaise, dill relish, and onions, you can create a fresh and exciting dish that doesn’t feel like just leftovers.

This dish is not only a great way to use up extra ham but also a time-saver. It’s quick to prepare, taking just minutes to combine everything in a food processor or by hand. The simplicity of the recipe makes it an excellent option for busy days when you need a meal or snack ready in a flash. Whether you’re packing a quick lunch, looking for a snack, or preparing something special for a gathering, Ham Salad provides a great solution.

The Key Ingredients in Ham Salad

The main ingredient in Ham Salad is, of course, the ham itself. For the best flavor and texture, use leftover cooked ham that has been coarsely chopped. This ham should have a slightly smoky flavor and a tender texture that will complement the creamy and tangy elements of the salad. If you don’t have leftover ham, you can easily substitute store-bought deli ham or any other cooked ham that you have on hand.

The mayonnaise is the creamy base that binds the salad together, providing smoothness and richness to the mixture. Mayo also adds a mild flavor that pairs well with the savory ham, making the salad deliciously indulgent without being too heavy.

Dill relish or minced dill pickles adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that cuts through the richness of the mayo and complements the saltiness of the ham. This ingredient also provides texture, giving the salad a bit of crunch. The addition of minced onions brings an extra layer of flavor, providing a slight sharpness that balances the creaminess of the mayo and the tanginess of the relish. The onions and relish together enhance the overall complexity of the dish, making it more than just a simple ham spread.

Lastly, salt and freshly ground black pepper are essential for seasoning the salad to taste. These seasonings help bring out the flavors of the ham and the other ingredients, ensuring that every bite is well-seasoned and full of flavor.

Texture and Consistency of Ham Salad

One of the most appealing aspects of Ham Salad is its texture. When the ham is finely chopped (or pulsed in a food processor), it takes on a consistency similar to bacon bits—small, tender pieces that are easy to spread and eat. This finely chopped texture allows the salad to be easily spread on bread or crackers, making it a convenient dish for sandwiches or appetizers.

The creamy mayonnaise coats the finely chopped ham, binding everything together into a smooth and spreadable consistency. The dill relish and minced onion add small bits of texture, providing a bit of crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy base. This balance of creamy, crunchy, and savory textures makes Ham Salad both satisfying and interesting to eat.

How to Serve Ham Salad

Ham Salad is an incredibly versatile dish, and how you serve it can vary depending on the occasion and your personal preferences. One of the most common ways to enjoy Ham Salad is as a spread for sandwiches. Spread it generously on slices of bread, and you have a delicious and satisfying meal. You can choose any type of bread, but soft sandwich bread, croissants, or even whole grain bread work particularly well.

If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can serve Ham Salad on crackers. The crispness of the crackers complements the creamy texture of the salad, making it the perfect snack or appetizer for gatherings. The crackers also provide a slightly salty contrast to the creamy, savory spread.

For a more festive or party-friendly option, you can serve Ham Salad as part of a charcuterie board, alongside other spreads, cheeses, and meats. This makes for an easy and elegant appetizer that your guests will love. You can also stuff Ham Salad into small endive leaves or hollowed-out cucumbers for a fresh and light bite-sized treat.

Ham Salad for Meal Prep and Storage

One of the great things about Ham Salad is that it can be made ahead of time, making it a perfect meal prep option for busy days. Since the salad needs to be chilled before serving, preparing it a few hours ahead of time (or even the night before) allows the flavors to meld together and improves the overall taste. Simply store the Ham Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

Ham Salad is also a great make-ahead dish for picnics, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. It’s easy to transport and can be served cold or at room temperature, making it a convenient option for outdoor events or buffet-style meals. If you want to keep it cold while serving, you can place it on a serving tray with ice underneath, ensuring that it stays fresh for longer periods.

Customizing Ham Salad

While the classic version of Ham Salad is delicious on its own, it’s also highly customizable to suit different tastes. For example, you can add a little bit of mustard to the mix for an extra tang, or stir in some chopped celery for added crunch. If you prefer a sweeter Ham Salad, you can add a tablespoon of honey or a spoonful of sweet pickle relish.

For those who enjoy a bit of spice, you can incorporate finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to give the salad a little kick. You can also try different types of pickles—sweet, bread-and-butter, or even spicy varieties—to change the flavor profile.

If you’re looking for a healthier version, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a lighter mayo alternative. This will reduce the fat content while still maintaining the creamy texture of the salad.

Why Ham Salad is Perfect for Any Occasion

Ham Salad is the ultimate versatile dish, perfect for nearly any occasion. It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or last-minute meals. It also works wonderfully for casual gatherings, as it can be served in a variety of ways and is generally loved by everyone. Whether you’re having a family picnic, hosting a party, or simply looking for a quick and tasty lunch, Ham Salad fits the bill.

The dish’s balance of flavors and textures makes it suitable for both kids and adults. The creamy, tangy, and savory elements are mild enough for young palates, while the variety of flavors and the ability to customize the recipe appeal to adults. It’s a family-friendly dish that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love Ham Salad

In conclusion, Ham Salad is a simple, flavorful, and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you’re using up leftover ham or preparing it as a standalone dish, this spreadable treat is sure to satisfy your taste buds. The balance of creamy mayonnaise, tangy relish, and savory ham creates a perfect combination of flavors, and the easy-to-prepare nature of the recipe makes it a great option for busy weeknights or gatherings. Whether served on bread, crackers, or as part of a party spread, Ham Salad is sure to be a hit and will quickly become a go-to recipe in your meal rotation.

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