Introduction
Ham Salad is a classic side dish or spread, perfect for lunches, picnics, or casual gatherings. This creamy, savory salad, featuring finely chopped ham and a tangy dressing, delivers a rich, satisfying flavor with a smooth, spreadable texture. Presented in a white ceramic bowl, optionally garnished with chopped parsley or served on lettuce leaves, this Ham Salad recipe offers a fresh, appetizing aesthetic that elevates any table. This recipe provides a traditional version with mayonnaise and relish, adaptable for dietary preferences, ideal for home cooks seeking a crowd-pleasing dish that brings comforting versatility to any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Ham Salad:
- 2 cups cooked ham, finely chopped (about 12 oz)
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 2 tbsp finely chopped red onion
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
For Serving:
- Optional: Chopped fresh parsley, lettuce leaves
- Suggested Accompaniments: Crackers, sandwich bread, cucumber slices
- Suggested Pairings: Iced tea, lemonade
- Suggested Aesthetic: Serve in a white ceramic bowl
- Suggested Equipment: Food processor or knife, cutting board, mixing bowl, spatula, measuring cups/spoons
Step-by-Step Process
- Prepare Ham: Finely chop the cooked ham using a food processor (pulse briefly to avoid a paste) or a knife until it’s finely diced.
- Make Dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and salt. Stir until smooth.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust with a pinch of salt, a dash of mustard, or a touch of relish for a balanced, tangy, and savory flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: Add chopped ham, celery, and red onion to the dressing. Mix with a spatula until evenly coated.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate the ham salad for 30 minutes to meld flavors (optional but recommended).
- Serve: Transfer the ham salad to a white ceramic bowl. Optionally garnish with chopped parsley or serve on lettuce leaves. Pair with crackers, sandwich bread, cucumber slices, iced tea, or lemonade.
Tips for Better Ham Salad
- Chop ham finely for a smooth, spreadable texture; avoid over-processing to maintain some texture.
- Taste the dressing before mixing to balance creamy, tangy, and savory flavors; adjust sparingly.
- Use cold ham for easier chopping and better flavor absorption.
- Chill the salad to enhance flavor melding and refreshment.
- Present in a white ceramic bowl to highlight the creamy salad and fresh garnishes.
- Make ahead: Prepare the salad up to 2 days in advance; store covered in the fridge.
- Stir gently before serving to redistribute the dressing.
- Enhance aesthetic: Garnish with parsley for a fresh, green pop or serve on lettuce for elegance.
Variations and Customization
- Low-Fat Ham Salad: Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a 50/50 mix of mayo and yogurt.
- Gluten-Free Ham Salad: Naturally gluten-free; ensure mustard and relish are gluten-free certified.
- Vegan Alternative: Replace ham with chopped smoked tofu or tempeh; use vegan mayonnaise.
- Spicy Ham Salad: Add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or 1 tbsp chopped pickled jalapeños to the dressing.
- Herb Ham Salad: Mix in 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill or parsley for extra freshness.
- Sweet Ham Salad: Increase relish to 3 tbsp or add 1 tsp honey for a sweeter profile.
- Cheesy Ham Salad: Add 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese for a richer flavor.
- Crunchy Ham Salad: Include 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers or pickles for extra crunch.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Store ham salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; stir gently before serving to redistribute dressing.
- Do not freeze, as the mayonnaise may separate and affect the texture.
- Serve chilled for the best creamy, refreshing flavor.
- Use as a sandwich spread, cracker topping, or side dish with light accompaniments.
- Pair with iced tea or lemonade to complement the savory, tangy flavors.
- Present in a white ceramic bowl with garnishes for a fresh, inviting charm.
Nutritional Information
Based on 4 servings (1/2 cup each):
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 6g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Vitamin A: 2% Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 4% Daily Value
- Calcium: 4% Daily Value
- Iron: 6% Daily Value
Note: Values vary by ingredient brands and substitutions (low-fat options reduce calories and fat). Moderate in calories; enjoy with vegetables for balance.
Conclusion
This Ham Salad recipe delivers a creamy, savory dish perfect for lunches or casual gatherings, transforming simple ingredients into a comforting favorite. Its easy preparation and fresh presentation make it a go-to. The rich ham and tangy dressing delight every bite. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its crowd-pleasing versatility.
Ham Salad Recipe: Creamy and Savory
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked ham finely chopped
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup finely chopped celery
- 2 tbsp finely chopped red onion
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- Optional: Chopped parsley lettuce leaves
- Suggested Pairings: Iced tea lemonade
Instructions
- Finely chop ham using a food processor or knife.
- Mix mayonnaise, relish, mustard, pepper, and salt.
- Taste and adjust dressing.
- Combine ham, celery, onion, and dressing; mix well.
- Chill for 30 min (optional).
- Serve in a white ceramic bowl with parsley, lettuce, crackers, or tea.
Notes
- Chop ham finely for a spreadable texture.
- Store in the fridge for 3 days; don’t freeze.
- Try a low-fat or spicy variation.
- Pair with sandwich bread.
