Old Fashioned Ham Salad Recipe
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If you’re looking for a quick and delicious picnic or potluck dish easy Ham Salad Recipe is the perfect solution. Made with simple pantry ingredients and ready in minutes, this creamy ham salad is packed with savory flavor and makes an excellent lunch, snack, or light dinner. It is also a great way to use leftover ham.
Whether you serve it on sandwiches, crackers, or in lettuce wraps, it’s a versatile recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare. As someone who loves finding time-saving kitchen shortcuts, I appreciate recipes that transform leftovers into something completely new. This ham salad comes together with minimal prep and is ideal for meal prepping lunches, packing picnics, or creating a quick meal on busy days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Great way to use leftover ham
- Ready in about 10 minutes
- Budget-friendly meal option
- Perfect for meal prep lunches
- Easy to customize with add-ins
- Family-friendly recipe
Ingredients
- Cooked ham
- Mayonnaise
- Celery
- Sweet pickle relish
- Dijon mustard
- Onion
- Salt
- Black pepper
Equipment Needed
- Food processor (optional)
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Ham Salad
Step by Step Instructions Overview. Full details in recipe card.
Step 1 – Finely chop the ham using a knife or food processor.
Step 2 – Combine the ham, celery, onion, mayonnaise, mustard, and relish in a mixing bowl.
Step 3 – Stir until everything is evenly combined.
Step 4 – Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor
Variations and Substitutions
Ham Salad with Eggs
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Add chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra protein and texture.
Sweet Ham Salad
Use additional sweet pickle relish for a sweeter flavor.
Tangy Ham Salad
Increase the Dijon mustard and add a splash of pickle juice.
Serving Suggestions
This Old Fashioned Ham Salad can be served on crackers as a dip, in croissants as sandwiches or in wraps for a quick meal.
Time Saving Tips
- Use pre-diced leftover holiday ham.
- Pulse ingredients in a food processor for quick prep.
- Make a double batch for easy lunches throughout the week.
- Prep the salad the night before for even better flavor.
- Store portions in individual containers for grab-and-go meal
Storage Instructions
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing is not recommended because the mayonnaise can separate when thawed.
Ham Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked ham finely chopped
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 celery rib finely diced
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional for serving: croissants crackers, lettuce leaves, or sliced cucumbers
Instructions
- Add the ham to a food processor and lightly pulse until finely chopped. You can also finely chop by hand and then add to a large mixing bowl.
- Add mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, Dijon mustard, celery, pickle juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until everything is evenly coated and creamy.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend.
- Stir again before serving. Serve chilled on croissants, crackers, lettuce cups, or sliced cucumbers.
Notes
- For the best texture, finely chop the ham by hand or pulse it a few times in a food processor. Be careful not to over-process it into a paste.
- Use leftover holiday ham, deli ham, or a ham steak from the grocery store.
- Chill before serving so the flavors have time to come together.
- Add an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise if you prefer a creamier ham salad.
- Optional add-ins: finely diced red onion, sliced green onion, chopped hard-boiled eggs, or diced dill pickles
Nutrition
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