Ham salad is a delightful dish that embodies the perfect mix of savory flavors and creamy textures. Whether served as a sandwich filling, a lettuce wrap, or a simple salad, ham salad is versatile, easy to make, and can bring a smile to anyone’s face. It’s especially popular for picnics, potlucks, or as a quick lunch idea, and it makes use of leftover ham beautifully. With a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, you can whip up this delicious dish in no time.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 230
- Protein: 14 grams
- Carbohydrates: 6 grams
- Fat: 18 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugar: 1 gram
- Sodium: 900 mg
Why Make This Ham Salad
This ham salad is a fantastic recipe for many reasons. It provides a quick and tasty way to use up leftover cooked ham, transforming it into a completely new dish that’s both satisfying and flavorful. The creaminess of the mayonnaise perfectly complements the savory bits of ham, while the crunch from the celery and green onions adds a refreshing bite. Plus, it’s extremely versatile; whether you’re enjoying it for lunch at work, as a filling for a hearty sandwich, or served on crispy lettuce, this salad is sure to please.
How to Make Ham Salad
Creating the perfect ham salad is a straightforward process that requires minimal effort. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup celery, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lettuce leaves (for serving)
Directions:
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Step 1: Preparation
Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Ensure your cooked ham is diced into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing and eating. Chop the celery and green onions, setting these aside in small bowls to streamline your process.
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Step 2: Mixing
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced ham, mayonnaise, chopped celery, and green onions. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix everything together, ensuring the mayonnaise coats all the ingredients evenly.
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Step 3: Seasoning
Add the Dijon mustard to the mixture. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Give it another good stir until everything is well-blended. This is where you can adjust the seasoning to your preference, adding a bit more mustard if you enjoy a tangier flavor.
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Step 4: Serving
Your ham salad is ready to be served! Spoon generous amounts onto fresh lettuce leaves or use it as a filling for sandwiches. Garnish with additional green onions if desired for an extra pop of color and flavor.
How to Serve Ham Salad
Ham salad is incredibly versatile. Serve it on crisp lettuce leaves for a light and refreshing meal, or use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. It’s also delightful on crackers for a casual appetizer. You can even elevate it by adding slices of cheese or some sliced tomatoes for more flavor and texture.
How to Store Ham Salad
To store leftover ham salad, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It can last for up to 3 days in the fridge. Be sure to give it a good stir before serving again, as some separation may occur.
Expert Tips for Perfect Ham Salad
- Use Quality Mayonnaise: The flavor of your mayonnaise can make a big difference, so choose one that you enjoy.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter version, you can replace some of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Try adding diced pickles, sweet relish, or hard-boiled eggs for an extra twist.
- Choose the Right Ham: Any cooked ham will work, but a honey or smoked ham will bring a delightful sweetness or depth of flavor to the salad.
Delicious Variations
- Tropical Ham Salad: Add diced pineapple and chopped cilantro for a refreshing tropical twist.
- Spicy Ham Salad: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Vegetable Ham Salad: Mix in diced bell peppers and carrots for added crunch and color.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use leftover ham from a holiday dinner?
Absolutely! Leftover holiday ham is perfect for this salad and can add a festive flavor. -
Can I make ham salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the salad a day in advance; just store it in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld. -
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed are gluten-free. Be sure to check the labels on your mayonnaise and mustard to ensure they are also gluten-free. -
How can I make this recipe lighter?
Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a lighter mayonnaise option to reduce calories and fat. -
What can I serve this with?
Ham salad pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as pasta salads, vegetable sticks, or fresh fruit for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Ham salad is a deliciously simple dish that brings together the rich flavors of ham with creamy mayonnaise and crunchy vegetables. It’s quick to prepare, versatile, and perfect for many occasions. Whether you’re packing a lunch for work or preparing a lovely spread for guests, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy making this delightful treat, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family!
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Ham Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A versatile and creamy ham salad perfect for sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or as a simple salad.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup celery, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lettuce leaves (for serving)
Instructions
- Gather all your ingredients, ensuring the cooked ham is diced into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced ham, mayonnaise, chopped celery, and green onions, mixing until evenly coated.
- Add the Dijon mustard and season with salt and pepper, stirring until well-blended.
- Serve the ham salad on fresh lettuce leaves or as a filling for sandwiches, garnishing with extra green onions if desired.
Notes
To store leftover ham salad, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving again.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
