Creamy Ham Salad – If you’re looking for a quick. And delicious way. To use up leftover ham. This Creamy Ham Salad is the perfect recipe. With just a few simple ingredients. Like chopped ham, mayonnaise, celery, and sweet pickle relish. You can whip up a creamy, flavorful salad. In just 15 minutes. This versatile dish. Is great for sandwiches. As a dip with crackers. Or even on its own. Whether you’re preparing it. For a quick lunch. Or a family gathering. It’s sure to be a hit.
The first time I made this Creamy Ham Salad. Was after a big holiday dinner. When we had a lot of leftover ham. My husband loves anything with ham. So I decided to try something new. And turned it into a salad. When I served it. He couldn’t stop raving. About how the flavors melded together so perfectly. Even our child. Who isn’t usually a fan of salads. Asked for seconds. Now, this ham salad. Has become a regular feature. In our home. Especially after any holiday meal. Where ham is on the menu. It’s quick, and easy. And incredibly satisfying.
What makes this Creamy Ham Salad truly special?
This Creamy Ham Salad is a fantastic way. To repurpose leftover ham. Into a fresh, creamy dish. That’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of minced celery, red onion, and sweet pickle relish. Adds a delightful crunch. And tanginess. Balancing the richness of the mayonnaise. And mustard. What sets this recipe apart is its versatility—you can adjust the ingredients. To suit your taste. Adding more mustard. For a tangier flavor. Or a mix of different relishes. For a sweet and spicy kick. Ready in just 15 minutes. It’s an effortless way. To enjoy a delicious, protein-packed salad.
What You Need To Make This Creamy Ham Salad Recipe?
Leftover Ham: The star of the dish. Finely chopped ham. Gives the salad its hearty, savory base. You can use a food processor. For a finer texture. Or chop it by hand. For chunkier pieces.
Mayonnaise: This adds a creamy element to the salad. Binding all the ingredients together. Feel free to use light mayonnaise. If you prefer a lower-fat version.
Celery: Minced celery adds a refreshing crunch. Balancing out the creaminess of the mayonnaise.
Sweet Pickle Relish: This brings a sweet. And tangy flavor. That complements the ham perfectly. You can mix in some pepper relish. For a bit of spice.
Red Onion: Provides a sharp, slightly sweet flavor. That contrasts nicely. With the creamy ingredients. You can substitute. With your favorite onion variety if preferred.
Stone Ground Mustard: Adds depth. And a subtle tanginess. To the salad. You can swap this with yellow mustard. Or any other variety you enjoy.
Steps To Make Creamy Ham Salad:
Step 1: Chop the Ham: Start by finely chopping the ham. Into small pieces. About 1/4 inch or less. You can use a food processor. For a finer texture. Or chop by hand. For more varied pieces. If using a food processor. Cut the ham into large chunks. Drop them into the processor. And use the pulse button. To achieve the desired size. Be careful not to over-process—you want small pieces. Not a paste.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables: Transfer the chopped ham. To a large mixing bowl. Next, finely chop the celery. And red onion. You can also use a food processor. For this step. But since the quantities are small. I prefer to mince them by hand. To maintain control over the size. Ensure the pieces. Are roughly the same size as the ham.
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Step 3: Combine Ingredients: Add the minced celery. And onion to the bowl. With the ham. Stir everything together. Until well combined.
Step 4: Add the Dressing: In the same bowl. Add the mayonnaise, stone ground mustard, and sweet pickle relish (or the combination of relishes you’re using). Mix everything together. Until the salad is creamy. And all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust: Taste the salad. And adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add black pepper. A little more mustard. Or extra relish. Depending on your taste preferences. Once you’re satisfied. Transfer the ham salad. To an airtight container. And store it in the refrigerator. Until you’re ready to serve.
Tip:
For the best texture in your Creamy Ham Salad. Avoid over-processing the ham. In the food processor. You want small, uniform pieces. But not a paste. If you’re chopping by hand. Aim for a fine dice. To ensure the flavors blend seamlessly. Also, let the salad chill. For at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Making the dish. Even more delicious. For a tangy twist. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar. Or a squeeze of lemon juice. To brighten up the flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of relish?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment. With different types of relish. A spicy relish. Or dill pickle relish. Can add a new flavor dimension to the salad.
How long does this ham salad last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container. This ham salad should last for up to 3-4 days. In the refrigerator. It’s perfect for making ahead of time!
Can I substitute the mayonnaise?
Yes. You can use Greek yogurt. Or a combination of Greek yogurt. And mayonnaise. For a lighter version of the salad.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Creamy Ham Salad
Ingredients
- 1 pound of leftover ham finely chopped using a food processor or by hand
- 1 c of mayonnaise
- 1 c of finely minced celery
- 3/4 c of sweet pickle relish I used half sweet relish and half pepper relish
- 1/2 c of minced red onion or your preferred onion variety
- 2 tbsp of stone ground mustard or substitute with yellow mustard or your favorite type
Instructions
- Use a food processor. Or a sharp chef's knife. To finely chop the ham. Into small pieces. About 1/4 inch or less. I prefer using the food processor. Because it creates small shreds. Rather than uniform cubes. Which my family enjoys. Important Tip: If you’re using a food processor. Start by cutting the ham. Into large chunks. Drop these into the processor. And use the pulse button. To chop the ham. Pulse a few times. Until the ham reaches the desired size—small pieces. Not paste.
- Transfer the chopped ham. To a mixing bowl. Next, chop the onion. And celery. You can also pulse them. In the food processor. But since the quantities are small. I usually mince them quickly by hand. With a chef’s knife. Aim to keep the onion. And celery pieces. About the same size. As the ham.
- Add the minced onion. And celery to the bowl. With the ham. And stir. Until everything is well combined.
- Add the mayonnaise, mustard, and sweet pickle relish (or any other relish you prefer). To the mixing bowl.
- Stir the mixture together. Until it’s creamy. And all the ingredients. Are evenly distributed.
- Taste the ham salad. And adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a bit of black pepper and more mustard. Or additional relish. To suit your taste. Once satisfied, store the ham salad. In an airtight container. In the refrigerator. Until you’re ready to serve.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
