Southern Style Ham Salad made with diced ham, sweet pickles, celery, mayo, and a touch of pickle juice for a creamy, savory, Southern favorite.
You ever bite into something and get flooded with memories? That’s exactly what happens every time I make this Southern Style Ham Salad.
Growing up, it was a staple at every summer BBQ, especially when my grandma hosted. She had this no-nonsense approach to cooking—simple, flavorful, and always made with love. I can still see her chopping up leftover ham from a holiday dinner, tossing it in a big bowl with pickles and mayo while humming an old country tune. No measurements, no fancy gadgets—just muscle memory and heart.
It wasn’t until years later, when I tried to recreate it, that I realized just how special it was. It wasn’t just ham and mayo—it was comfort, tradition, and Southern charm in every bite. And now? It’s become one of those go-to recipes for me when I want something quick but packed with nostalgia.
You don’t need a fancy dinner party for this one. Whether you’re hosting a potluck, packing a picnic, or just craving something easy, this ham salad will hit the spot—promise.
Why You’ll Love This Southern Style Ham Salad Recipe?
- Ready in Minutes: Seriously, 15 minutes flat. You’ll spend more time deciding what to serve it with.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Leftover holiday ham? This is the perfect way to use it up.
- Classic Southern Comfort: Creamy, tangy, slightly sweet—it’s got all those comforting flavors.
- Versatile: Sandwiches, crackers, wraps—you name it, this salad fits.
- Crowd Favorite: Potlucks, BBQs, and family brunches? Everyone loves it.
Ingredient Notes:
You know the best part? This salad’s all about simplicity. Just a few basic ingredients, and you’ve got magic.
- Ham: Leftover ham works best, but thick-cut deli ham does the job too.
- Sweet Pickles: They add a touch of sweetness and crunch. Prefer dill? Go for it—no rules here.
- Celery: That fresh crunch makes the texture sing.
- Mayonnaise: Full-fat mayo keeps it rich and creamy. Duke’s if you’re sticking with tradition.
- Sweet Pickle Juice: Just a splash adds tang and a little sweetness that ties it all together.
- Hard-Boiled Egg: Adds richness and a bit of nostalgia.
- Salt & Pepper: Just enough to enhance all the other flavors.
Pro Tip: Want a little heat? A dash of cayenne or hot sauce does wonders.
How To Make Southern Style Ham Salad?
It’s so simple, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it forever.
Step 1: Dice the Ham and Pickles
Start by dicing your ham into small, bite-sized pieces—smaller is better so you get a perfect blend of flavors in every bite. Do the same with your sweet pickles.
Step 2: Add the Crunch
Toss in the chopped celery and your hard-boiled egg. The celery? Adds that essential crunch. The egg? Creamy, rich, and comforting.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and sweet pickle juice. It’s a weird combo but trust me—it’s where the magic happens.
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Step 4: Mix It All Together
Pour that creamy dressing right over the ham mixture and gently stir until everything is coated. Don’t overmix—you want to keep the textures distinct.
Step 5: Chill It (If You Can Wait)
Pop the salad in the fridge for 1-2 hours. This step isn’t just for show—it lets the flavors blend beautifully.
Serve it cold on a sandwich, crackers, or just grab a spoon and dig in.
Storage Options:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not ideal—it’ll get watery.
- Make Ahead: Even better the next day after chilling overnight.
Variations and Substitutions:
Feel like changing things up? Here are some fun ideas:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or a few drops of hot sauce.
- Dill Overload: Swap sweet pickles for dill and use dill relish instead.
- Nutty Crunch: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Cheesy Twist: Fold in ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese—yes, cheese makes everything better.
- Healthier Version: Sub half the mayo with plain Greek yogurt.
What to Serve with Southern Style Ham Salad?
This ham salad? It’s basically a chameleon—it works with everything.
- Buttery Croissants: Perfect for sandwiches.
- Crackers: Try buttery Ritz or even saltines for a classic vibe.
- Lettuce Wraps: Light, fresh, and great for a low-carb twist.
- Tomato Cups: Scoop it into hollowed-out tomatoes for a summery twist.
- Potato Chips: Yep, I said it. The salty crunch pairs weirdly well with the creamy salad.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use deli ham instead of leftover ham?
Of course! Just make sure it’s thick-cut so you still get that hearty texture.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better when it sits overnight.
Can I use dill pickles instead of sweet pickles?
Totally! The flavors will be tangier, but it’ll still be delicious.
Southern Style Ham Salad isn’t just food—it’s comfort in a bowl. It’s the kind of dish that feels like home, no matter where you are. Creamy, tangy, crunchy… it checks all the boxes for a perfect Southern side.
So, what do you think? Gonna give it a try? If you do, tag me—I love seeing your kitchen creations. Happy cooking, y’all!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Southern Style Ham Salad
Ingredients
- 1 hard-boiled egg chopped
- 3 to 3 ½ cups diced ham
- 2 sweet pickles chopped
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle juice
- 1 stalk of celery finely chopped
- ¾ cup high-quality mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by cutting the ham into chunks.
- Dice the pickles. Mix them with the chopped ham adding a bit of salt and pepper to your preference.
- Add the chopped celery, to the mixture to enhance both the texture and flavor.
- In a bowl combine mayonnaise and sweet pickle juice to create a mixture.
- Gently incorporate the blend into the ham mixture ensuring that all ingredients blend together perfectly.
- Place this combination in the refrigerator, for 1 to 2 hours so that all the flavors can come together.
- When you're ready to serve spread this Southern Style Ham Salad on bread crackers. Enjoy it as a dip.
- Savor the fusion of flavors and relish in every bite as you indulge in this comfort.
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!
