Classic Ham Salad with Basic Pantry Ingredients

If you grew up in the South, chances are you’ve enjoyed a good ham salad sandwich at more than one family gathering or church potluck. It’s one of those simple, old-fashioned recipes that never goes out of style. I like the fact that it’s a little salty, a little tangy, and just creamy enough to hold it all together—it’s comfort food you can enjoy year-round.

Ham salad is also one of the easiest dishes you can make. It’s the perfect way to use leftover ham from a holiday dinner, but it’s just as delicious when you pick up some from the deli counter or packages in the sandwich meat section.

All you need are a few basic ingredients, a bowl, and about 10 minutes. Before you know it, you’ll have a tasty lunch or snack ready to go.

Ingredients

All of these ingredients are easy to find at any grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Diced ham
• Celery, chopped into small pieces
• Boiled egg, chopped
• Mayonnaise
• Mustard (either yellow or Dijon mustard)
• Sweet pickle relish
• Salt (optional)

If I have leftover ham, I use that. Otherwise, I purchase packages of already diced ham.

Step-by-Step Directions

Combine the ingredients. In a medium-sized bowl, add your diced ham, chopped celery, and boiled egg. Spoon in the mayonnaise, mustard, and sweet pickle relish.

Mix well. Using a spoon, stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated. You want each bite to have that perfect balance of salty ham, crunchy celery, and tangy-sweet relish.

Chill. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for about an hour. This resting time lets all the flavors mingle together, making the salad taste even better.

Serve. Ham salad is delicious served on a bed of lettuce if you’re keeping things light, or piled high between slices of your favorite bread for a hearty sandwich. I like it on thin homemade tortillas or even cloud bread It’s also great scooped up with crackers for a quick snack.

Extra Tips for the Best Ham Salad

• Texture matters. If you like your ham salad chunky, stick with the hand-mixed version. If you prefer it smooth and spreadable, pop all of the ingredients into a food processor or blender and pulse until you reach the consistency you like.

• Make it creamier. If you want a creamier texture, add either softened cream cheese or Greek yogurt before mixing.
• Season to taste. Depending on how salty your ham is, you may not need to add extra salt. A little cracked black pepper can add a nice touch.
• Make it your own. Some folks like to add a pinch of paprika, a splash of pickle juice, or even a bit of finely chopped onion for extra flavor. It’s also good with a few drops of Worcestershire or soy sauce.
• Garnish. Add something colorful such as pimento-stuffed olives to add more color to the plate.

Why We Love This Recipe

Ham salad is one of those dishes that just feels like home. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and versatile enough to serve for lunch, snacks, or light suppers. Plus, it’s a great way to make use of leftovers so nothing goes to waste. Whether you leave the ham salad pieces intact or choose to process them, this recipe is absolutely delicious!

How to Store Leftover Ham Salad

We very rarely have leftover ham salad, but when we do, I put it in an airtight container and put it in the refrigerator. It should last up to 3 days. I don’t recommend freezing it.

Simple but Delicious Recipe

Whether you spread it on soft white bread, tuck it into a flaky croissant, or serve it alongside a fresh garden salad, this classic ham salad recipe is sure to please. It’s proof that sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones we come back to again and again.

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