Classic Creamy Ham Salad: The Best Way to Use Leftover Ham
Make this simple, creamy ham salad spread in minutes using leftover ham. It is perfect for quick lunches, satisfying sandwiches, or as a tangy appetizer.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 10 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked ham, finely chopped or ground
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of salt (taste first, as ham is often salty)
Instructions
- Place the chopped or ground ham into a medium mixing bowl.
- Add the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, chopped celery, chopped onion (if using), black pepper, and salt to the bowl.
- Mix all ingredients together until they are fully combined and the mixture is creamy. Do not overmix.
- Taste the ham salad and adjust seasonings, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
- Cover the bowl and chill the ham salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
- Serve this easy ham salad recipe cold on bread, crackers, or lettuce cups.
Notes
- For a deli style ham salad, pulse the ham in a food processor until finely ground, but stop before it becomes a paste.
- If you prefer an old fashioned ham salad, you can add one finely chopped hard-boiled egg to the mixture.
- This recipe is excellent for make ahead salad preparation; it keeps well for up to four days in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 750
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 16
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 16
- Cholesterol: 55