Old Fashioned Ham Salad Recipe

This classic old fashioned ham salad recipe is ready in under 10 minutes. A great way to use up leftover ham and packed with flavor! Serve it with crackers as an easy appetizer or make a sandwich for lunch.

Homemade Ham Salad Recipe

Being raised in the south, I saw this recipe being served at pretty much every special occasion like bridal showers, baby showers, birthday parties, etc.

You could count on it alongside chicken salad, tuna salad, egg salad, and pimento cheese.

Being so popular, I just had to share my simple recipe for ham salad so you can enjoy this delicious spread too.

It’s a quick and easy dish that’s not only delicious but uses pantry staple ingredients and comes together in less than 10 minutes.

By using leftover ham it’s a budget friendly meal to use up those tasty leftovers and make something delicious.

Ingredients Needed

Cooked Ham – I bought thick cut ham, substitute leftover cooked ham.

Egg – Use a hard-boiled eggs or leave out depending on personal preference.

Vegetables – Celery stalks, sweet onion add flavor and crunch

Mayonnaise – Duke’s is my favorite or substitute your fave like Miracle whip or Hellman’s.

Mustard – Dijon mustard adds a great tang or substitute whole grain mustard or yellow mustard.

Pickles – Chopped dill pickles and some pickle juice. Substitute sweet relish if desired.

Pantry staples – Lemon juice, black pepper.

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What kind of ham do I use?

This recipe is the perfect way to use up leftover ham that you might have from a holiday meal or from the deli if you need just a small amount.

My favorites are:

• Cooked ham: I grab this from the deli and have them cut it into thick slices or “steaks.” Tavern ham is my favorite.
• Baked ham: A spiral ham or leftover holiday ham from Easter dinner or Christmas eve. And the glaze adds a touch of sweetness.
• Smoked Ham: This will give you a little smoky flavor to the final recipe which is great for sliders.

How to Make Ham Salad

First: In a food processor, place the rough chopped ham. Pulse 5-10 times until roughly minced. Don’t over pulse or it will turn into a paste. You want it small but with texture. Remove to a large bowl.

Second: Add in the hard boiled egg, celery, onion, mayo, mustard, pickles, pickle juice, and lemon juice. Stir gently the ham mixture to combine.

Third: Taste and season with pepper if desired.

Fourth: Serve or chill until ready to eat. I love mine with crackers or on bread/croissant to make a ham salad sandwich.

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card at the end of this post.

Serving Suggestions

There are so many ways to serve ham salad! Try each of these and tell me your favorite:

• As a dip with potato chips, cucumber slices, or crackers.
• Stuff celery stalks as an after school snack.
• Make sandwiches or sliders with toasted bread, slider buns, or croissants.
• Place a scoop on a bed of lettuce or on a crisp salad.
• A fun topping for baked potatoes or a grilled cheese sandwich.
• Stir into a cold, deviled egg pasta salad for an easy lunch.

Variations on Ham Salad

Pickles – I use dill pickles but some love a sweet pickle relish instead.

Main ingredient – It is ham but you can also use bologna, spam, or a spiral cut ham.

Add ins – Stir in diced bell peppers, pimentos, roasted red peppers, fresh mushrooms, dill pickle relish, or capers.

Double the recipe – Stretch it by adding extra eggs, celery, and onion.

Leftover ham salad – Puree it and serve as a dip, add to a grilled cheese, or fold into a pasta salad.

How long does it last?

If you happen to have leftover ham salad, be sure to refrigerate it right away.

Place in an airtight container or a bowl wrapped tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Be sure to give it a quick stir before serving again.

Can I freeze it?

Technically, you can but I don’t recommend it. The texture of the ham and any veggies you added to the recipe can become mushy and release moisture.

This will make your ham salad very watery when you thaw it out.

Same thing with the mayo. It can separate and change texture when you freeze and thaw it. If you have to freeze it, try doing it without the mayo.

Do I have to use a food processor?

No you don’t have to it just makes it easier. You can always take the ham and chop it into small pieces by hand.

Although this can be time consuming but not that bad if you are just making a few servings.

How to Make the Best Ham Salad Sandwiches

One of my favorite ways to enjoy this easy ham salad recipe is to make a sandwich. Here are some tips to make the best one!

• Pick the right bread: White bread, wheat, sub rolls, slider buns, croissants, and even Texas toast work well.
• Toast the bread: This helps it to hold up against the ham salad. I love using Texas toast and even slider buns.
• Use mayo: Spread some mayo between the bread and ham salad to keep it from getting soggy.
• Add toppings: I love some crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and tangy red onion for more texture and flavor.
• Don’t overstuff: Too much filling and it will squish out the sides when you take a bite.

Tips for No Leftovers

• Use leftover ham or thick cut slices (ham steak) from the deli. Just be sure it is high quality and not to mushy or salty.
• I don’t recommend the thin sliced packaged ham for sandwiches as it will turn to paste quickly because it’s too thin.
• Want a kick? Add some horseradish, pepperonicini peppers with juice, Wickles spicy pickles, or capers.
• Not enough mayo? Try some plain yogurt or coleslaw dressing to make up the volume.
• Salty ham doesn’t need any additional salt so I don’t add any to this recipe. But I love some fresh black pepper.
• Chill the salad for 15 – 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
• Lots of leftover ham? Make this Ham Tetrazzini!

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

Looking for the best ham salad recipe? This traditional recipe is a classic southern dish and my favorite way to use up leftover ham from a holiday meal.

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