Ham Salad Recipe – The dish is made by mixing finely cut cooked ham with mayonnaise, mustard and a mix of simple seasonings. Many times, Waldorf salads get some crunch and flavor with the addition of diced pickles, celery, onions or boiled eggs. Since it’s so simple to prepare, you can enjoy this salad with leftover ham in a sandwich, on crackers or as a side dish.

Salads are frequently enjoyed at potlucks, picnics and when people need something fast for lunch. Salty ham, a smooth dressing and flavorful enhancements make the salad tasty and filling. Typically eaten when chilled, ham salad is well known as a homey meal.
Ham Salad Recipe
Using leftover ham, this recipe turns out a fantastic creamy and tasty meal you’ll enjoy. This popular salad has ham, crisp vegetables and a dressing blended from mayonnaise and mustard. Often used in Southern and Midwestern cooking, it makes a terrific filling for sandwiches, a delicious spread for crackers or a tasty side salad. With how fast you can whip it up, it’s perfect for workdays, large gatherings or outdoor parties. It can be the perfect sandwich, ready for guests or stored away for lunch later, just because this Ham Salad Recipe adds so much flavor to everything you eat.

Ham Salad Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Sharp knife or food processor
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Spoon or spatula
- 1 Measuring cups/spoons
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked ham, finely chopped
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- ¼ cup finely chopped celery
- 2 tbsp finely chopped red onion
- 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 boiled egg, chopped
Instructions
- Begin chopping your Ham intermittently as you go.Grind the ham in a food processor until it is still visible but not too much.
- Prepare Vegetables: It’s best to finely dice the celery and red onion so the salad is crunchy.
- Combine the Base with water:Place the chopped ham, celery, red onion and your boiled egg into a large bowl.
- Put the Dressing into the bowl:Mix in the mayonnaise, mustard and any extra sweet pickle relish you’d like to have. Let the dough hydrate while mixing it well.
- Season:Salt and pepper the vegetables to suit your taste. Tweak mustard or mayo to get your desired amount of smoothness.
- Chill:Try to let the salad rest in the fridge for 10–15 minutes to combine the flavors better.
- Serve:Enjoy sprinkle cheese on sliced bread and between crackers or simply have it as a side dish.
Notes
Ham Salad Nutrition
Nutrient | Amount |
Calories | 250–300 kcal |
Protein | 15–18 g |
Carbohydrates | 3–5 g |
Fat | 20–24 g |
Sodium | 800–1000 mg |
Fiber | 0.5–1 g |
Flavour Profile of Ham Salad Recipe
1. Meaty and full of flavor
- The chopped ham gives the dish its rich, savory, and slightly smoked flavor. All kinds of ham, no matter how you prepare it, create a nutritious main dish that is full of flavor.
2. Dressing made from cream and tangy flavors
- Mayonnaise gives the salad a tender, creamy texture, while mustard (mainly Dijon or yellow) adds an appetizing and bold kick that makes everything taste better.
3. Love of Crun — and Fresh
- Garnishing with celery and onion gives the salad a light, crisp feel and a mildly sharp flavor. The celery gives a mildly peppery flavor, and red onions add a touch of sweetness and spiciness.
4. Extra Bowls of Sweet and Sour Sauce
- This relish’s sweet and tangy flavor gives the dish a new, exciting taste. The sweetness punches through the saltiness of the ham and adds another note to each meal.
- The salad’s richness grows from chopping a boiled egg into it, as it tones down the bold taste and smoothens out the dish.
5. Lots of Saltiness and Umami
- Because the ham is so salty, the salad tastes delicious and deeply flavored, enough so to satisfy you even with a small serving.
6, Peppery Heat
- Just a small amount of black pepper adds spice to the dish without making it too strong.
- Can be Tailored and Easy to Use
- The dressing of the salad is adjustable, so you can make it more mustardy, sweet, or spicy depending on what you like
FAQs
Q. What ingredients make up ham salad?
Answer: The ingredients for ham salad are cooked ham, mayonnaise, mustard, chopped celery, onion,s and—occasionally—sweet pickle relish or boiled eggs. This blend of vegetables makes a great dip that goes well with sandwiches or served on crackers.
Q. Is it okay to use leftover ham in these pimento eggs?
Answer: Yes! When you have leftover ham, try using it in ham salad. If you prefer, just break up the garlic into little pieces or grind it gently in a processor.
Q. For how long can I store ham salad in the refrigerator?
Answer: Put the ham salad in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Your lunch should remain cold so it stays safe and tasty.
Q. Can you freeze a ham salad?
Answer: Freezing ham salad isn’t a good idea, as the mayonnaise will separate after being thawed, giving the salad an unpleasant texture.
Q. Are there any common dishes to have with ham salad?
Answer: You can serve ham salad in sandwiches, on top of crackers, or on lettuce wraps. It pairs great with bread for wraps and tastes wonderful when used as a side dish.

Hi, I’m Lauren Kossack — the recipe creator, food lover, and storyteller behind Perfect Meal Recipes! I’m based in the charming town of Zionsville, Indiana, where I share my passion for cooking simple, delicious, and family-friendly meals.
What started as a love for home-cooked comfort food has grown into a space where I create and collect the kinds of recipes that bring people together — whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner, a hearty sandwich, or a sweet weekend treat.