Craving something creamy, savory, and simple? The Best Ham Salad is your new favorite go-to for quick lunches and leftover ham makeovers. It is creamy, slightly tangy, and packed with that perfect mix of texture and flavor. In just minutes, you can whip up a delicious spread that is great on crackers, sandwiches, or soft rolls. This classic ham salad also keeps well, making it perfect for meal prep or picnics. Plus, it is customizable, so you can add or skip ingredients to make it exactly how you love it.
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Why You’ll Love This Ham Salad
You will love The Best Ham Salad because it is quick, versatile, and packed with flavor. It is perfect for using up leftover ham while offering a balanced mix of creamy, tangy, and savory notes. It takes less than ten minutes to prep, which makes it a lifesaver on busy days. You can serve it with crackers, on sandwiches, or even in lettuce wraps. It also keeps for several days, which means easy meal prep for the week. It is satisfying yet light, ideal for everything from school lunches to spring picnics.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make The Best Ham Salad, you will need boneless cooked ham, one hard-boiled egg, celery, onion, mayonnaise, mustard, and optional sweet pickle relish. The ham brings saltiness and protein, while the celery adds a satisfying crunch. The egg gives the salad richness, and the mayonnaise ties everything together for a creamy base. Mustard and relish add that slight tang and hint of sweetness. You can use Miracle Whip instead of mayo or switch to dill relish for a sharper taste. If you like a smoother texture, skip the celery or onion.
How to Make the Best Ham Salad
Chop and Prepare
Start by placing diced ham, one hard-boiled egg, celery, and onion in a food processor or blender. Then pulse 20 to 25 times until finely minced but not pureed. Scrape the sides as needed to keep the texture even. The goal is a creamy yet slightly chunky mix that spreads easily.
Mix the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, relish, salt, and pepper until smooth. This blend forms the base that brings the salad’s creamy consistency and flavor balance.
Combine and Chill
Fold the minced ham mixture into the dressing until well mixed. Next, cover and refrigerate for a few hours to let the flavors blend. Serve it chilled on crackers, biscuits, or soft rolls. The cool texture and tangy notes make every bite irresistible.
Pro Tips for Perfect Ham Salad
Use high-quality cooked ham for the best flavor. Always taste before adding extra salt since ham can be quite salty. Chilling the salad before serving helps the flavors settle and enhances creaminess. If your food processor is small, blend in batches for even texture. For variety, stir in chopped dill pickles, fresh herbs, or diced cheddar for extra depth. You can also make it ahead since this salad tastes even better the next day after resting in the fridge.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Store The Best Ham Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Avoid freezing it since mayonnaise can separate once thawed. The salad actually improves as it chills for several hours, becoming creamier and more flavorful. Always give it a quick stir before serving to refresh its texture. It is great for make-ahead lunches, potlucks, or any meal that needs quick prep.
Serving Ideas and Variations
This ham salad shines on buttery croissants, mini sliders, or crisp lettuce wraps. You can also spread it on toast or serve it with crackers for a simple snack. For a twist, swap sweet relish for dill relish to add more tang. If you prefer it smoother, skip the relish and celery entirely. It is also perfect for holiday leftovers or summer get-togethers. Try pairing it with sides like the broccoli pearl crunch salad for a fresh and balanced meal.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
- creamy ranch chicken one-pan lunch
- crunchy chicken taco fingers
- easy chicken wraps for lunch
- chicken sandwich with creamy filling
- bang bang chicken bowl
Final Thoughts
The Best Ham Salad is more than just a lunch. It is comfort food in a bowl. It is easy, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable to fit your taste. You can make it creamy, tangy, chunky, or smooth, and it will always turn out delicious. It is also a wonderful way to use leftover ham without wasting a bit. Try it once, and it will become your go-to for quick, delicious meals. If you make it, share how you served it or tag me with your twist. For more easy recipe inspiration, check out my boards on Pinterest.
The Best Ham Salad
Equipment
- Food processor or blender For chopping the ham mixture evenly
- Mixing bowl For blending dressing and ham mixture
- Spatula To scrape and mix ingredients smoothly
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless cooked ham, diced
- 1 hard-boiled egg
- 1 stalk celery, roughly chopped
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped onion
- 0.75 cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons sweet pickle relish (optional)
- 1 tablespoon prepared mustard
- salt and pepper to taste
- crackers or soft rolls for serving
Instructions
- Place ham, egg, celery, and onion in a food processor or blender. Pulse 20 to 25 times until finely minced, scraping down sides as needed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk mayonnaise, relish, mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Fold the minced ham mixture into the dressing until well combined. Cover and refrigerate for several hours before serving. Serve chilled on crackers, biscuits, or rolls.
