The Best Ham Salad (+Video) (2024)

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ByBrandie

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The best ham salad recipe only requires leftover ham, mayonnaise, celery, onion and perfectly combined seasonings! My most requested recipe!

A TRIED AND TRUE HAM SALAD RECIPE

I’ve been making this salad for over 25 years. You just can’t top perfection. I actually tweaked this recipe based off a recipe I got from my very first Betty Crocker Cookbook. If you love my Potato Salad, then you’ll know that those old Betty Crocker recipes can’t be beat! I’ve only adjusted them slightly over the years to adjust to my taste and because I’m picky about my salad recipes! This recipe for ham salad all be the one you come back to over and over again!

The Best Ham Salad (+Video) (1)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What kind of ham should I get?

This recipe is perfect for leftover holiday ham. For this recipe, I used a small boneless cooked ham. Thick ham steaks would also work well.

Do I have to use a food processor?

No. You could certainly cut this up by hand. It will take a bit of work though because you want it finely minced. You could also do this in a blender. Just mince a little at a time.

Why isn’t there salt added?

Give this ham salad a taste test before serving. I didn’t add any additional salt to mine because my ham was salty enough so additional salt would have been too much. Adjust to your taste.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It will last up to 4 or 5 days. I don’t recommend freezing ham salad. Sometimes the mayonnaise separates when it defrosts.

The Best Ham Salad (+Video) (2)

INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR THE FULL RECIPE)

  • boneless cooked ham – this recipe is perfect for leftover ham or you can purchase a small smoked ham.
  • hard boiled egg – this adds more flavor than you realize and you don’t taste it as a separate ingredient but if you really hate eggs, just leave it out.
  • celery and onion – adding layers of flavor here, use what you like and if you don’t like it then leave it out but I promise you, these ingredients are worth it.
  • sweet pickle relish – relish is always controversial, I don’t know why but if you hate relish than leave it out – some folks like dill pickle relish.
  • mayonnaise – I am a mayonnaise purist. It has to be Hellman’s or Duke’s (or JFG) for me. I do not like Miracle Whip at all but if it’s your thing – then go for it.
  • mustard – some might think this is weird to add to ham salad but it adds a lovely bit of background flavor that you don’t taste as a separate ingredient.
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HOW TO MAKE THE BEST HAM SALAD:

Put the ham, egg, celery and onion into a blender or food processor (season with a bit of salt and black pepper). Pulse (short, quick pulses) 20-25 times to mince.

The Best Ham Salad (+Video) (4)

Combine remaining ingredients into a separate bowl (sweet pickle relish,mayonnaise, mustard.)

The Best Ham Salad (+Video) (5)

Then stir it into minced ham mixture. Cover and chill. I like to chill ham salad for several hours. It definitely gets better as it chills for a while.

The Best Ham Salad (+Video) (6)

Serve on rolls, in a sandwich or with crackers!

The Best Ham Salad (+Video) (7)

CRAVING MORE DELICIOUS RECIPES?

  • Roasted Chicken Salad
  • Old-Fashioned Bologna Salad
  • Classic Egg Salad
  • Homemade Carrot Raisin Salad
  • Southern Macaroni Salad
  • Tuna Salad
  • Leftover Ham Recipes

Originally published: January 2014
Updated and Republished: March 2021

The Best Ham Salad (+Video) (8)

The Best Ham Salad (+Video)

The best ham salad recipe only requires leftover ham, mayonnaise, celery, onion and perfectly combined seasonings!

4.97 from 203 votes

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Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 10

Author: Brandie @ The Country Cook

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless cooked ham, diced (leftover or purchased thick slab, trimmed of fat)
  • 1 hard-boiled egg
  • 1 stalk celery, roughly chopped
  • 2 teaspoons finely chopped onion
  • ¾ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 teaspoons sweet pickle relish (optional)
  • 1 Tablespoon prepared mustard
  • salt and pepper (to taste)
  • assorted crackers and/or soft rolls (for serving)

Instructions

  • Put 1 1/2 pounds boneless cooked ham, diced, 1 hard-boiled egg, 1 stalk celery, roughly chopped and 2 teaspoons finely chopped onion into a blender or food processor (season with a bit of fresh black pepper)

  • Pulse (short, quick pulses) 20-25 times to mince. Scrape down the sides of the food processor to make sure it all gets combined evenly.

  • Combine 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 teaspoons sweet pickle relish, 1 Tablespoon prepared mustard, and salt and pepper (to taste) into a separate large bowl.

  • Then stir in minced ham mixture.

  • Cover and chill. I prefer to chill it for several hours. It definitely gets better as it chills for a while.

  • Serve with assorted crackers and/or soft rolls.

Video

The Best Ham Salad (+Video) (9)

Notes

  • This ham salad is perfect for that leftover holiday ham. I set about making my own version of a ham salad that combines all of my favorite flavors. I used a small boneless cooked ham.
  • Ham steaks also work for this recipe
  • You should end up with 3 cups ground ham after it is blended in the food processor or blender.
  • Give this ham salad a taste test before serving. I didn’t add any additional salt to mine because my ham was salty enough so additional salt would have been too much. Adjust to your taste.
  • Serve on rolls, biscuits or as a spread for crackers!

Course: Brunch, Lunch, Salad

Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 290kcal | Protein: 15g | Fat: 24g | Sodium: 948mg

Nutritional Disclaimer

“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

Did you make this recipe?Share it on Instagram @thecountrycook and mention us #thecountrycook!

Updated to add: The original post had a giveaway. That giveaway has now ended.

Related Posts:

  • The Best Potato Salad (+Video)
  • French Potato Salad (+Video)
  • Old-Fashioned Bologna Salad (+Video)
  • Italian Grinder Pasta Salad (+Video)

Leave a Reply

  1. I tried to follow the recipe and it came out terrible. Everyone else seems happy with their results, so I must have done something wrong.

    Reply

  2. The Best Ham Salad (+Video) (14)
    This is by far the best Ham salad I have made. I used dill relish, 2 tbsp. of onion and Dijon mustard and it was perfect.

    Reply

  3. The Best Ham Salad (+Video) (15)
    This looks fabulous. I have thought about making ham salad for years but just never have made it. Usually ham and bean soup with leftover ham. I will make this shortly and get back with my review.

    Reply

  4. The Best Ham Salad (+Video) (16)
    I had been looking for a good recipe for Ham Salad!
    also thank you so much for allowing to print this so easy. the other recipe sites are a pain.

    Reply

    1. Thanks so very much Mary! I really appreciate you taking the time to come by and leave a comment – it really does mean so much!

      Reply

  5. The Best Ham Salad (+Video) (17)
    This recipe is absolute perfection.
    I’m only ever making this ham salad from here on out.
    Thank you so much for sharing it!!

    Reply

  6. The Best Ham Salad (+Video) (18)
    This makes the best appetizer put on top of a cucumber slice with a sprig of dill on top!

    Reply

The Best Ham Salad (+Video) (2024)

FAQs

How long is ham salad safe to eat? ›

Cold Food Storage Chart
FoodTypeRefrigerator [40°F (4°C) or below]
SaladEgg, chicken, ham, tuna, and macaroni salads3 to 4 days
Hot dogsOpened package1 week
Unopened package2 weeks
Luncheon meatOpened package or deli sliced3 to 5 days
49 more rows
Sep 19, 2023

How do you cut the salt in ham salad? ›

To reduce salt in cooked ham, you can try soaking it in cold water for a few hours. Alternatively, you can slice the ham thinly or use it in recipes with other low-sodium ingredients to balance the overall saltiness.

What is deli ham salad made of? ›

Ham salad is similar to chicken salad, egg salad, or tuna salad. It is prepared with cooked, cold ham along with vegetables, relish, and mayonnaise. It is then chilled and served cold directly from the refrigerator.

Can you eat ham after 7 days? ›

Now that Easter is over, you might be wondering what to do with leftover ham. Of course there are many options, but one thing you should not do is let it sit too long in the refrigerator. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, ham is good for three to five days in the refrigerator after it is cooked.

Can ham stay in the fridge for 2 weeks? ›

Whole cured hams last in the refrigerator for up to a week. However, fresh ham only lasts a few days in the refrigerator, about three or four once you've cooked it.

Does ginger ale take salt out of ham? ›

The other factor is ginger ale's key ingredient. The ginger, though not nearly as much as the sugar, acts as an additional non-salty flavor that helps balance the saltiness. Ginger, though an alkaline as opposed to an acid, can reduce the saltiness of a ham in more ways than just its flavor.

Does pineapple remove salt from ham? ›

“Typically, when you're doing a country ham, you need something sweet to neutralize the ham's saltiness, and pineapple does this really well.” And it's not just me and Benton: Pineapple shows up in ham recipes—atop the ham, in glazes slicking the ham, in shield-your-eyes versions of fried rice—the world over.

Does vinegar remove salt from ham? ›

Consider also applying a glaze made with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to offset this issue. Their acidic nature can help to cut through the salt, providing a contrasting flavor that can make the ham more enjoyable.

Why does my ham salad get watery? ›

Your ham salad may be watery due to excess moisture from ingredients like celery, onion, and pickles or from the ham itself. To reduce wateriness, dry the ingredients before mixing, and avoid using too much mayonnaise.

Why put cloves in ham? ›

Aromatics: Cloves have a strong and distinctive aroma. By studding the ham with cloves, the aroma permeates the meat, creating a wonderful Christmasy scent that adds to the overall sensory experience of enjoying the ham [3]. Visual Appeal: The cloves also serve as a decorative element.

How does Gordon Ramsay cook ham? ›

Put the gammon into a large saucepan and pour on enough cold water to cover. Add the carrots, leek, onion, peppercorns, coriander seeds, cinnamon stick and bay leaves. Bring to the boil, turn down to a simmer and cook for 3 hours, topping up with more boiling water if necessary.

Why is ham salad pink? ›

(My mom tipped me off that the way that they were able to get the grocery store version of this dish to look so beautiful, pink and fresh is that they add beet juice to it! So I add a bit of red food coloring if I am serving it on a buffet so that it looks more appealing.

Is Boar's Head ham processed ham? ›

Our products are not highly processed.

Is deli ham healthier than bacon? ›

Both ham and bacon are high in protein, but they also contain a significant amount of fat and sodium. As you can see, bacon is significantly higher in calories, fat, and sodium than ham. Ham is a better source of protein per calorie than bacon. However, bacon does contain slightly more protein per serving than ham.

How long does deli ham salad last in the fridge? ›

Fresh Ham salad will last in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Is deli ham good for 7 days? ›

Packaged lunch meats can be stored in the refrigerator for two weeks before opening. After opening a package of lunch meats or buying sliced lunch meats at a deli, you can refrigerate them for three to five days.

How long is deli ham salad good? ›

After opening a package oflunch meats or buying slicedlunch meats at a deli, you can refrigerate them for 3 to 5 days. Keep yourrefrigerator at 40 ° F / 4.4 °C or less).

Is ham good in the fridge for 10 days? ›

When Should You Throw Out Ham? If your ham has been stored in the fridge for more than five days after the package has been opened or in the freezer for more than six months, it is best to throw it out. Ham that has been exposed to temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit should also be disposed of.

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