This ham salad is a classic for a reason. It transforms leftover cooked ham into a flavorful, creamy spread that is ready in minutes.
With just a handful of ingredients and a food processor, you can prepare a satisfying lunch or simple appetizer with very little effort.
Why is Classic Ham Salad a Must-Try?
Using a food processor creates a fine, uniform texture quickly without turning the ingredients to mush.
Pulsing the ham and vegetables first ensures they are chopped evenly before the creamy ingredients are incorporated.
Adding the mayonnaise and mustard last and mixing briefly prevents the salad from becoming too thin or paste-like.
Ingredients for Classic Ham Salad
• Ham: Any type of cooked ham works well, from leftover holiday ham to thick-cut deli ham.
• Mayonnaise: Use your favorite full-fat mayonnaise for the richest flavor and creamiest texture.
• Sweet Pickle Relish: This adds a classic sweet and tangy note. If you prefer, dill relish can be used for a less sweet version.
• Onion: Sweet or white onions are ideal for their mild flavor. Red onion can be used, but it will have a sharper taste.
• Mustard: Dijon adds a pleasant tang. Yellow mustard or a little brown mustard are also good options.
Exact quantities are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Classic Ham Salad
Step 1: Chop the Ham and Vegetables
First, place your cubed ham, celery, and onion in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse several times until everything is broken down into small, even pieces. Scrape the sides of the bowl once or twice to make sure everything is incorporated.
Step 2: Add the Creamy Ingredients
Next, spoon the mayonnaise, pickle relish, and mustard directly into the food processor with the chopped ham mixture. There’s no need to mix them separately first.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
Pulse a few more times, just until the dressing is mixed in and you have a creamy spread. Be careful not to overdo it. You can serve the ham salad immediately or chill it for a short time to let the flavors come together.
What to Serve with Classic Ham Salad
This salad is wonderful in sandwiches with lettuce and tomato, scooped onto crackers, or served in hollowed-out bell peppers.
Expert Tips for Classic Ham Salad
For a chunkier salad, you can finely mince all the ingredients by hand and mix them together in a bowl.
Taste the salad before serving. You can add a pinch of black pepper or a little more mustard if you like.
Using cold ingredients will give you a salad that is chilled and ready to eat immediately.
How to Store and Freeze Classic Ham Salad
Store the ham salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended, as the mayonnaise will separate when thawed and the texture will be unpleasant.
Classic Ham Salad Recipe FAQs
Can I make ham salad without a food processor?
Yes, you can. Use a sharp knife to finely mince the ham, celery, and onion. Then, combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and mix well with a fork until you reach the consistency you like.
What kind of ham is best for ham salad?
Leftover baked or spiral-cut ham is a great choice because it is very flavorful. You can also use a thick slice of ham steak or good-quality deli ham.
Why is my ham salad watery?
This can sometimes happen if the pickle relish has a lot of excess liquid. To prevent this, you can drain the relish briefly before adding it. Over-mixing in the food processor can also break down the ingredients too much and contribute to a looser texture.
Classic Ham Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked ham cut into 1-inch cubes, about 170g
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise 58g
- 2 tablespoons chopped celery
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon chopped sweet onion
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Place the cubed ham, chopped celery, and chopped onion into the bowl of a food processor.
- Pulse the mixture 5 to 7 times, until the ingredients are finely chopped but still have some texture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula if needed.
- Add the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, and Dijon mustard to the processor.
- Pulse again 3 to 4 more times, just until everything is combined into a cohesive spread.
- Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the salad texture gummy.
- Transfer the ham salad to a bowl. Serve right away, or cover and chill for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
