This Ham Salad recipe combines leftover ham with celery, onions, relish, mayo, and horseradish mustard to make the perfect hearty sandwich filling.
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A Note From My Kitchen
Do you like ham? I mean like a ham on the bone. You know, one of those big old hunks of ham that could feed an army? I love me some juicy, salty, smokey, rustic sliced ham.
Our preferred method of cooking when it comes to ham is on the grill. So darn good and so easy to prepare! You can get a ham relatively cheap and then simply throw it on the grill in a roasting pan filled with an inch or so of water. It smells so delish while it's slow-cookin' and the results are mouthwatering.
There's only one problem when we cook a ham, though. There's always soooooo much left over. That's where this recipe comes in. You can transform your leftover ham into ham salad! Similar to tuna salad or chicken salad, ham salad can be used as a sandwich filling, a spread, or even on a garden salad.
After making this recipe many times over the years, this is the version I consistently come back to. So good, so easy, and the best way to dress up your boring ham leftovers!
Happy cooking,
Two Bite Tested
This old fashioned ham salad is a popular way to use leftover ham because it comes together quickly, holds up well for make-ahead lunches, and works as a sandwich filling or spread without extra cooking.
This post includes ingredient notes, answers to frequently asked questions, serving and storage suggestions, a detailed recipe card, and nutrition data placeholders.
Ingredients
- Cooked ham: Use leftover ham that is fully cooled, and chop it finely so the mixture spreads evenly. Alternately, pulse in a food processor if you prefer a smoother texture.
- Celery: Dice the celery finely for a consistent texture.
- Onion: Use a mild onion if you prefer a softer bite, and dice it very small.
- Mayonnaise: Use a mayonnaise you like the taste of, and start with the listed amount before adding more to adjust texture.
- Dill pickle relish: Use a dill-style relish, not sweet relish.
- Horseradish mustard: If you cannot find horseradish mustard, substitute Dijon mustard and add prepared horseradish to taste.
- Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice is recommended, but bottled lemon juice can be used if that is what you have on hand.
- Fresh parsley: Use fresh parsley for the listed garnish-like addition, or omit it if you do not keep fresh herbs.
- Salt and pepper: Season at the end, tasting as you go, because ham and relish can vary in saltiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ham salad recipe without horseradish mustard?
Yes, you can use Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, or spicy brown mustard, and adjust the amount to taste.Can I make ham salad ahead of time?
Yes, this is a good make-ahead option, and letting it chill for a few hours helps the mixture hold together for serving.How finely should the ham be chopped?
Chop the ham finely so the mixture holds together and spreads evenly, especially if you are making a ham salad sandwich.
Two Bite Take
"Similar to tuna salad or chicken salad, ham salad can be used as a sandwich filling, a spread, or even on a salad. I think ham salad just may be my favorite!"
- Becky Tarala
Serving Suggestions
What to Serve With Ham Salad
My favorite things to serve alongside ham salad are potato chips and a side salad.Ham Salad Variations
Try one of these tasty ham salad variations:- Classic sweet relish version: Replace the dill relish with sweet pickle relish for a slightly sweeter, more traditional flavor.
- Mustard-forward version: Increase the horseradish mustard slightly or substitute Dijon mustard for a sharper mustard profile.
- Herb-heavy version: Add additional fresh parsley or mix in finely chopped fresh chives for a stronger herb taste.
- Crunchier version: Add a small amount of finely diced bell pepper or extra celery for added texture.
- Tangier version: Increase the lemon juice slightly or substitute a small amount of apple cider vinegar for a brighter finish.
What are a few simple ways to serve ham salad?
Use any of the options below based on what you have available.- As a sandwich filling on bread or rolls
- As a spread with crackers
- On top of a garden salad
- In lettuce cups for a no-bread option
- Serve it as a dip-style spread with vegetables
Got Leftovers?
What To Do With Leftover Ham Salad
Use already-prepared ham salad in a different way than the first-time serving ideas by building it into a second dish or a new bite-size option.- Spoon it into mini sweet peppers for a chilled, crunchy snack.
- Use it as a filling for pinwheel wraps, then slice into bite-size rounds.
- Stir it into a cold pasta salad as the protein component.
- Add a scoop to a grain bowl with rice or quinoa and raw vegetables.
- Use it as a topping for a baked potato in place of other cold salad toppings.
- And so much more!
How To Store Ham Salad
Store ham salad in a covered airtight container in the refrigerator and use it within 3 to 4 days.
Ham Salad
Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
This Ham Salad recipe combines leftover ham with celery, onions, relish, mayo, and horseradish mustard to make the perfect hearty sandwich filling.
INGREDIENTS
2 cups cooked ham, finely chopped
2 stalks celery, finely diced
1/2 cup onion, finely diced
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup dill pickle relish
1 tablespoon horseradish mustard
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 cups cooked ham, finely chopped
2 stalks celery, finely diced
1/2 cup onion, finely diced
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup dill pickle relish
1 tablespoon horseradish mustard
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper, to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
- Mix together all of the ingredients in a bowl until thoroughly combined.
NOTES
Author: Becky Tarala
Author: Becky Tarala
Behind the Bites
Hi, I’m Becky, the creator of The Two Bite Club, where
good food starts with two bites. I’ve been cooking and sharing
recipes here for years, focusing on easy dishes that become family
favorites. I’m glad you’re here! You can learn more about me and the
blog here.
