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The Best Old Fashioned Creamy Ham Salad Recipe

A thick sandwich filled with creamy ham salad recipe mixture and celery chunks, served on toasted white bread.
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Turn your leftover ham into this classic, creamy, and tangy ham salad spread. It is quick to make and perfect for satisfying sandwiches or serving as a party appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked ham, finely chopped or ground
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish, drained
  • 2 tablespoons finely minced celery
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup finely minced white or yellow onion
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of salt (optional, taste first)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ham: If you want a very smooth, deli-style ham salad, pulse the cooked ham in a food processor until finely ground. For a more textured, old-fashioned salad, finely chop the ham by hand. Place the prepared ham in a medium mixing bowl.
  2. Combine wet ingredients: Add the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, and Dijon mustard to the bowl with the ham.
  3. Add aromatics: Mix in the minced celery and minced onion.
  4. Season: Sprinkle with black pepper. Taste the mixture before adding salt, as the ham is usually salty enough. Add a pinch of salt if needed.
  5. Mix thoroughly: Stir all ingredients together until everything is well combined and the salad is creamy.
  6. Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the ham salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend together.
  7. Serve: Use this creamy ham salad as a sandwich filling, spread it on crackers, or serve it in lettuce cups for a quick lunch or appetizer.

Notes

  • For the best texture, avoid over-processing the ham in the food processor; you want some texture remaining, not a paste.
  • This recipe is fantastic for using up leftover holiday ham, like Easter or Christmas ham.
  • You can make this ahead of time; it keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.
  • For a tangier flavor, substitute some of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://sundayflavor.com/ham-salad-recipe-best-old-fashioned-creamy-2/