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The Best Creamy, Old-Fashioned Ham Salad Recipe

A spoonful of creamy ham salad recipe, featuring diced ham and celery, being lifted from a mound on a white plate.

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This classic ham salad recipe uses leftover ham to create a creamy, savory sandwich filling perfect for quick lunches or potlucks. It is simple to make in minutes.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Place the finely chopped or ground ham into a medium mixing bowl.
  2. Add the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, chopped celery, yellow mustard, and Dijon mustard to the bowl.
  3. Add the black pepper and salt, if using.
  4. Mix all ingredients together thoroughly until the salad is well combined and creamy.
  5. Taste the ham salad and adjust mustard or seasoning if needed.
  6. Cover the bowl and chill the ham salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend.
  7. Serve cold on bread, crackers, or lettuce wraps.

Notes

  • For the best texture, pulse the ham in a food processor until finely ground, but do not over-process into a paste.
  • This recipe is excellent for using up leftover holiday ham.
  • You can prepare this savory salad spread up to five days ahead of time for meal prepping.

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