Ham Salad
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Have you ever had Ham Salad? If you have leftover ham and leftover hard boiled eggs this easy recipe is perfect for using them up. It’s a classic recipe that can be piled on top of crackers or make a sandwich with it.
At Easter, do you serve ham? I know it’s just around the corner, but I’m always thinking of ways to use up leftovers, and this ham salad recipe is a great way to do that! It’s an easy recipe for using them up!
This is an old-fashioned ham salad similar to my family’s growing up. I remember my Mom having it for a quick lunch when we were kids!
It’s the perfect recipe for using up leftover ham and hard-boiled eggs, and it’s full of flavor. Plus, it’s so easy! My husband’s eyes light up when I make a batch because he loves these sandwiches for his lunches. Personally, I enjoy it on crackers!
Why this Ham Spread recipe works!
- Uses up leftovers! Most of us have extra ham and hard-boiled eggs after the holiday and this is great way to use them up.
- Chopped ham and hard-boiled eggs are combined with a creamy mayonnaise and mustard dressing. It’s cool, creamy, and delicious!
- Whether it’s served on a cracker or between two slices of bread, this is a super tasty spread! I’ve even fill celery with it as a quick appetizer.
- It’s one of my favorite leftover ham recipes along with my One Pot Ham & Penne Skillet Recipe, everyone loves that recipe! The BEST Ham & Cheese Egg Muffins – great use of leftovers or even Ham and Cheese Sliders – just a few slices of ham, make for an easy grab-and-go sandwich!
This is a great recipe to make whenever you have leftover ham – It’s the PERFECT Christmas or Easter leftover recipe!
Ingredients
- Ham – Leftover works great, chop it finely or even grind it.
- Yellow mustard – or try Dijon mustard or grainy brown mustard.
- Mayonnaise – Miracle Whip can be used, but it will have a sweeter taste.
- Hard Boiled Eggs – Finely diced. Perfect way to use leftover Easter eggs up.
- Sweet pickle relish
- Onion and Celery – Finely diced.
Products Needed
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Two Steps To Prepare
Mix – In a medium bowl, combine the ham, mustard, mayo, eggs, relish, and chopped veggies.
Chill – Cover and chill the ham mixture to allow the flavors to come together.
Pretty simple right? This is a real family favorite!
How to Serve It
Appetizer: Serve it as a spread for crackers or toasted bread. It’s also a great filling for celery sticks.
Sandwiches: Spread it on your favorite sliced bread for a delicious easy cold ham salad sandwich! Add some lettuce and tomatoes or keep it plain. It’s also great on slider rolls for mini sandwiches.
Side Dish Ideas: Serve your sandwiches with dill pickle spears, potato chips, or French fries on the side! Or, add a bowl of soup like my tomato basil soup.
Recipe Variations
You can really change this Ham Salad up to your taste!
- Want spicy? Add a bit of sriracha.
- Like cheese? Mix in some shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
- Add some freshly ground black pepper and a little sea salt for garnish.
- Add some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
Also, if you don’t like sweet relish leave it out! Hate onions? Then don’t add them! It’s really up to you to make this the perfect recipe for your taste buds.
Most important thing? You need to try this! I know you’ll love it!
How long does ham salad last?
Properly stored, homemade ham salad will last up to five days in the refrigerator.
Can you freeze ham salad?
You can freeze it, as long as it’s placed in the freezer immediately after preparing, but frankly, I don’t recommend it. Because this recipe uses mayonnaise it will most likely separate and not be as appetizing once thawed. Plus here’s the deal – this is delicious and tasty, you won’t have any problem using it up!
A better option is to freeze the ham. Then when you’re ready to make it, just thaw the ham and prepare this recipe.
What is the best way to chop the ham?
Using your food processor will make quick work of the chopping. Don’t just give it a whirl, though. Roughly chop the ham first, then add the meat and pulse it several times until it’s the consistency you’re looking for.
Personally, I LOVE my immersion blender for chopping this ham up. I just toss diced ham in there and give it a few quick pulses and I’m done. It’s so quick and easy to clean up too!
To be honest, I purposely make sure to have extra leftover holiday ham and hard-boiled eggs so I can make it – it’s the best ham salad recipe! I hope you love this recipe, I know we do! Be sure to comment below, I definitely want to hear from you!!!
More Of My Favorite Sandwich Recipes!
- Creamy, classic Chicken Salad loaded with grapes, apples, celery and walnuts makes the perfect sandwich on bread or croissants!
- My Tuna Salad Sandwich has creamy avocado and eggs for a great lunch!
- Cucumber Sandwiches are so easy to make and the perfect idea for bridal and baby showers, Mother’s Day, Easter, or tea.
- Egg Salad Sandwiches are another great way to use up all the leftover hard-boiled eggs.
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!
Ham Salad
Video
Ingredients
- 3 cups ham finely chopped or ground
- 1 Tablespoon yellow mustard
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 hard boiled eggs diced
- 1 Tablespoon sweet relish
- 1 Tablespoon onion finely diced
- 1 Tablespoon celery finely diced
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in mixing bowl.
- Cover and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Serve on crackers or a bun.
Penny Saucerman says
Recipe is really good. I used Dijon, whole grain and yellow mustard, added an extra egg and some spicy bread and butter pickles and a couple tablespoons of horseradish, which added some flavor. I was out of celery and onion because I’ve been out of town but will add them next time.
Sarah Hill says
Those sound like great additions! I’m glad this recipe worked out for you – thanks so much for commenting and rating!
Jo-Ann says
Never mind the hard boiled egg. In our family we put black olives (chopped) in it. And as far as freezing any salad mix that calls for mayonaise, I never tried, but I store excess in the fridge without the mayo and when ready to use, that’s when I put the mayo in. (Tuna salad I put shredded carrots…or sweet potatoes.)
Sioux says
Made this yesterday and put down romaine lettuce leaves, and piled the ham into them, was absolutly wonderful. Added some tabasco sauce, and medium cheddar cut into very small cubes, pimento, and diced black olives. Yum.
Anna Wrobel says
Happy Sunny Sunday
I make my Ham Salad almost like u I do not put in the eggs will have to try it
after Easter. Have a great day how is your family doing. Im sure they keep you busy thats why you stay young.
Julie Evink says
Thanks! I hope you enjoy it Anna!
shirley says
mine is much different…ham small onion pepperchni chop the last two together.add to ham chop swiss cheese chop the size of ham add together plus sweet relish and mayo.just to moist. great on crackers or bread..
Mary says
You can always freeze the ingredients except the nayo… defrost and add the mayo and mustard… whatever you add
Elaine McFarland says
I use my meat grinder to chop up the ham and eggs. Someone mentioned doing the same with bologna. Done that one too. Love having this stuff around. Quick snack.
Julie Evink says
Yes a meat grinder would also work perfectly!
Renee Goerger says
I’m so happy that I have leftover ham in my fridge right now because guess what I’m going to make? YUP!
Julie Evink says
Hope you enjoy it Renee!
Tayler Ross says
I made this for lunch yesterday an it was a total hit! Thanks so much for sharing!
Julie Evink says
So glad you enjoyed it Tayler!
Melissa Howell says
Ha ha! It’s so funny that Malinda thought ham salad was “old people” food! I guess I kind of have the same image in my mind! But I’m imagining it right now with those Ritz crackers, and I can almost taste how delicious it is!
Julie Evink says
LOL! Maybe we are old people now 😉
Danielle Green says
Ham salad is the best go to to have in the fridge!
Julie Evink says
Got that right!
Malinda Linnebur says
I remember ham salad as a kid but never ate it because I used to think it was an “old people” thing. Guess I’m an old person now because I love ham salad!!
Janet M Smith says
We always made with minced ham {bologna} place of ham. A lot cheaper and just as good. We all love this.
Julie Evink says
Ohhhh I’ve never heard of doing that! Great tip!
Judy says
Yes, bologna with mayo and sweet pickles. Yummy.
Julie Evink says
Ha! I know I had that same feeling even though I loved it secretly!