Delicious, hearty Ham and Cheese Potato Salad perfect for potlucks! Take this easy potato salad up a notch with the savory additions of ham and cheddar that everyone goes crazy over!
Summertime gatherings and potlucks are the perfect occasion to showcase a delicious and satisfying Ham and Cheese Potato Salad. This easy-to-make dish offers a delightful spin on the traditional potato salad, incorporating smoky ham and creamy cheddar jack cheese for a burst of flavor in every bite. Not only is it a crowd-pleaser, but it also satisfies those looking for a hearty side dish.
Adding Ham and Cheese to Potato Salad
Potato Salad is a side dish primarily made up of boiled potatoes, spices, hard-boiled eggs, and a mayo based dressing mixture. It’s best served cold and it’s a staple for many summer BBQs and potlucks. There are many variations on potato salad, and it can be a very region-specific dish. This ham and cheese potato salad has a unique texture and taste to it that makes it a very memorable salad.
Why you’ll enjoy this Easy Ham Potato Salad Recipe
- Easy to make! This recipe is very simple to follow along with, making it a quick and easy dish to whip up for parties or get togethers.
- Basic ingredients. You do not need much to make this recipe, but you will need a few items. You will be surprised how many ingredients you already have in your kitchen.
- 1 hour or less. With a little prep and a fast cook time, you can easily have this recipe completed in about 60 minutes or less. Then let it chill while you prepare the rest of the meal items.
Ham and Cheese Potato Salad Ingredients
Potato Selection
For this Ham and Cheese Potato Salad, it is recommended to use 3 lbs of unpeeled baby red potatoes. They provide a tender, smooth texture and hold up well during boiling.
Ham and Cheese
Ham and cheese add savory flavors to this dish. To achieve the ideal balance, use 2 cups of cubed ham and 8 oz of Cheddar Jack cheese. Cutting them into small, bite-sized cubes creates a delicious, consistent texture throughout the salad.
Dressing Ingredients
The dressing for this potato salad is a creamy and flavorful combination:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tsp season salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 2 TBSP bacon bits (half for the dressing, half for topping)
To achieve an even distribution of flavors, mix the dressing in a separate bowl before adding it to the potatoes, ham, cheese, and celery. Whisk the mayo, sour cream, season salt, onion powder, paprika, pepper, and half the bacon bits together. This mixture helps to coat the salad evenly and infuse it with rich, smoky flavors. Finally, garnish with chives for a finishing touch.
How to make Easy Potato Salad with Ham & Cheese
Prep
Get started by boiling the potatoes in salted water for 20 minutes. Then, once cooked, drain and let the potatoes cool. Transfer the potatoes to an airtight container and refrigerate until cold. (This step can be done 1-2 days ahead if needed.)
Assemble
Next, cut the chilled potatoes into ½-inch chunks.
Then dice the cheese and ham into small bite sized cubes, add them to the bowl with the potatoes.
After that, slice the celery into small pieces as well and them put them in the bowl as well.
Salad dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayo, sour cream, season salt, onion powder, paprika, pepper, and half the bacon bits.
Proceed to transfer the dressing to the serving bowl with potatoes and stir until well combined.
Top the potato salad with the remaining bacon bits and chives. Serve and enjoy!
Ham and Cheese Potato Salad
Ingredients
- 3 lbs unpeeled baby red potatoes
- 8 oz Cheddar Jack cheese cubed
- 2 cups cubed ham
- 2 ribs celery sliced
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tsp season salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 2 TBSP bacon bits
- 1 TBSP chives for topping
Instructions
- Prep: Boil potatoes in salted water for 20 minutes. Drain & let potatoes cool. Transfer potatoes to an airtight container and refrigerate until cold. (This step can be done 1-2 days ahead if needed.)
- Assemble: Cut the chilled potatoes into ½-inch chunks. Then dice the cheese and ham into small bite sized cubes, add them to the bowl with the potatoes. Slice the celery into small pieces as well and them put them in the bowl as well.
- Salad dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayo, sour cream, season salt, onion powder, paprika, pepper, and half the bacon bits.
- Transfer dressing to the serving bowl with potatoes and stir until well combined.
- Top with remaining bacon bits and chives. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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Potato Salad Garnishes
Garnishing the Ham and Cheese Potato Salad adds a touch of color and freshness. Here are some ideas to make the salad even more appealing:
- Parsley: Sprinkle finely chopped parsley on top of the salad for a pop of color and an earthy flavor.
- Green onions: Lightly sprinkle sliced green onions over the surface, adding a hint of oniony sharpness.
- Herbs: Use a variety of fresh herbs such as dill, cilantro, or basil, depending on your preference. These herbs can elevate the taste of the salad and provide a beautiful presentation.
- Tomatoes: Decorate the salad with cherry or grape tomatoes, sliced in half, for a juicy burst of flavor.
- Hard-boiled egg: Slice one extra boiled egg and arrange the slices around the edges of the bowl, giving a contrasting texture and color.
Remember to keep the garnishes simple and subtle, allowing the Ham and Cheese Potato Salad to shine as the star of the meal.
Can I add protein other than ham?
Alternate Protein Choices
While ham is a delicious option in this potato salad recipe, there are other protein choices to consider for variety. You can substitute ham with:
- Cooked chicken, cubed or shredded
- Crumbled bacon
- Tuna, drained and flaked
- Hard-boiled eggs, chopped or sliced
Additional Vegetable Inclusions
Adding more vegetables to your potato salad not only enhances the flavor but also provides extra nutrients and texture. Consider incorporating the following vegetables:
- Chopped white onion or green onions
- Diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
- Grated carrots
- Sliced olives
- Chopped pickles or relish
What can I use instead of mayonnaise for the dressing?
Mayonnaise is the classic ingredient for potato salad, and that is no different for this recipe. You could try using half mayo and half miracle whip. For a healthier option, avocado mayonnaise is very popular these days, and it doesn’t have a difference in taste. Other options include low fat plain Greek yogurt or even hummus. All these variations will change up the taste of this recipe and also the texture slightly too.
How long can this potato salad be stored?
Ham and cheese potato salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to keep the salad chilled, and avoid leaving it out at room temperature for extended periods of time to maintain its freshness and food safety.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe should be naturally gluten-free, as none of the ingredients typically contain gluten. However, it’s essential to double-check the packaging of the individual ingredients, such as the ham and cheese, to ensure they are indeed gluten-free and haven’t been processed alongside gluten-containing products.
Should I peel my potatoes for this salad recipe?
We don’t! However, if you don’t like the texture of cooked potato skins, you certainly can remove them. Although they tend to add a nice texture and flavor to this recipe. You could consider peeling half and keeping half with the skins on if you want some of the texture of the skin without overpowering the dish.
Need more summer salad recipe ideas? Give more a try here:
- FIESTA RANCH CHICKEN PASTA SALAD
- Easy Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Orange Cream Fruit Salad
- Snickers Apple Salad
- Chicken BLT Salad
- Easy Taco Salad
- Patriotic Layered Jello Salad
- Pizza Pasta Salad
- Fancy Fruit Salad
- Greek Pasta Salad
This savory and filling Ham and Cheese Potato Salad is a wonderful addition to any BBQ or neighborhood potluck! You are sure to enjoy this easy potato salad made with cubes of ham, delicious chunks of cheddar cheese with bacon bits sprinkles on top.
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