Ham salad is a classic dish that is perfect for light lunches or as a party appetizer. Made with diced ham, hard-boiled eggs, celery, onion, mayonnaise, mustard, and pickle relish, this salad is packed with flavor!. It can be served with crackers or spread onto a sandwich for a satisfying meal.
Ham salad is a timeless dish that strikes the perfect balance between heartiness and freshness, favored for its ease of preparation and delightful medley of ingredients. Ideal for a variety of occasions, from casual lunches to festive gatherings, it boasts a mouthwatering combination of diced ham, crunchy celery, sharp onions, and creamy hard-boiled eggs tied together with mayonnaise, tangy mustard, and the pop of pickle relish. Every bite delivers an array of flavors and textures that cater to a wide variety of palates.
Why You’ll Love our Old Fashioned Ham Salad
Ham salad is a delightful blend of savory flavors and varied textures, making each bite as enjoyable as the first. It’s a versatile dish that fits seamlessly into any meal plan. Perfect for light lunches or as a go-to party appetizer, it never fails to please a crowd.
This salad is ideal for using up leftover ham, transforming it into a delectable new creation. The inclusion of hard-boiled eggs adds a depth of flavor and a creamy texture when mixed with the rich mayonnaise. Celery introduces a crisp crunch, while green onions offer a subtle, sharp accent.
- Texture & Flavor: Crisp celery and smooth, hearty eggs enhance the diced ham for a satisfying mouthfeel.
- Convenience: With a simple list of ingredients and just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this classic effortlessly.
- Adaptability: Whether spread on a sandwich or served with crackers, it’s as flexible as it is delicious.
The salad is uplifted by the zing of pickle relish and a hint of Dijon mustard, making it a staple for those who appreciate bold, but not overpowering tastes. The smoked paprika adds a layer of smokiness that compliments the ham beautifully.
Getting Started
To create a delightful ham salad, one begins with gathering the necessary ingredients and understanding a few preparation tips. This will ensure a speedy and successful assembly of the salad.
Essential Ingredients
- Ham: Ideal for utilizing leftover ham.
- Hard-boiled eggs: Chop them up to add texture.
- Celery stalks: Finely diced for a crunch.
- Green onions: Chopped for a mild onion flavor.
- Mayonnaise: Brings creaminess to the salad.
- Pickle relish: Choose sweet or dill for a tangy bite.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a sharp and distinct taste.
- Smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smokiness.
Preparation Tips
- They can boil the eggs a day in advance, ensuring they are cold and firm for the salad.
- One might opt to serve the ham salad on a variety of bases, be it crackers for a light snack or within croissants for a more substantial meal.
Recipe Preparation
Making this ham salad is straightforward and hassle-free, perfect for a quick meal prep. It utilizes common kitchen ingredients and serves up a delicious blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 2 cups ham, chopped
- 2 hard boiled eggs, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, they will need to combine the chopped ham, eggs, celery, and green onions.
- Next, they’ll stir in the mayonnaise, relish, mustard, and smoked paprika until the mixture is well blended.
- The salad is then ready to be served with crackers, or as they prefer, spread onto sandwiches or croissants.
Serving Suggestions
Serving Ham Salad can be a fun and versatile experience, depending on the occasion. Here are some simple yet delightful ways to enjoy this dish:
- For a Light Lunch: Scoop Ham Salad over a bed of fresh greens like spinach or a spring mix. Add some cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices for extra crunch and color.
- Appetizer Appeal: One can offer Ham Salad as a dip with a selection of crackers, pita chips, or sliced baguette. It’s a surefire hit for guests to enjoy at gatherings or parties.
- Sandwich Station: Create a sandwich bar with different types of bread like croissants, whole wheat, or rye. Guests can build their sandwiches using Ham Salad as the main filling.
- On Toast: Spread Ham Salad on toasted English muffins or sourdough slices for a satisfying breakfast or brunch option.
- Stuffed Veggies: For a gluten-free alternative, one can stuff bell peppers or tomatoes with Ham Salad, creating a dish that’s both tasty and low in carbohydrates.
Here’s a simple table to summarize these ideas:
Serving Type | Suggestion |
---|---|
Light Lunch | Over fresh greens with veggies |
Appetizer | With crackers or sliced baguette |
Sandwich | On croissants, whole wheat, or rye |
Breakfast | Spread on toasted English muffins |
Gluten-Free | Stuffed in bell peppers or tomatoes |
Old Fashioned Ham Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups ham diced
- 2 hard boiled eggs chopped
- 2 celery stalks finely chopped
- 2 green onions chopped
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 TBSP pickle relish
- 1 TBSP dijon mustard
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Combine the ham, eggs, celery, and onions and stir together.
- Add in the mayonnaise, relish, mustard and paprika. Stir everything until it’s well combined. Chill until ready to serve.
- Serve with crackers, croissants, rolls, etc.
Notes
• Boil the eggs the day before so they are cold for the salad.
• Serve the ham salad with crackers or on croissants or other rolls. Storage:
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
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Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries about ham salad, providing specific tips and information for crafting variations, serving suggestions, origins, storage, and a simple recipe.
Are there variations of ham salad that don’t include eggs?
Yes, one can make ham salad without eggs by simply omitting them from the recipe. This variation might include an extra crunch from vegetables or a boost of flavor with herbs and spices.
What’s the best way to serve ham salad for a casual lunch gathering?
For a casual lunch, ham salad can be served on a platter with an assortment of crackers or breads. It is also delightful when scooped onto fresh lettuce leaves or stuffed into croissants.
Where does old fashioned ham salad originally come from?
Ham salad has its roots in American cuisine, particularly as a way to use up leftover ham after holidays or family dinners. Its exact origin is not well-documented, but it has been a staple in many American households for generations.
How long can you safely store ham salad in the fridge?
Ham salad can be safely stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It’s important to ensure that the salad is kept cold and is not left out at room temperature for prolonged periods to prevent spoilage.
Can you suggest a simple ham salad recipe that’s great for sandwiches?
A simple ham salad recipe that is perfect for sandwiches includes chopped ham, mayonnaise, pickle relish, and a touch of Dijon mustard mixed together. It can be spread between slices of bread with lettuce and tomato for a satisfying meal.
Ham Salad Storage Guidelines
To ensure the freshness and safety of the ham salad, proper storage is essential. Below are the guidelines one should follow:
Container:
- Use an airtight container to store the ham salad. This keeps out moisture and other contaminants.
Refrigeration:
- The salad must be kept refrigerated. The temperature should be set below 40°F (4°C) to prevent bacterial growth.
Shelf Life:
- The ham salad will remain fresh for up to 5 days if stored correctly.
Preparation for Storage:
- Allow the ham salad to cool if it has been out at room temperature.
- Transfer the salad into the container using clean utensils to avoid cross-contamination.
- Secure the lid on the container to maintain an airtight environment.
Avoiding Spoilage:
- Refrain from leaving the ham salad out for more than two hours. The “two-hour rule” minimizes the risk of spoilage and foodborne illnesses.
Remember, always check the salad before consumption, and if there is any sign of spoilage or an off smell, it’s best to discard it. It is better to err on the side of caution when it comes to food storage and safety.
Enjoy this Old Fashioned Ham Salad? Try more recipes just like it:
- ASIAN CHICKEN SALAD LETTUCE WRAPS
- HAM AND CHEESE POTATO SALAD
- CHICKEN WILD RICE SALAD
- LOADED POTATO SALAD
- CHICKEN SALAD & APPLES
- CHICKEN SALAD WITH GRAPES AND PECANS
- CRAZY AMAZING 5-MINUTE CHICKEN SALAD
- GRILLED CHICKEN SALAD WITH PESTO RANCH DRESSING
- CRUNCHY ASIAN CUCUMBER SALAD
For those with busy schedules, this ham salad is also excellent for make-ahead meal prep, storing nicely in the fridge for up to five days. It’s clear why this Old Fashioned Ham Salad could quickly become the highlight of your mealtime rotation.
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