Why You’ll Love this Ham Salad
If you’ve been searching for the perfect sandwich filling that combines nostalgia with incredible flavor, this ham salad recipe is about to become your new favorite. It’s creamy, savory, and has that perfect balance of tangy and sweet notes that dance across your taste buds with every bite.
I love how versatile it is—perfect on crackers for quick snacks, piled high between bread slices, or scooped onto a bed of lettuce when I’m feeling virtuous. The combination of ham, pickle relish, and that hint of garlic? Simply irresistible. Plus, it takes minutes to prepare.
What Ingredients are in Ham Salad?
This classic ham salad recipe brings together the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and sweet flavors that remind me of potlucks at grandma’s house.
The ingredient list might look long at first glance, but don’t worry—each component plays an important role in creating that nostalgic taste that makes this recipe so special.
And the best part? You probably have most of these items in your refrigerator or pantry already.
- 3 cups ham, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise (or salad dressing)
- 1/3 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup sweet pickle relish
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 fresh garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard
- 1 dash Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
When selecting your ham, leftover holiday ham works wonderfully, or you can use good quality deli ham in a pinch.
The texture of your ham salad really depends on how finely you chop the meat—some prefer it more chunky while others like it almost paste-like.
The mayo and ranch dressing amounts can be adjusted to your preference for creaminess.
And don’t skip the sweet pickle relish—it’s what gives this salad that quintessential tang that makes you go back for seconds, and maybe thirds.
Who’s counting anyway?
How to Make this Ham Salad
Making this ham salad couldn’t be easier—it’s all about combining ingredients in a harmonious blend that brings out the best flavors.
Start by finely chopping 3 cups of ham to your preferred texture. Some folks like it more coarsely chopped for texture, while others prefer it processed until almost smooth. I’m somewhere in the middle myself, aiming for small, uniform pieces that still have some substance when you bite into them.
In a large mixing bowl, add your chopped ham along with 1/3 cup mayonnaise (or salad dressing) and 1/3 cup ranch dressing. These creamy components form the base of your salad.
Next, add the flavor builders: 1/2 cup sweet pickle relish, 1 small diced onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves. The aromatics here really make a difference, so don’t be tempted to use garlic powder instead of those fresh cloves.
Add 2 teaspoons of lemon juice for brightness, 1 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard for tang, and that essential dash of Worcestershire sauce for depth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, but go easy on the salt since ham is already quite salty.
Stir everything together until well combined, making sure all those lovely ingredients are evenly distributed. For more consistent results, you could use a kitchen food processor to blend everything to your preferred texture. Then, cover the bowl and refrigerate for about an hour—this resting time allows all those flavors to get acquainted and truly shine.
Patience pays off in the flavor department, trust me.
Ham Salad Substitutions and Variations
While Grandma’s classic ham salad recipe deserves respect, there’s plenty of room for creative adaptations to match your personal taste or accommodate what’s in your pantry.
You can swap the ranch dressing for sour cream, or try Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter option. Not a fan of sweet pickle relish? Diced dill pickles or even capers work beautifully.
The mustard can be Dijon instead of yellow for a more sophisticated flavor profile.
For texture, try adding finely diced celery, bell peppers, or even some grated carrot. Can you imagine a bit of apple for unexpected sweetness?
What to Serve with Ham Salad
Now that we’ve explored ways to customize this time-honored recipe, let’s consider the perfect companions for your ham salad creation.
I love serving this versatile dish with buttery crackers or toasted baguette slices for a quick appetizer.
Want something heartier? Pile it onto croissants or between two slices of rye bread.
For a lighter option, scoop it onto crisp lettuce leaves or hollowed cucumber rounds.
Fresh fruit makes a wonderful side—think apple slices or juicy grapes to balance the savory flavors.
And honestly, nothing complements ham salad better than some tangy dill pickles on the side.
Final Thoughts
After spending time with this ham salad recipe, I’ve come to appreciate why it’s been passed down through generations. There’s something magical about transforming leftover ham into something completely new and delicious. The balance of tangy mustard, creamy mayo, and sweet pickle relish creates a nostalgic flavor that’s hard to resist.
Whether you’re spreading it on crackers for a quick snack, stuffing it between bread slices for lunch, or serving it atop a bed of greens, this versatile dish never disappoints. Simple ingredients, minimal prep time—what’s not to love? Grandma’s recipes usually know best, don’t they?
