Ah, ham salad, a dish that conjures up memories of family picnics, lazy afternoons, and somehow, that one summer when I discovered fireflies for the first time. There’s something about the creamy, tangy, savory mix that feels like a hug from the inside. I mean, who would’ve thought a hodgepodge of ingredients could be so comforting? Today, we’re giving this classic a Southern spin—think of it as a culinary two-step, a little jazzed up, with just enough spice to keep you guessing.
Steps
- Dice the boneless cooked ham, hard-boiled egg, celery, and finely chop the onion, then place them in a blender or food processor. Season with a bit of fresh black pepper and pulse 20-25 times to achieve a finely minced mixture.
- In a separate large bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the minced ham mixture with the mayonnaise mixture, stirring until everything is well integrated.
- Cover the ham salad and refrigerate for several hours to allow the flavors to meld and improve.
- Once chilled, serve the ham salad with crackers or on soft rolls, as desired.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless cooked ham, diced (either leftover or purchased thick cut, trimmed of fat)
- 1 hard-boiled egg
- 1 stalk of celery, roughly chopped
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped onion
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons sweet pickle relish (optional)
- 1 tablespoon prepared mustard
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Assorted crackers and/or soft rolls (for serving)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 870kcal | Protein: 45g | Fat: 72g | Carbohydrates: 9g | Sodium: 2844mg | Fiber: N/A | Sugar: N/A
FAQ
- What type of ham should I use for this ham salad?
- This recipe is ideal for using leftover holiday ham. I recommend a small boneless cooked ham, but thick ham steaks would also work well.
- Is a food processor necessary for making ham salad?
- No, you don’t need a food processor. You can finely mince the ingredients by hand or use a blender, processing small amounts at a time.
- Why is no additional salt needed in the recipe?
- It’s best to taste the ham salad before serving. Often, the ham itself is salty enough, so extra salt might not be necessary. Adjust according to your preferences.
- How should I serve ham salad?
- Ham salad can be enjoyed on rolls, biscuits, as pinwheels, in sandwiches, or as a spread for crackers.
- What is the best way to store leftover ham salad?
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last 4 to 5 days. Freezing is not recommended as the mayonnaise may separate upon defrosting.
Tips
- Choose the Right Ham: This recipe is ideal for using up leftover holiday ham or you can purchase a small boneless cooked ham or thick ham steaks. Make sure to trim off any excess fat for the best texture and flavor.
- Properly Mince Ingredients: For a finely minced texture, use a food processor or blender. If you don’t have these appliances, you can chop by hand, but it will require more effort to achieve the desired consistency.
- Chill for Enhanced Flavor: After mixing the ingredients, cover the ham salad and chill it for several hours. The flavors meld together and improve over time, making it even more delicious.
- Taste Before Adding Salt: Since ham can be quite salty, taste the salad before adding any extra salt. This helps avoid over-seasoning and ensures a balanced flavor. Adjust seasoning according to your preference.
Equipment
- Food Processor – Useful for finely mincing the ham, egg, celery, and onion.
- Blender – An alternative to a food processor for mincing ingredients.
