Oh, ham salad! This isn’t just any sandwich filling, it’s pure comfort food for me. I’ve been making this old-fashioned ham salad recipe for what feels like forever, probably since I was a kid helping my mom in the kitchen. It’s just so wonderfully simple, you know? You throw a few things together, give it a good mix, and suddenly you have this incredibly versatile spread that’s perfect for everything from a quick lunch sandwich to a tasty dip for crackers at a get-together. It’s that classic, no-fuss flavor that just always hits the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Old-Fashioned Ham Salad
Seriously, this recipe is a winner for so many reasons! It’s incredibly easy to whip up, which is a lifesaver on busy days. You get fantastic flavor without a ton of fuss, and it’s just so versatile.
- Quick Prep: Ready in just 15 minutes!
- Deliciously Simple: Classic, comforting taste.
- Super Versatile: Perfect as a sandwich filling or a tasty spread.
Perfect for Picnics and Lunches
This old-fashioned ham salad is practically made for picnics or just a nice, easy lunch. It travels so well and always seems to be a hit!
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
You probably already have most of what you need in your kitchen! Using common ingredients makes this deli salad a no-brainer for a satisfying meal.
Gathering Your Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Ham Salad
Alright, let’s get down to business with the ingredients! The beauty of this old-fashioned ham salad is that it relies on simple, good-quality staples you likely already have on hand. Freshness really makes a difference here, so grabbing the freshest goodies you can will set you up for success.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to get:
- 1 pound cooked ham, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
When it comes to the ham, I like to use leftover baked ham or even good quality deli ham, just make sure it’s chopped up nice and fine. If you’re really in a pinch for time, you can totally pulse the ham in a food processor for a smoother texture, but I kind of like the little bits from chopping! If you’re not a fan of celery, you could try finely diced bell pepper, but celery gives it that classic crunch. And hey, if you don’t have Dijon, a little bit of yellow mustard will work in a pinch, though the Dijon adds a nice little tang that I love.
Crafting Your Perfect Old-Fashioned Ham Salad
Alright, let’s get this delicious ham salad made! It really couldn’t be simpler, which is why I love it so much. This whole process, from chopping to chilling, takes about 15 minutes of your time, but trust me, the flavor is worth every second. We’re going to use a straightforward mixing method here, just combining everything in one bowl. It’s perfect for those days when you need something tasty but don’t have a lot of time.
Step-by-Step Preparation
First things first, grab a medium-sized bowl. Toss in your finely chopped ham, that creamy mayonnaise, the crisp celery, and the onion. Then, add in your sweet pickle relish and that little kick of Dijon mustard. Give it all a really good stir until everything is perfectly blended together. You want to make sure you don’t have any big globs of mayo or pockets of ham. Once it’s all mixed, taste it and add salt and pepper just the way you like it. You really want to give it a good stir after seasoning too, just to make sure it’s all even. Then, cover that bowl up tight and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling part is super important because it lets all those yummy flavors get to know each other and really meld together beautifully.
Tips for the Smoothest Old-Fashioned Ham Salad
If you’re after a super smooth ham salad, like you’d find at a fancy deli counter, go ahead and pulse your chopped ham a few times in a food processor. It makes a world of difference! Also, don’t be afraid to play around with the mayonnaise. If you like your ham salad a little looser, add a tablespoon more. If you prefer it thicker and more like a spread, just use a bit less. It’s all about making it exactly how you love it!
Serving and Enjoying Your Old-Fashioned Ham Salad
Now that you’ve got this amazing old-fashioned ham salad ready to go, it’s time for the best part – eating it! It’s just so versatile. My absolute favorite way is on some good, soft white bread for a classic ham salad sandwich. It’s simple, delicious, and takes me right back to childhood lunches.
Classic Sandwich Creations
For the ultimate sandwich experience, I like to toast my bread just a little bit. Then, I spread a generous layer of this ham salad on one slice and top it with a crisp lettuce leaf. Sometimes, I’ll even add a slice of tomato if they’re in season! It’s a hearty, satisfying lunch that never disappoints.
Beyond the Sandwich
But don’t stop at just sandwiches! This ham salad is also fantastic scooped onto your favorite crackers for a quick snack, or even served in crisp lettuce cups for a lighter option. It makes a pretty darn good dip for veggies too. Honestly, wherever you’d use tuna salad or chicken salad, this ham salad can step right in and be just as delicious. For another great salad option, try this refreshing avocado tuna salad.
Frequently Asked Questions About Old-Fashioned Ham Salad
Got questions about this yummy old-fashioned ham salad? I’ve got answers! It’s a pretty straightforward recipe, but people often wonder about a few things. Let’s dive in!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storing this ham salad is super easy. Just pop it into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It stays good for about 3 to 4 days, which is great because you can make a batch and have it ready for lunches all week! Since we’re not cooking anything after mixing, there’s no real need to reheat it – it’s best served nice and cold. If you *really* wanted to warm it up for some reason, you could, but honestly, it shines as a chilled deli salad. Just make sure it’s well-covered so it doesn’t pick up any funny smells from other things in the fridge!
Nutritional Snapshot of Old-Fashioned Ham Salad
Just a heads-up, the nutritional info for this old-fashioned ham salad is an estimate, and it can change a bit depending on the exact brands of mayo or ham you use. But generally, a 1/4 cup serving comes in around 250 calories, with about 20g of fat (5g of that being saturated), 15g of protein, and 5g of carbohydrates. It’s a satisfying little scoop!
5-Minute Old-Fashioned Ham Salad Comfort
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 2 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic and simple ham salad recipe perfect for sandwiches or as a spread.
Ingredients
- 1 pound cooked ham, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine the chopped ham, mayonnaise, celery, onion, pickle relish, and Dijon mustard in a medium bowl.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Season with salt and pepper to your preference.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve on bread, crackers, or lettuce wraps.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, you can pulse the ham in a food processor.
- Adjust the amount of mayonnaise to achieve your desired consistency.
- Add a pinch of sugar if you prefer a sweeter relish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: ham salad, old-fashioned ham salad, picnic salad, sandwich spread, deli salad