Classic Creamy Ham Salad: The Ultimate Recipe for Leftovers & Easy Meals

Discover the delightful simplicity of this classic ham salad recipe, featuring tender chunks of savory ham blended seamlessly with a rich, homemade creamy dressing. This timeless spread is incredibly versatile, perfect for layering onto sandwiches, filling crisp lettuce cups, or serving as a satisfying dip with your favorite crackers. A beloved family favorite, it’s an ideal solution for easy lunches, a convenient make-ahead meal for busy weekdays, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer for any gathering.

This post contains affiliate links. Please read my full disclosure here.

Enhance your meal planning by pairing this incredible ham salad with other delicious ham-centric dishes or using it as a creative way to repurpose holiday leftovers. My Slow Cooker Crockpot Spiral Ham, Traeger Smoked Glazed Ham, and Baked Ham with Pineapple recipes offer fantastic starting points for your ham base.

Why You Will Love This Classic Ham Salad Recipe

This ham salad isn’t just a recipe; it’s a culinary staple that brings comfort and convenience to any kitchen. Here’s why it’s destined to become a regular in your meal rotation:

• Perfect for Leftover Ham: Bid farewell to food waste after holiday feasts like Easter or Christmas. This recipe offers an ingenious and delicious way to transform leftover spiral ham, glazed ham, or any cooked ham into a brand new, exciting dish. Instead of letting those precious leftovers languish in the fridge, repurpose them into a flavorful salad that tastes entirely different from the original meal.
• Quick and Effortless Preparation: In today’s fast-paced world, quick and easy meals are invaluable. This ham salad truly shines in its simplicity, requiring minimal cooking and preparation. You can whip up a batch in mere minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, unexpected guests, or whenever you need a delicious dish without the fuss.
• Endlessly Customizable: The beauty of ham salad lies in its adaptability. It serves as a fantastic blank canvas, allowing you to tailor it precisely to your individual tastes and dietary preferences. Experiment with a variety of vegetables, fresh herbs, different mustards, or even a dash of hot sauce to create unique flavor combinations every time.
• Convenient and Portable: Whether you’re packing a lunch for work, planning a picnic, or needing a quick snack on the go, ham salad is your perfect companion. It travels exceptionally well, making it ideal for sandwiches, wraps, or simply served alongside crunchy crackers or a bed of fresh greens.
• Excellent for Meal Prep and Entertaining: Prepare a large batch of ham salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for quick access throughout the week. Its flavors actually deepen and meld beautifully after a few hours, making it even more delicious the next day. This makes it an invaluable asset for meal prepping healthy lunches or as an effortless contribution to potlucks, barbecues, and other social gatherings.

The Best Types of Ham to Use for Your Ham Salad

The type of ham you choose can significantly influence the flavor and texture of your salad. While most cooked hams will work, some options offer distinct characteristics that can elevate your dish:

• Cooked Ham: This is the most widely available and versatile option. Found in nearly all grocery stores, cooked ham typically comes pre-cooked and often sliced, making it incredibly convenient. You can use either boneless or bone-in varieties, just ensure it’s fully cooked. Its mild flavor makes it a great base for your chosen seasonings.
• Smoked Ham: For an added layer of depth and complexity, smoked ham is an excellent choice. The smoking process infuses the meat with a rich, savory aroma and taste that pairs wonderfully with the creamy dressing and other ingredients in the salad. It adds a gourmet touch without extra effort.
• Virginia Ham (Country Ham): Known for its distinctive, robust flavor, Virginia ham is cured and often aged for an extended period. This results in a saltier, more intense taste and a firmer texture. If using Virginia ham, you might want to adjust the amount of added salt in your dressing to balance its inherent saltiness.
• Black Forest Ham: This European-style ham is typically smoked and then seasoned with a blend of spices like pepper and coriander. It offers a slightly spicy, aromatic, and savory profile that adds an intriguing twist to your ham salad.
• Honey Glazed Ham: If you prefer a hint of sweetness, honey glazed ham is a perfect fit. The sweet and savory notes from the honey glaze beautifully complement the creamy dressing, creating a balanced and delightful flavor profile. This is an especially good choice if you’re looking to use up holiday ham leftovers.
• Leftover Ham: The ultimate purpose of ham salad! Any leftover cooked ham from a holiday meal, Sunday dinner, or other occasion is ideal. Simply chop it into small pieces, and you’re ready to create a fresh, new meal. This is a fantastic way to ensure no delicious ham goes to waste.

How to Prepare and Slice the Ham for Optimal Texture

The way you prepare your ham greatly influences the final texture of your salad. While there’s no single “right” way, your preference for a chunky or finer consistency will guide your slicing method.

For a classic, substantial ham salad that offers a satisfying bite, I recommend dicing the ham into approximately ½-inch cubes. This size provides a hearty texture that stands up well in sandwiches and offers a pleasant contrast to the creamy dressing.

If you prefer a smoother, more spreadable ham salad, suitable for delicate crackers or canapés, you can mince the ham into smaller chunks. To achieve this, use a sharp chef’s knife and employ a rocking motion. Start by roughly dicing the ham, then gather the pieces and continuously rock your knife blade back and forth over the ham, chopping it into progressively smaller pieces. Continue this process until you reach your desired fine consistency. You can also use a food processor for a very fine, almost pâté-like texture, but be careful not to over-process it into a paste. Pulse it in short bursts until it reaches your desired consistency.

Regardless of your chosen size, ensure all pieces are relatively uniform for even distribution of flavor and a consistent eating experience.

How to Make the Perfect Ham Salad

Creating this delicious ham salad is incredibly straightforward, requiring just a few simple steps to combine the fresh ingredients into a harmonious and flavorful spread. The detailed measurements are available in the recipe card below, but here’s a breakdown of the process:

1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by gathering and preparing all your components. This includes dicing your ham according to your preferred texture, finely dicing celery and onions, and measuring out the mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, relish, and mustard. Also, have your garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper ready for seasoning.
2. Combine Wet and Dry: In a large mixing bowl, combine your diced ham with the shredded cheddar cheese (if using). Then add the wet ingredients: mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), pickle relish, and mustard. Follow with the diced celery and onions, which add a crucial crunch and fresh flavor.
3. Season and Mix: Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and an initial pinch of salt and pepper. With a sturdy spoon or spatula, gently stir all the ingredients together. Mix until everything is thoroughly combined and the ham is evenly coated in the creamy dressing. Be careful not to overmix, which can break down the ham too much.
4. Taste and Adjust: This is a crucial step! Taste a small spoonful of the ham salad. Assess the seasoning and adjust according to your preference. Do you want more tang? Add a bit more relish or mustard. Need more creaminess? A touch more mayo or sour cream. Remember that the ham itself can be salty, so add additional salt judiciously.
5. Serve Immediately or Chill: While ham salad can be enjoyed right after mixing, its flavors truly deepen and meld beautifully after chilling. For the best taste and texture, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the ingredients to marry and the dressing to firm up slightly.

Enjoy your homemade ham salad, knowing you’ve created a versatile and delicious dish with minimal effort!

Creamy Dressing: Substitutions and Alternatives to Mayo

This recipe offers a delightful balance by using a combination of mayonnaise and sour cream or plain Greek yogurt. I personally favor plain Greek yogurt for its high protein content, which effortlessly transforms this side dish into a protein-rich option. If mayonnaise isn’t your preference, or you’re looking for different flavor profiles, you have several excellent alternatives:

• All Sour Cream or Plain Greek Yogurt: If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, you can entirely replace it with an equal amount of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt is particularly great for a healthier, higher-protein version, offering a tangy creaminess that works beautifully with savory ham. Ensure you use plain, unsweetened varieties.
• Mashed Avocado: For a healthier, dairy-free alternative, mashed ripe avocado can provide a wonderfully creamy texture. It also adds healthy monounsaturated fats and essential nutrients. Ensure the avocado is well-mashed and incorporated smoothly into the ham mixture. This will give your ham salad a slightly greenish hue and a fresh, earthy flavor.
• Hummus: Elevate the richness and boost the protein content of your ham salad by incorporating hummus. Choose a plain, unflavored hummus, or opt for a mild flavor like roasted red pepper that complements the ham without overpowering it. Hummus adds a Mediterranean twist and a wonderfully thick, spreadable consistency.
• Tahini: Made from ground sesame seeds, tahini offers a unique nutty flavor and a luxurious creaminess. Since tahini can be quite thick, you’ll want to thin it out with a little water or fresh lemon juice before mixing it into the salad to achieve the right consistency. It pairs exceptionally well with a hint of garlic and fresh herbs.
• Cream Cheese: For an incredibly rich and decadent ham salad, softened cream cheese can be used. It provides a dense, smooth creaminess. You might need to thin it slightly with a touch of milk or water to make it more spreadable, or combine it with a lighter option like Greek yogurt.

Customizing Your Ham Salad: Creative Substitutions and Add-ins

One of the best aspects of ham salad is its versatility. You can easily adapt this recipe to your preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment with these fantastic substitutions and add-ins to create your perfect personalized ham salad:

Protein Alternatives (if not using ham or for added variety):

• Turkey: Leftover roasted turkey, especially from Thanksgiving or Christmas, can be finely diced and used as a delicious alternative to ham.
• Shrimp: Cooked and chopped shrimp can transform this into a seafood salad, perfect for a lighter, more elegant option.
• Tofu: Firm tofu, crumbled and seasoned, can be a plant-based alternative, offering a different texture and absorbing flavors well.
• Bacon: Crispy crumbled bacon pieces can be added to ham salad for an extra layer of smoky, salty flavor and crunch.

Vegetable & Fruit Boosts for Flavor and Crunch:

• Pickles/Relish: Besides the standard pickle relish, consider chopped dill pickles or sweet gherkins for varying levels of tang and sweetness.
• Avocado: Diced or mashed avocado adds creaminess, healthy fats, and a fresh, subtle flavor.
• Cucumber: Finely diced cucumber provides a refreshing crispness and a mild taste, perfect for balancing richer flavors.
• Bell Peppers: Red, yellow, or green bell peppers, finely diced, add a pop of color, sweetness, and a satisfying crunch.
• Carrots: Grated or finely diced carrots introduce a subtle sweetness and an additional layer of texture.
• Tomatoes: Seeded and diced tomatoes can add a juicy, fresh element, though they might make the salad more watery over time.
• Grapes: Halved red or green grapes offer bursts of sweet juiciness, creating a wonderful sweet-and-savory contrast.
• Cranberries: Dried cranberries, either whole or chopped, add a chewy texture and a tart-sweet flavor that pairs surprisingly well with ham.

Nuts & Cheese for Texture and Richness:

• Almonds: Sliced or slivered almonds contribute a delicate crunch and nutty flavor.
• Pecans: Chopped pecans offer a richer, buttery crunch.
• Grated Parmesan: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami depth that complements the ham beautifully.

Feel free to mix and match these additions based on your preferences. Just remember that adding watery vegetables like tomatoes or cucumber might slightly increase the moisture content of the salad over time.

Essential Tips to Prevent Watery Ham Salad

Nobody enjoys a soggy salad! Watery ham salad can compromise the texture and flavor, making it less enjoyable. Here are some key strategies to ensure your ham salad remains perfectly creamy and delicious:

• Drain Excess Moisture from Ham: If you’re using leftover ham, especially from a glazed or brined ham, it might retain some moisture. After chopping or shredding your ham, spread it out on a plate lined with paper towels and gently pat it dry. This simple step helps remove any surface moisture that could leach into your dressing.
• Blot Vegetables Dry: Many vegetables, particularly celery and onions, contain a good amount of water. After dicing them, you can place them on paper towels and gently blot to absorb any excess moisture. For ingredients like cucumber or tomatoes, which are very high in water content, consider seeding them first and then draining them in a colander before adding to the salad.
• Use Thick Dairy Products: Opt for thick, full-fat mayonnaise and sour cream or Greek yogurt. Thicker dairy bases are less likely to separate and release water. If using Greek yogurt, ensure it’s a strained variety for maximum thickness.
• Add Dressing Just Before Serving (Optional for Optimal Freshness): While the recipe suggests chilling for flavor melding, if you’re preparing the salad hours in advance and are concerned about wateriness, you can combine the ham and vegetables, then mix in the dressing closer to serving time. This keeps the vegetables from releasing too much water into the dressing.
• Serve Chilled: Always serve your ham salad well-chilled, directly from the refrigerator. Chilling helps the dressing firm up, preventing it from becoming too loose or watery. The cold temperature also maintains the crispness of any added vegetables.
• Drain Any Accumulation: If you store leftover ham salad and notice a small amount of liquid accumulating at the bottom of the container, simply drain it off before stirring and serving. This is a natural occurrence, especially with ingredients like relish. A quick stir will restore the salad’s creamy consistency.

Creative Ways to Serve Your Delicious Ham Salad

This versatile ham salad is a true culinary chameleon, adaptable to countless serving styles beyond just a simple sandwich. Here are some creative and delicious ways to enjoy it:

• Classic Sandwiches: The quintessential way to enjoy ham salad! Spread a generous layer between two slices of your favorite bread—white, whole wheat, rye, pumpernickel, or a soft brioche bun. Elevate it further by adding fresh lettuce, sliced tomatoes, or a sprinkle of cheese. For a gourmet touch, serve it on a toasted croissant or a crusty baguette.
• Light & Fresh Wraps: Ditch the bread and opt for a soft tortilla or a large lettuce leaf. Spread the ham salad evenly, add a few extra veggies like shredded carrots or bell peppers, and roll it up tightly. Slice the wrap into pinwheels for an attractive party appetizer, or keep it whole for a satisfying and lighter meal.
• Elegant Cracker or Crostini Topper: Transform your ham salad into a sophisticated appetizer by serving it atop an array of crackers, toasted baguette slices (crostini), or artisanal bread crisps. The crunch provides a delightful contrast to the creamy salad, making it perfect for entertaining.
• On a Bed of Salad Greens: For a lighter, low-carb meal, spoon a dollop of ham salad onto a crisp bed of mixed greens. Think butter lettuce, spinach, arugula, or romaine. You can drizzle with a light vinaigrette or simply enjoy the rich flavors of the salad itself.
• Stuffed Vegetables: Create healthy and visually appealing snacks or appetizers by filling hollowed-out vegetables with ham salad. Bell peppers (mini or full-sized), crisp cucumber cups, cherry tomatoes, or endive spears make excellent edible vessels. This is a great way to boost your vegetable intake.
• Part of a Delicious Party Platter: Ham salad is a fantastic addition to any appetizer spread. Arrange it in a decorative bowl surrounded by an assortment of dippers: various crackers, pretzel crisps, cheese cubes, fresh vegetable sticks (carrots, celery, bell peppers, radishes), and even some fruit like grapes or apple slices. Guests will love customizing their own bites.
• In Deviled Eggs: For a unique twist, try swapping out the traditional yolk filling in deviled eggs for a spoonful of ham salad. It adds a whole new dimension of flavor and texture.

Storing Your Ham Salad for Optimal Freshness

Proper storage is key to keeping your ham salad tasting fresh and safe to eat. Follow these guidelines to maximize its lifespan:

• Use an Airtight Container: Always transfer any leftover ham salad into an airtight container. This is crucial for preventing air exposure, which can lead to spoilage and alter the salad’s flavor and texture.
• Refrigerate Promptly: Ham salad, like all mayonnaise-based salads, is perishable. It should be refrigerated promptly after preparation and always kept cold. Avoid leaving it at room temperature for more than two hours.
• Shelf Life: When stored correctly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, ham salad typically remains fresh and safe to eat for 3 to 4 days. Beyond this period, the quality of the ingredients, especially the dressing and vegetables, may start to deteriorate, and it may no longer be safe to consume.
• Stir Before Serving: It’s normal for some liquid to separate and settle at the bottom of the container, especially if you’ve included fresh vegetables or relish. Give the salad a good stir before serving to reincorporate the dressing and ensure a creamy consistency. If there’s excessive liquid, you can carefully drain it.

Can You Freeze Ham Salad?

While technically possible to freeze ham salad, it is generally not recommended, especially if your recipe includes mayonnaise or other dairy-based dressings. Here’s why:

• Mayo and Dairy Don’t Freeze Well: The primary issue lies with mayonnaise and other creamy dairy products like sour cream or Greek yogurt. When these ingredients freeze and then thaw, their emulsions tend to break. This results in a separated, oily, and watery texture that is far from the smooth, creamy consistency you desire in a ham salad. You’ll likely end up with ice crystals and a grainy mouthfeel.
• Texture Changes in Vegetables: Any fresh vegetables in the salad, such as celery or onions, will also suffer from freezing. The water content within their cells expands, creating ice crystals that rupture the cell walls. Upon thawing, these vegetables will become soft, mushy, and lose their crispness, further detracting from the salad’s appeal.

If you absolutely must extend the life of your ham, consider freezing the diced ham separately before mixing it into a salad. Then, when you’re ready to enjoy ham salad, thaw the ham, and prepare a fresh batch of dressing and add-ins. This way, you preserve the quality of the individual components without compromising the entire dish.

Ideal Pairings: What to Serve with Ham Salad

Ham salad is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes and sides. Here are some excellent recipes that complement its rich and creamy flavor:

• Slow Cooker Crockpot Pulled Chicken
• Smoked Turkey Legs
• How to Grill the Best Burgers
• Oven Baked Baby Back Ribs

Explore More Delicious Salad Recipes

If you love the ease and versatility of salads, be sure to check out these other fantastic recipes from our collection:

• Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
• Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
• Spaghetti Salad with Italian Dressing
• Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
• Southern Macaroni Salad
• Lump Crab Salad with Real Crab Meat
• Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp and Crab

Creamy Ham Salad

Brandi Crawford

This old-fashioned Ham Salad recipe features tender chunks of ham mixed with a creamy homemade dressing to create the perfect spread for layering onto sandwiches or as a delightful dip atop crisp crackers. This family favorite is great for easy lunches or as an appetizer for gatherings.

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Prep Time
15 minutes mins

Optional Chill
1 hour hr

Total Time
1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course
Appetizer, Lunch, Side Dish

Cuisine
American

Servings
5 servings

Calories
191 kcal

Ingredients

• 1 pound diced ham
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ⅓ cup mayo
• ⅓ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1 celery stalk Diced.
• ¼ cup diced onions I used red onions.
• ¼ cup pickle relish
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl and stir. Taste repeatedly and adjust the spices to suit your taste.

2. Serve chilled or warm. For best flavor, chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

Leftover salad may become slightly watery as it sits due to moisture released from the ingredients. If this occurs, simply drain any excess liquid and give the salad a good stir before serving to restore its creamy texture.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving
Calories: 191kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 10g

Nutrition Data Disclaimer

Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.