Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ham salad ingredients, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Ham – The star of the show! You can use ham steaks or leftover ham from a holiday if you have some, or just buy deli ham. Dice into small cubes. Mayonnaise – This homemade mayo only uses 5-ingredients and takes 5 minutes to make, but you could use your favorite store-bought mayo instead. Greek Yogurt – Adds a creamy, tangy base to the ham salad recipe, and makes it a little lighter, too. I’ve also just made this with additional mayo or sour cream instead, and it totally works. If using only mayo, add a splash of lemon juice. Dijon Mustard – Lends a sharp and tangy depth, but if you want a different (but equally yummy) flavor, try yellow mustard or stone-ground mustard. Cayenne Pepper – This gives it the perfect spicy kick. You can adjust the level of heat to your liking. Pickles – I love the crunchy element. Feel free to use any kind of pickles you have: Sweet pickles, cornichons (small dill gherkins), or pickle relish. I prefer dill pickles to avoid added sugar. For a milder flavor, swap with crunchy celery instead. Sweet Onion – The sweetness contrasts the salty ham and pickles, but you can use red onion or scallions for a sharper bite. Fresh Herbs – I can never resist adding fresh herbs! I used fresh parsley and thyme, but dill or chives also work nicely with the flavors here. Sea Salt & Black Pepper
How To Make Ham Salad
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
Variations
Like most salads, you can easily customize this homemade ham salad recipe. Here are some variations I like sometimes: This homemade ham salad recipe is super simple and easy to whip up, but here are a couple tips that I find make it even better:
Chop the ham into similar sizes. Small, uniform pieces will give you a consistent texture that’s both creamy and chunky. It gets better with time. You can certainly serve it right away, but I like to refrigerate the salad for a few hours to let the flavors develop. It’s even better the next day! Adjust seasoning to taste. Taste the salad before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or other spices.
Add eggs. Dice up some hard-boiled eggs for extra protein, flavor, and texture variety. Add crunchy celery. The onions in this recipe provide some crunch, but if you want more, add 1/4 to 1/3 cup of diced celery. Make it deviled. Deviled ham salad is basically one where the ingredients are blended in a food processor, for a smooth, spreadable texture. I used to make it this way, but now prefer the chunky texture I have here. If you like a finer consistency, just pulse the ingredients in a food processor.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. I don’t recommend freezing ham salad, as the texture of the dressing will be ruined. Meal prep: This salad is ready-to-eat and perfect for meal prep or on-the-go snacks, as it doesn’t require heating — simply take it out of the refrigerator and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Looking for the best ways to eat your ham salad? Check out these easy ideas that’ll make your meal even tastier:
Sandwich – Use any bread that fits your lifestyle. I like to add a lettuce leaf, and sometimes a slice of tomato. Lettuce Wrap – This is my favorite way to serve it, pictured above. Large, flexible leaves work best, such as butter lettuce, bibb lettuce, or hearts of romaine. Crackers – I like to serve this recipe for ham salad with flax seed crackers or almond flour crackers, but any kind works. Don’t use ones that are too small, or the diced pieces will fall off. Veggies – Scoop it onto sliced cucumbers or inside mini bell peppers for a fun snack or appetizer. Greens – Serve it over a bed of greens for a fresh, light meal.
More Creamy Salad Recipes For Lunch
I love quick and easy meal prep lunches, but here are a few more salad recipes that are perfect for a quick and easy lunch: Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email. Nutrition info does not include optional salt and pepper.
