Classic Ham Salad Spread Recipe

This Classic Ham Salad Spread is a delightful, savory, and incredibly versatile dish that brings together the robust flavor of finely minced ham with the creamy richness of mayonnaise and a medley of complementary ingredients. It’s a timeless recipe, often associated with picnics, potlucks, and quick, satisfying lunches. The beauty of ham salad lies in its simplicity and its ability to transform leftover ham into a completely new and exciting culinary experience. This particular rendition emphasizes a balanced flavor profile, with the subtle crunch of celery and onion, the gentle tang of mustard, and the pleasant texture of hard-boiled eggs. It’s more than just a sandwich filling; it can be served as a delightful dip with an assortment of crackers, fresh vegetable sticks, or even as a topping for crisp lettuce cups. The texture is key – not too smooth, not too chunky, but just right for spreading or scooping. This recipe aims to achieve that perfect balance, ensuring every bite is flavorful and satisfying. It’s a fantastic way to utilize leftover holiday ham, minimizing food waste while maximizing deliciousness. Beyond its practical benefits, this ham salad evokes a sense of comfort and nostalgia, making it a beloved staple in many households. Its make-ahead convenience also makes it an ideal choice for busy individuals or for entertaining, as it only gets better as the flavors meld in the refrigerator.

Ingredients:

  • Main Components:
    • 3 cups cooked ham, finely minced (about 1 pound) – can be leftover ham, deli ham, or even canned ham, though fresh cooked ham is preferred for best texture and flavor.
    • 4 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled and finely chopped
    • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or more, to achieve desired consistency; real mayonnaise is recommended for richness)
  • Flavor & Texture Enhancers:
    • 1/4 cup finely chopped celery (about 1 stalk)
    • 2 tablespoons finely minced red onion (or yellow onion, for a milder flavor)
    • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (Dijon mustard can be used for a sharper flavor)
    • 1 teaspoon sweet pickle relish (optional, but adds a nice tangy-sweet note)
    • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground preferred
    • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for a subtle aromatic touch)
    • Salt to taste (start with 1/4 teaspoon, adjust as needed, as ham can be salty)
  • Optional Additions/Garnishes:
    • A pinch of smoked paprika for color and depth of flavor
    • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
    • A dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick
    • For serving: assorted crackers (like butter crackers, as shown in the image), bread slices (for sandwiches), lettuce cups, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips.

Instruction:

  1. Prepare the Ham: The first crucial step is to finely mince the cooked ham. While a food processor can be used for this, be careful not to over-process it into a paste. Pulse it in short bursts until it reaches a fine, crumbly texture. If you don’t have a food processor, a sharp knife and a bit of patience will do the trick, ensuring the ham is uniformly small. The goal is a texture that integrates well with the other ingredients without being overly chunky or completely smooth. If using leftover ham, ensure any tough or fatty pieces are trimmed off. If using deli ham, stack slices and finely dice them.
  2. Prepare the Hard-Boiled Eggs: Ensure your hard-boiled eggs are properly cooked, firm, and cooled completely. Peel them carefully. Once peeled, finely chop the eggs. You can use an egg slicer to make uniform slices in one direction, then rotate and slice again, or simply use a fork to mash them, or a knife to finely dice them. The consistency of the eggs should be small enough to blend into the salad but still provide some textural presence.
  3. Chop the Vegetables: Finely chop the celery. The goal is small pieces that offer a subtle crunch without dominating the texture. Similarly, finely mince the red onion. Red onion offers a lovely color and a slightly sharper flavor, but yellow onion can be used for a milder taste if preferred. Ensure both are very finely diced so they meld seamlessly into the spread rather than standing out as large chunks.
  4. Combine Wet Ingredients & Seasonings: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish (if using), black pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined and form a smooth, creamy base. This ensures that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the salad.
  5. Assemble the Ham Salad: Add the finely minced ham, chopped hard-boiled eggs, finely chopped celery, and finely minced red onion to the bowl with the mayonnaise mixture.
  6. Mix Thoroughly: Using a spatula or a large spoon, gently but thoroughly fold all the ingredients together. Mix until everything is evenly coated with the mayonnaise mixture and well combined. Avoid over-mixing, which can make the ham salad too pasty. The goal is a cohesive mixture where all components are integrated.
  7. Season and Taste: Now is the time to taste the ham salad and adjust the seasoning. Ham can vary significantly in its saltiness, so start by adding a small amount of salt (e.g., 1/4 teaspoon) and then add more if necessary. You might also want to add more black pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or a pinch of smoked paprika to enhance the flavor. The balance of sweet, savory, and tangy is key here.
  8. Chill for Best Flavor: Once seasoned to your liking, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the ham salad for at least 30 minutes, or preferably an hour, before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a much more delicious and cohesive spread. It also allows the mixture to firm up slightly, making it easier to serve.
  9. Serve: When ready to serve, transfer the ham salad to a serving bowl. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired for a touch of color. Serve with an array of accompaniments. As shown in the image, butter crackers are a classic choice, but it’s also excellent on whole-wheat bread for sandwiches, scooped into crisp lettuce cups for a low-carb option, or served with other fresh vegetable sticks like cucumber or bell pepper strips. This classic ham salad spread is perfect for a light lunch, a party appetizer, or a quick snack, offering a delightful blend of textures and savory flavors. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly satisfying and comforting.

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