Elevate your lunch or picnic spread with this delightful ham salad recipe, featuring tender ham, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty dressing that adds a refreshing twist. Perfectly balanced with creaminess and a hint of tang, this ham salad is versatile enough to serve on its own, in a sandwich, or on a bed of greens. With easy-to-find ingredients and quick preparation, it’s a dish you’ll turn to again and again!
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced (preferably leftover ham or deli ham)
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup diced pickles (dill or sweet, based on preference)
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for tang)
- 1 teaspoon honey (for sweetness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for an extra kick)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Start by dicing the cooked ham into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Finely chop the celery, red bell pepper, and green onions. If using, shred the carrots and dice the pickles.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine the Salad:
- Add the diced ham, chopped vegetables, and pickles to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together until all the ingredients are coated with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the ham salad for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir, taste, and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the ham salad on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or with crackers. Enjoy the crunchy, creamy, and tangy flavors!
Tips for a Tasty Variation:
- Add Fresh Herbs: Consider incorporating fresh dill or thyme for a burst of herbal freshness.
- Make it Spicy: For those who love a kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
- Cheesy Delight: Mix in shredded cheese, such as cheddar or Swiss, for added creaminess and flavor.
- Fruit Fusion: Try adding diced apples or grapes for a sweet contrast to the savory ham.
With its flavorful combination of ingredients and endless variations, this ham salad recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether for lunch, a picnic, or a potluck, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare!