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ByBrandie
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The best ham salad recipe only requires leftover ham, mayonnaise, celery, onion and perfectly combined seasonings! My most requested recipe!
A TRIED AND TRUE HAM SALAD RECIPE
I’ve been making this salad for over 25 years. You just can’t top perfection. I actually tweaked this recipe based off a recipe I got from my very first Betty Crocker Cookbook. If you love my Potato Salad, then you’ll know that those old Betty Crocker recipes can’t be beat! I’ve only adjusted them slightly over the years to adjust to my taste and because I’m picky about my salad recipes! This recipe for ham salad all be the one you come back to over and over again!
![The Best Ham Salad (+Video) (1) The Best Ham Salad (+Video) (1)](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecountrycook.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/club-cracker-inserted-into-ham-salad-scaled.jpg)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What kind of ham should I get?
This recipe is perfect for leftover holiday ham. For this recipe, I used a small boneless cooked ham. Thick ham steaks would also work well.
Do I have to use a food processor?
No. You could certainly cut this up by hand. It will take a bit of work though because you want it finely minced. You could also do this in a blender. Just mince a little at a time.
Why isn’t there salt added?
Give this ham salad a taste test before serving. I didn’t add any additional salt to mine because my ham was salty enough so additional salt would have been too much. Adjust to your taste.
What is the best way to serve ham salad?
Serve on rolls, biscuits, as Ham Salad Pinwheels, in a sandwich or as a spread for crackers!
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It will last up to 4 or 5 days. I don’t recommend freezing ham salad. Sometimes the mayonnaise separates when it defrosts.
![The Best Ham Salad (+Video) (2) The Best Ham Salad (+Video) (2)](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecountrycook.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/main-image-Best-Ham-Salad-scaled.jpg)
INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR THE FULL RECIPE)
- boneless cooked ham – this recipe is perfect for leftover ham or you can purchase a small smoked ham.
- hard boiled egg – this adds more flavor than you realize and you don’t taste it as a separate ingredient but if you really hate eggs, just leave it out.
- celery and onion – adding layers of flavor here, use what you like and if you don’t like it then leave it out but I promise you, these ingredients are worth it.
- sweet pickle relish – relish is always controversial, I don’t know why but if you hate relish than leave it out – some folks like dill pickle relish. Or even try making your own Homemade Sweet Pickle Relish.
- mayonnaise – I am a mayonnaise purist. It has to be Hellman’s or Duke’s (or JFG) for me. I do not like Miracle Whip at all but if it’s your thing – then go for it.
- mustard – some might think this is weird to add to ham salad but it adds a lovely bit of background flavor that you don’t taste as a separate ingredient.
![The Best Ham Salad (+Video) (3) The Best Ham Salad (+Video) (3)](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecountrycook.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Ham-Salad-3-1-scaled.jpg)
HOW TO MAKE THE BEST HAM SALAD:
Put the ham, egg, celery and onion into a blender or food processor (season with a bit of salt and black pepper). Pulse (short, quick pulses) 20-25 times to mince.
![The Best Ham Salad (+Video) (4) The Best Ham Salad (+Video) (4)](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecountrycook.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Ham-Salad-recipe-process.jpg)
Combine remaining ingredients into a separate bowl (sweet pickle relish,mayonnaise, mustard.)
![The Best Ham Salad (+Video) (5) The Best Ham Salad (+Video) (5)](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecountrycook.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Ham-Salad-recipe-process-2.jpg)
Then stir it into minced ham mixture. Cover and chill. I like to chill ham salad for several hours. It definitely gets better as it chills for a while.
![The Best Ham Salad (+Video) (6) The Best Ham Salad (+Video) (6)](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecountrycook.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Ham-Salad-in-a-bowl-scaled.jpg)
Serve on rolls, in a sandwich or with crackers!
![The Best Ham Salad (+Video) (7) The Best Ham Salad (+Video) (7)](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecountrycook.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Ham-Salad-on-Hawaiian-Rolls-scaled.jpg)
CRAVING MORE DELICIOUS RECIPES?
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Originally published: January 2014
Updated and Republished: March 2021
The Best Ham Salad (+Video)
The best ham salad recipe only requires leftover ham, mayonnaise, celery, onion and perfectly combined seasonings!
4.97 from 210 votes
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Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
Servings: 10
Author: Brandie @ The Country Cook
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless cooked ham, diced (leftover or purchased thick slab, trimmed of fat)
- 1 hard-boiled egg
- 1 stalk celery, roughly chopped
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped onion
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons sweet pickle relish (optional)
- 1 Tablespoon prepared mustard
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- assorted crackers and/or soft rolls (for serving)
Instructions
Put 1 1/2 pounds boneless cooked ham, diced, 1 hard-boiled egg, 1 stalk celery, roughly chopped and 2 teaspoons finely chopped onion into a blender or food processor (season with a bit of fresh black pepper)
Pulse (short, quick pulses) 20-25 times to mince. Scrape down the sides of the food processor to make sure it all gets combined evenly.
Combine 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 teaspoons sweet pickle relish, 1 Tablespoon prepared mustard, and salt and pepper (to taste) into a separate large bowl.
Then stir in minced ham mixture.
Cover and chill. I prefer to chill it for several hours. It definitely gets better as it chills for a while.
Serve with assorted crackers and/or soft rolls.
Video
Notes
- This ham salad is perfect for that leftover holiday ham. I set about making my own version of a ham salad that combines all of my favorite flavors. I used a small boneless cooked ham.
- Ham steaks also work for this recipe
- You should end up with 3 cups ground ham after it is blended in the food processor or blender.
- Give this ham salad a taste test before serving. I didn’t add any additional salt to mine because my ham was salty enough so additional salt would have been too much. Adjust to your taste.
- Serve on rolls, biscuits or as a spread for crackers!
Course: Brunch, Lunch, Salad
Cuisine: American
Nutrition
Calories: 290kcal | Protein: 15g | Fat: 24g | Sodium: 948mg
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Did you make this recipe?Share it on Instagram @thecountrycook and mention us #thecountrycook!
Updated to add: The original post had a giveaway. That giveaway has now ended.
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- The Best Potato Salad
- French Potato Salad (+Video)
- Old-Fashioned Bologna Salad
- Warm Bacon Potato Salad
4.97 from 210 votes (141 ratings without comment)
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I followed the recipe except I used 2 cups of diced leftover ham and 1 teaspoon of mustard. It turned out great!
Reply
This turned out awesome. Reminds me of childhood only with a grown up taste. Followed the receipe to a tee with some home cured ham and house blended mayonnaise I did recently. I wouldn’t change a thing. Thank you!Reply
You are so kind Rodney – thank you! I aprpeciate you coming back to comment!
Reply
My favorite ham salad! Simple ingredient perfection!Reply
Very good! I bought a precooked, smoked ham from a local company, on sale. I followed the recipe except I added ¼ cup of minced onion and didn’t add any salt. Next time I’ll add some fresh dill.Reply
This is the best ham salad I’ve ever had. Have made it several times. Followed the recipe exactly. Everyone loves it. Thank you for sharing itReply
hands down the best! I made a double batch with a precooked small ham. Great for summer on-the-go meals. Double batch lasted four days.Reply
I’m 99.9% sure that is the best ham salad that I’ve ever had!!!!….Reply
goodReply
I tried to follow the recipe and it came out terrible. Everyone else seems happy with their results, so I must have done something wrong.
Reply
This is by far the best Ham salad I have made. I used dill relish, 2 tbsp. of onion and Dijon mustard and it was perfect.Reply
This looks fabulous. I have thought about making ham salad for years but just never have made it. Usually ham and bean soup with leftover ham. I will make this shortly and get back with my review.Reply
I had been looking for a good recipe for Ham Salad!
also thank you so much for allowing to print this so easy. the other recipe sites are a pain.Reply
Thanks so very much Mary! I really appreciate you taking the time to come by and leave a comment – it really does mean so much!
Reply
This recipe is absolute perfection.
I’m only ever making this ham salad from here on out.
Thank you so much for sharing it!!Reply
This makes the best appetizer put on top of a cucumber slice with a sprig of dill on top!Reply