Easy Old Fashioned Ham Salad Recipe You'll Love
Old fashioned ham salad recipe, a timeless blend of savory ham, creamy dressing, and crisp vegetables, creates a comforting classic perfect for sandwiches.
Equipment
- The following kitchen tools and utensils streamline the preparation of an old fashioned ham salad recipe:
- Mixing Bowls: A set of various sizes is useful for combining ingredients.
- Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for dicing ham and vegetables.
- Chef's Knife: Essential for precise and efficient chopping.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient measurements.
- Rubber Spatula: Facilitates thorough mixing and scraping of bowls.
- Food Processor (Optional): Can be used for finely dicing ham quickly, but be cautious not to over-process.
- Storage Container: Airtight containers are vital for preserving the freshness of the prepared salad.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked ham, finely diced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup finely diced celery
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the diced ham, celery, red onion, and sweet pickle relish. The vegetables should be evenly distributed throughout the ham.
- Step 2: Add the Dressing: Add the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, and black pepper to the bowl. Gently stir until all ingredients are well combined and the ham salad is evenly coated with the dressing. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the salad mushy.
- Step 3: Season to Taste: Taste the ham salad and add salt as needed. Remember that ham can be quite salty, so add salt sparingly, tasting as one goes.
- Step 4: Chill Before Serving: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste. The ham salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Step 5: Serve and Enjoy: Serve the ham salad on crackers, lettuce wraps, or in sandwiches. It pairs well with sliced tomatoes, lettuce, and your favorite bread. Enjoy! Optional Tips: For a spicier ham salad, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a sweeter version, increase the amount of sweet pickle relish. For a tangier flavor, add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Mayonnaise can be substituted with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Notes
Variations
The old fashioned ham salad recipe readily accommodates alterations, resulting in diverse flavor profiles and catering to specific dietary needs.
- Ingredient Swaps: Turkey or chicken may be substituted for ham. Different types of mustard (Dijon, stone-ground) can alter the flavor profile. Greek yogurt can replace some or all of the mayonnaise for a lighter version. Consider adding hard-boiled eggs, chopped pickles (dill or bread and butter), or a pinch of cayenne pepper for added complexity.
- Regional Twists: Some Southern variations incorporate a touch of sweetness with a small amount of pineapple or mandarin oranges. Midwestern versions might include shredded cheddar cheese or a dollop of sour cream. New England recipes sometimes call for a splash of apple cider vinegar.
- Dietary Adjustments: For a gluten-free option, ensure all ingredients, particularly mayonnaise and mustard, are certified gluten-free. To create a dairy-free version, use a plant-based mayonnaise alternative. For a low-carb adaptation, serve the salad in lettuce wraps or with cucumber slices instead of bread or crackers.
Serving Suggestions
An old fashioned ham salad recipe exhibits versatility in its presentation and purpose. It is equally suitable for casual lunches and more formal gatherings.
- Sandwiches: Spread the ham salad on your favorite bread, such as sourdough, rye, or whole wheat. Add lettuce, tomato, or sprouts for extra flavor and texture.
- Crackers or Crostini: Serve the ham salad as an appetizer with an assortment of crackers or toasted baguette slices.
- Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, spoon the ham salad into crisp lettuce cups.
- Deviled Eggs: Use ham salad as a filling for deviled eggs for a unique twist on a classic appetizer.
- Side Dish: Accompany grilled meats or vegetables with a scoop of ham salad as a flavorful side dish.
- Occasions: Ham salad is appropriate for picnics, potlucks, family gatherings, and quick weekday lunches.
Storage Tips
Proper storage is crucial to maintaining the freshness and safety of the prepared ham salad.
- Preserving Freshness: Store ham salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Ensure the container is properly sealed to prevent the salad from drying out or absorbing odors from other foods.
- Shelf Life: Properly stored ham salad will typically remain fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Discard any leftover salad that has been unrefrigerated for more than two hours.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the mayonnaise-based dressing tends to separate and become watery upon thawing, affecting the texture and overall quality of the salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Question 1: Can I use pre-shredded ham for this recipe?
Yes, pre-shredded ham can be used, but finely dicing the ham generally yields a better texture. - Question 2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. In fact, the flavors meld together even better when the salad is made a day in advance. - Question 3: What is the best type of mayonnaise to use?
Full-fat mayonnaise provides the richest flavor and creamiest texture, but light mayonnaise can be used as a substitute. - Question 4: Can I add hard-boiled eggs to ham salad?
Yes, adding chopped hard-boiled eggs is a common and delicious variation.