Old-Fashioned Ham Salad
Anytime you make a ham you’re going to have leftovers, aren’t you lucky!? There are so many ways to use leftover ham and our new favorite way to use leftover ham is this Old-Fashioned Ham Salad! I bet if you think back on it, someone somewhere in your family was making this easy ham salad, and you’re going to love rediscovering it.
What Is Ham Salad?
Think of this “salad” as the ham version of chicken salad or tuna salad, a protein mixed with mayonnaise for dipping or spreading. Old-fashioned ham salad is the inspiration behind products like potted meat and deviled ham, it’s what people made before those products were invented.
The texture of this salad is finely chopped and spreadable, with a balance of savory ham, a little crunch from celery, and a bit of tang from pickle and onion. My version comes together quickly because I use a food processor to do the chopping. If you don’t have a food processor you can use a knife to finely chop all the ingredients.
This is a go-to recipe whenever you have leftover ham and need a plan. It helps you avoid waste while turning small amounts into something useful. It works for lunches, snacks, or quick meals. One batch can carry you through several days.
Ingredients For This Salad
Just a few simple ingredients bring this salad together in no time at all. You’ll only need liquid smoke if you like smoke flavor and your ham wasn’t very smoky to start with.
- celery
- red onion
- dill pickle
- ham
- mayonnaise
- liquid smoke
You’ll also need a food processor or good sharp knife and cutting board. It’s easier to make with the food processor but it was traditionally made with a knife and cutting board.
Make This Your Salad
You can adjust this easily based on your personal preferences. Add more pickle, celery, or onion as desired. The mayo can be increased for a smoother texture. Or you could use Greek yogurt for a lighter salad but it will change how it tastes.
How To Enjoy Ham Salad
Ham salad works in several ways depending on what you need. Spread it on bread for sandwiches, scoop it onto crackers, or use it as a filling for wraps. It also works as a quick option for lunch plates. Keep it simple and serve it how you like.
To Store This Salad
Store ham salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for several days and often tastes better after sitting overnight. Stir before serving if needed. Keep it cold until ready to use.
Old-Fashioned Ham Salad
Ingredients
- 1 stalk celery chopped
- 1/4 small red onion chopped adjust to taste
- 1 dill pickle chopped
- 2 1/2 cups cooked ham chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise more or less to taste
- 1 to 2 drops liquid smoke optional
Instructions
- Cut the celery into chunks
- Add the celery onion and pickle to a food processor
- Pulse until finely chopped stopping to scrape the sides as needed
- Add the chopped ham
- Pulse again until everything is finely minced
- Remove the blade from the processor
- Add the mayonnaise and liquid smoke if using
- Stir until fully combined
- Taste and adjust mayonnaise or seasoning as needed
- Serve immediately or chill before serving
Video
Notes
- If you don’t have a food processor you can use a knife to finely chop all the ingredients
- Adjust mayonnaise depending on how creamy you like it
- This keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
