Ham Salad

This classic ham salad recipe is perfect for sandwiches. It’s also great on crackers or lettuce wraps. Make it for lunch, bring it on picnics, or enjoy it as a snack.

Whether you are looking for a way to use up leftover ham or you are just hungry and need something delicious, this ham salad recipe is for you. It is simple but really makes the best sandwiches.

There are a million ways you can tweak the recipe to make it your own, but we love it just the way it is. It is nostalgic and perfect in its simplicity.

Preparing the Ham

There are a few ways you can go with the ham here. There really isn’t a wrong way. It is just a matter of personal preference.

If you like really small bits of ham in the salad, use your food processor. Put the ham in there and pulse it until the meat resembles small crumbs.

Then finely dice your celery to match, and you will have a deli style ham salad.

If you like larger chunks, use a knife instead. Cut the ham into small cubes and turn it into a chunk salad.

Both ways are delicious and obviously taste very similar, but the texture is quite different. Try it both ways and see which one you like better.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you store ham salad?

You can keep homemade ham salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Can you freeze ham salad?

Freezing ham salad is not recommended as it can change the texture. Opt for making a half batch instead if you don’t think you can eat it all in 5 days.

Ham Salad Variations

Here are a couple of ideas to change up your ham salad:

Onion: For a little more crunch, you can use diced onion in place of the green onion. Or use both if you really like onion.

Herbs: You can also stir in some fresh herbs if you would like. A little dill is delicious. Just start with a pinch and taste as you go.

Mustard: We tend to use yellow mustard, but Dijon is also delicious.

Other Mix-ins: Feel free to make this your own. Add a little pickle relish if you want or even some diced pimentos. Almost anything goes.

Extra flavor boosts: try mixing in a dash of hot sauce or some cayenne for a little spice. Or add some diced hard boiled eggs and make deviled ham and egg salad sandwiches instead.

Serving Suggestions:

Of course, a sandwich is the classic way to go. Some white bread and a generous helping of ham salad with or without some lettuce is delicious.

We also love it as an open faced sandwich on toast. Or spread a little ham salad over crackers for a snack.

For a healthier option, serve a scoop over a bed of lettuce or spoon down the center of lettuce and make a wrap. You could even stir some into a pasta salad for an added protein boost.

More Recipes to Try:

If you like recipes like this, you may also like my chicken salad with fruit or make some classic egg salad. Like this recipe, both are versatile and perfect for sandwiches or snacks.

If you are looking for other ways to use leftover ham, try making a sandwich from a ham loaf or use some ham in a sweet pasta salad or Instant Pot ham and beans.