Classic Creamy Ham Salad Spread for Sandwiches
This recipe transforms leftover ham into a creamy, savory spread perfect for quick lunches, crackers, or appetizers. It is a simple, make-ahead dish based on time-tested methods.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 40 min
- Yield: About 2 cups 1x
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked ham, finely chopped or pulsed
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (use your favorite brand)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of salt (optional, depending on ham saltiness)
Instructions
- Place the cooked ham into a food processor. Pulse several times until the ham is finely chopped but still has some texture. Do not over-process into a paste. If you do not have a food processor, chop the ham very finely by hand.
- Transfer the chopped ham to a medium mixing bowl.
- Add the mayonnaise, chopped celery, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, and black pepper to the bowl.
- Mix all ingredients together until they are well combined and the mixture is creamy. Taste the mixture and add a pinch of salt if needed.
- Cover the bowl and chill the ham salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend.
- Serve your **classic ham salad recipe** on bread for **ham salad sandwich ideas**, with crackers, or as a scoop on celery sticks.
Notes
- For a tangier flavor, substitute some of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter texture.
- This **easy leftover ham recipe** keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it great for **make ahead lunch salad** prep.
- If you prefer a smoother, **deli style ham salad**, process the ham longer until it is almost paste-like.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 17
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 13
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 11
- Cholesterol: 45