Transform your leftover holiday ham into a delightful ham salad with this top-notch recipe! Perfect for whipping up sandwiches or a tasty spread for crackers, this appetizer is both simple and scrumptious.
Whether you hail from the Midwest or Mid-Atlantic or were introduced to ham salad by a friend or college roommate from these regions, you know its charm. As someone who grew up in California, I can attest to the joy of discovering this regional favorite — it’s a culinary experience that definitely enhances life!
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As I mentioned earlier, my first experience with it was during my college years. Subsequent encounters—second, third, fourth, fifth, and so on—took place while I was residing in Minnesota. It was a staple at baby showers and luncheons, typically served on crackers or slider rolls topped with a bit of lettuce. Without any reservations, I would indulge in it as much as I could.
Ham salad is a delightful dish similar to chicken and tuna salads, primarily featuring chilled, diced or ground ham. This mixture is enhanced with chopped vegetables and sweet pickle relish, all bound together with a creamy mayonnaise dressing. Often served as a spread on crackers or bread, it makes for an excellent sandwich filling. Discover the flavors of this scrumptious Deviled Ham Salad, perfectly suited for both sandwiches and as a tasty cracker topping.
Every time I prepare this Deviled Ham Salad, I’m swept back to the warm, inviting ambiance of my grandmother’s kitchen on a leisurely Saturday afternoon. We would gather, exchanging laughs and tales, while jazz melodies drifted from the old radio. My grandmother would offer me the first taste directly from the bowl before spreading it on crispy toasted bread. To her, this dish was more than just a recipe; it was a medium for bonding, expressing affection, and crafting lasting memories. Now, each bite revives those cherished times. It’s time for you to forge your own cherished moments with this enduring classic.
Let’s dive into the advantages! First, the efficiency of this recipe is astounding. In a mere 10 minutes, you can enjoy a bowl of creamy, savory bliss. Its adaptability shines too; it’s perfect atop crackers for a quick bite, or tucked into bread for a satisfying sandwich. Moreover, the flavor interplay is a real highlight. Sweet relish and salty ham perform a delightful dance, with mayo acting as the harmonious connector. And don’t forget, you can tweak the mayo and relish to your taste. It’s essentially a customizable culinary journey!
Ingredients for Deviled Ham Salad:
Let’s explore the components of this recipe:
Chopped Ham: Choose quality. Whether you’re using leftover ham or purchasing it fresh from the deli, aim for a flavorful selection. It really enhances the dish.
Mayonnaise: I personally prefer full-fat mayo for its rich creaminess, but if you’re counting calories, a low-fat version works too. Treat yourself occasionally, though!
Sweet Pickle Relish: This ingredient adds a zesty twist to the salad. Opt for relish without added preservatives to maintain a pure and fresh flavor.
Storing Deviled Ham Salad:
To preserve the freshness of your Deviled Ham Salad when you’re not indulging, it’s essential to keep it in an airtight container. Store it in the comfort of your fridge where it can stay delightful for up to a week. Before serving again, give it a light stir as the ingredients may have settled and separated.
Variations and Substitutions:
Ready to experiment? For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or some chopped jalapeños. If mayo isn’t your preference, try substituting with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a different texture. Add diced celery for a bit of crunch, or switch out sweet pickle relish for dill pickle relish for a tangy flavor. Cooking is all about personalization, so feel free to get creative and make this dish uniquely yours!
Enjoyment Tips:
No matter if you prefer it as a sandwich filling or a topping for crackers, this Deviled Ham Salad is designed to capture your taste buds. Until we meet again, enjoy your culinary creations!
Ham Salad with a Devilish Twist
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups finely chopped ham
- 1/2 cup premium mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup sweet pickle relish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped ham, premium mayonnaise, and sweet pickle relish. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly blended.
- Taste the mixture and adjust as needed. Add more mayonnaise for a creamier texture, or increase the sweet pickle relish for added sweetness or tanginess.
- Serve the Deviled Ham Salad as an elegant spread on sandwiches or as an accompaniment to premium crackers.
- Store the salad in the refrigerator in a sealed container to maintain freshness. It should remain fresh for up to one week. Stir well before serving again to maintain even flavor and consistency.
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