Creamy and full of wonderful flavors, this Ham Salad is a delicious appetizer or sandwich filling. Made with just a handful of ingredients and in a 10-minute time, it's totally HEALTHY, and perfect for using holiday leftovers.
Easter festivities are over. For us it was a nice long weekend. A complete success, I might say, considering everything that's going on right now with this unfortunate global health crisis. We didn't miss much of anything. Except our friends, and going out to explore London. But lockdown didn't stop us from having Easter like we usually do - with lots of food and games and fun. We even managed to transform our big terrace into our "outdoor" space, so we experienced the sun and outdoors too. In a way.
After Easter, here we are. Our bellies are full and satisfied. And our fridge is full of leftovers. But I already have the plan to use all these leftovers and make all sorts of deliciousness that my family loves. Like Ginger Egg Salad and Avocado Egg Salad Sandwich that will be the perfect lunch for me and hubs during a week.
Hubby was delighted when I mentioned to him that Ham Salad would be on our menu as well. When I told him what ingredients I plan to use, he was delighted. No wonder. This salad turned out as the creamiest, most delicious ham salad EVER. Plus, it's super easy to make, in less than 10-minutes. Practically effortless and made with ingredients you have in your fridge already. Win!
I served it with crackers one day, and the next day I made Ham Salad Sandwich. I can say leftover ham disappeared very quickly. Success.
Ham Salad ingredients
To make this Ham Salad you'll only need few simple ingredients. You probably have all of the ingredients in your fridge/kitchen.
- COOKED HAM: I like to use cooked smoked ham. It has more flavor. I usually buy a gammon joint and cook it at home. But any storebought ham will do here.
- CHEDDAR CHEESE: Cheddar is a widely popular semi-hard cheese from England. Made from cow’s milk that has been matured for several months, it can be white, off-white, or yellow. The taste of cheddar depends on the variety, ranging from mild to extra sharp. Cheddar cheese is considered to be "unhealthy" because it's high in calories and saturated fat. But if consumed in a reasonable amount and as part of a balanced healthy diet, cheddar shouldn't be a problem for our health. Cheddar cheese is nutritious, a great source of energy, and rich in protein and calcium. Also, cheddar is a good source of vitamins A, B2, B12, calcium, phosphorus, selenium, and zinc. (1) I like to use mature cheddar cheese. It has a distinctive sharp flavor and beautiful texture.
- AVOCADO OIL MAYONNAISE: I recently discovered avocado oil mayonnaise, and I was delighted to know something like this exists. Being a fan of this creamy spread since childhood, but without a healthier option on the market, I was deprived of this delight for many years. Avocado oil mayonnaise is basically eggs, avocado oil, and apple cider vinegar - all ingredients that are beneficial to our health. Mayonnaise is high in calories and fat and as such, a great source of energy. If consumed in a reasonable amount and as part of a balanced healthy diet, it shouldn't be a problem for our health, so dig in!
Other ingredients you’ll need:
- DILL PICKLES: Sour pickled cucumbers have many benefits. But not all pickles are equally healthy. Fermentation is one method of pickling, but not all pickles are fermented. When vegetables and fruits are fermented, healthy bacteria break down the natural sugars. This process is what gives fermented pickles their sour taste. The pickles that sit in saltwater ferments over many days. Product of this fermentations are bacteria good for our gut health. Storebought pickles are usually fermented in vinegar, BUT only vinegar that remains raw and unpasteurized, such as raw apple cider vinegar, retain parts of the “mother culture,” which provides that good bacteria. So, when buying pickles in store, look for ones fermented in salt and water or raw apple cider vinegar.
- MUSTARD: I used Dijon mustard, but any mustard will be ok here.
- GREEN ONIONS
How to make Ham Salad
Ham salad is really easy to make. No special appliances needed, no fuss.
- Prepare ingredients: Cut ham in small cubes. Shred the cheese using shredder. Cut pickles in small cubes. Finely chop green onion white and green parts.
- Measure all ingredients using measuring cups.
- Place cooked cubed ham, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped dill pickles and finely chopped white parts of green onions in a large salad bowl. Mix it gently using rubber spatula.
- In a small bowl mix together avocado oil mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Add pickle juice and mix again until smooth.
- Pour dressing over the ham and cheese mixture. Mix using rubber spatula.
- Place finely chopped green parts of green onion in a small bowl. Sprinkle it over Ham Salad after you serve.
- Enjoy!
Substitutions
- You can substitute avocado oil mayonnaise with the same amount of sour cream or Greek yogurt, plus 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Substitute cheddar cheese for Swiss cheese.
Tips for serving
- Serve COLD with crackers.
- Make ham salad sandwiches.
- Make ham salad wrap.
Tips for storing
- Keep Ham Salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can you freeze Ham Salad
You can freeze freshly made ham salad but only if you do it immediately. Don't wait 3 days and than attempt to freeze it. That's not a good idea. But honestly, I wouldn't recommend freezing prepared Ham Salad because of the mayonnaise in the dressing. It will most likely separate and not be as appetizing once thawed. Same is if you use Greek yogurt or sour cream.
BUT if you want you can freeze chopped ingredients WITHOUT mayonnaise dressing and add freshly made dressing after you thaw chopped Ham Salad ingredients. SO, just put chopped cubed ham, shredded cheddar cheese and chopped pickles in a large freezer zip-lock bag. Keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw on room temperature. DON'T FREEZE green onions!
This salad is easy to make, simple yet so DELICIOUS! Salty, smoky ham and sharp cheddar cheese are wrapped in creamy mayonnaise dressing. Zingy mustard and dill pickle are mixed in for an extra flavor twist.
It's great in a sandwich, but you can also serve it on its own in a bowl, with crackers for dipping. It's a great way to use up any leftover ham you have sitting around after and event or holiday. You will love it!
Enjoy!
Ham Salad recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked ham cubed
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup dill pickles chopped
- 1/3 cup green onions finely chopped white parts
- 1/2 cup avocado oil mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoon pickle juice
Instructions
- Prepare and measure all ingredients using measuring cups.
- Place 2 cups cooked cubed ham, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup chopped dill pickles and 1/3 cup finely chopped white parts of green onions in a large salad bowl. Mix it gently using rubber spatula.
- In a small bowl mix together 1/2 cup avocado oil mayonnaise and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Add 2 tablespoon pickle juice and mix again until smooth.
- Pour dressing over the ham and cheese mixture. Mix everything using rubber spatula.
- Serve chopped green parts of green onion in a small bowl. Sprinkle them over Ham Salad and enjoy!
Notes
Substitute cheddar cheese for Swiss cheese. Tips for storing Keep Ham Salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. As a measure, I used US cup (240ml). Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but I have endeavored to be as accurate as possible.
Nutrition
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This looks gorgeous! Like something my granny would have made.
Thank you for sharing.