Country Style Ham Salad has been a cherished family recipe in my home for as long as I can remember. I’ll never forget my grandmother, humming a tune as she’d whip up a batch, the savory aroma of ham and a hint of sweet relish filling her kitchen. This classic spread takes me right back to those easy Saturday afternoons, enjoying a simple yet incredibly satisfying lunch. It’s the ultimate comfort food, especially when you have leftover ham from a holiday feast. My homemade ham salad recipe is perfect for turning those remnants into a hearty and flavorful dish that everyone will adore. This easy country ham salad sandwich spread is truly a winner. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Country Style Ham Salad
I know you’re going to fall in love with this Country Style Ham Salad for so many reasons. It’s truly a retro classic that brings joy with every bite. My easy country ham salad recipe is not just simple to make, but it’s also incredibly versatile.
- It’s bursting with savory, creamy flavor that’s both comforting and satisfying.
- Prep time is minimal, making it perfect for a quick lunch or snack.
- This hearty spread is budget-friendly, making excellent use of leftover ham.
- It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious, protein-packed meal.
- My easy country ham salad recipe is a family favorite, perfect for picnics or gatherings.
- It’s incredibly versatile and can be served in many delicious ways.
Ingredients for Country Style Ham Salad
To make this delicious Country Style Ham Salad, you’ll need just a handful of simple, traditional ham salad ingredients. I’ve found that using quality components really makes all the difference in achieving that classic, savory flavor. Here’s what goes into my best country ham salad recipe:
- 1½ lbs thick slab ham, fully cooked and roughly chopped – The star of our show! I prefer a good quality ham for the best flavor.
- 1 large hard-boiled egg, peeled – This adds richness and helps with the creamy texture.
- ½ cup celery, chopped – For that essential crunch and a fresh, bright note.
- 1 tsp white onion, finely diced – A little goes a long way to add a subtle savory depth.
- ⅔ cup mayonnaise – The binder that brings everything together into a creamy ham salad.
- 3 tbsp sweet relish – This provides a perfect hint of sweetness and tanginess.
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard – Just enough to cut through the richness and add a bit of zing.
- ½ tsp black pepper – To season and enhance all the other flavors.
- Bread or crackers, for serving – Essential for enjoying your country ham salad sandwich spread!
How to Make Country Style Ham Salad
Making this Country Style Ham Salad is incredibly straightforward, and I promise you’ll love how quickly it comes together. This Southern ham salad preparation is all about simple steps that yield maximum flavor, perfect for any gathering or a quick lunch. I’ve broken it down to ensure your classic country ham salad is absolutely perfect every time!
- Step 1: Prepare your ingredients. While there’s no preheating an oven for this recipe, I always start by gathering all my traditional ham salad ingredients. This makes the process smooth and enjoyable.
- Step 2: Mince the ham mixture. Take your roughly chopped ham, the peeled hard-boiled egg, chopped celery, and finely diced white onion, and toss them into your food processor. Pulse a few times until the mixture is finely minced. My goal here is a spreadable consistency, not a paste, and definitely not big chunky bits. You might need to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl once or twice to ensure everything is evenly processed. This step is key for that perfect country ham salad sandwich spread texture.
- Step 3: Prepare the dressing. In a separate, large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet relish, Dijon mustard, and black pepper. Stir these ingredients together until the mixture is completely smooth and well-combined. This creamy base is what truly brings out the savory ham salad flavor.
- Step 4: Combine everything. Now, scoop the minced ham mixture from your food processor into the bowl with the mayonnaise dressing. Stir everything together thoroughly until all the ham mixture is evenly coated. I love seeing it transform into that familiar, inviting creamy ham salad texture.
- Step 5: Chill for flavor. Cover the bowl tightly and pop it into the refrigerator for at least one hour. This chilling time is absolutely crucial; it allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together, resulting in a much more delicious and hearty ham salad. Trust me, patience here pays off!
- Step 6: Serve and enjoy. Once chilled, give your Country Style Ham Salad a quick stir. Now it’s ready to be served! Whether you scoop it onto crisp crackers, spread it generously on soft white bread for a classic sandwich, or even stuff it into croissants, you’ll find this easy country ham salad recipe is a delight.
Pro Tips for the Best Country Style Ham Salad
I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to ensure my Country Style Ham Salad turns out perfectly every single time. These expert tips will help you achieve that savory, hearty ham salad you’re craving, making your easy country ham salad recipe a standout. Don’t skip these steps for the best results!
- Always use fully cooked ham, but feel free to experiment with smoked or honey-baked varieties for different flavor profiles.
- Pulse the ingredients in the food processor in short bursts; you want a textured mix, not a smooth paste, for that ideal deli style ham salad feel.
- Don’t rush the chilling process! An hour in the fridge truly allows the flavors to meld and deepen, transforming it into a truly old fashioned ham salad.
- Taste and adjust seasonings. Sometimes a little extra pepper or a tiny squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavors.
What’s the secret to perfect Country Style Ham Salad?
The real secret to a perfect Country Style Ham Salad lies in the balance of textures and flavors. I find that using a hard-boiled egg adds an unexpected creaminess and richness, while the sweet relish provides just the right amount of tang. This combination elevates the traditional ham salad ingredients, making you wonder what goes in country ham salad to make it so good.
Can I make Country Style Ham Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This is one of my favorite make-ahead dishes. You can prepare your Country Style Ham Salad up to 2-3 days in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen and improve overnight, making it an even more delicious picnic ham salad idea for your next gathering.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Country Style Ham Salad?
To avoid common mistakes with Country Style Ham Salad, first, resist over-processing the ham mixture; you want texture, not mush. Second, don’t skimp on the chilling time – it’s essential for flavor development. Lastly, always use good quality mayonnaise for a truly creamy ham salad recipe; a poor-quality mayo can make the whole dish fall flat.
Best Ways to Serve Country Style Ham Salad
Once you’ve made your delicious batch of Country Style Ham Salad, the fun really begins! I love how versatile this savory spread is, making it perfect for almost any occasion. Here are my favorite ways to enjoy this classic dish, offering some fantastic ham salad sandwiches ideas and more.
- Classic Sandwiches: My absolute favorite way to serve Country Style Ham Salad is on soft white bread, often with a crisp piece of lettuce and a slice of ripe tomato. It makes for the perfect hearty ham salad lunch.
- Crackers and Crostini: For a quick appetizer or snack, pile generous scoops onto your favorite crackers or toasted baguette slices. This deli style ham salad is always a hit at parties.
- Stuffed Vegetables: For a lighter option, try stuffing your creamy ham salad into hollowed-out bell pepper halves, celery sticks, or even endive leaves. It’s a fresh and simple country ham salad presentation.
Don’t forget some simple sides like potato chips or a fresh fruit salad to complement the rich flavors of your Country Style Ham Salad!
Nutrition Facts for Country Style Ham Salad
I know many of you are curious about the nutritional breakdown of this delicious Country Style Ham Salad. While this hearty ham salad is a comfort food, it’s good to have an idea of what you’re enjoying. Here are the estimated nutrition facts per serving (this recipe makes 6 servings), giving you a clear picture of this simple country ham salad:
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients, brands, and preparation methods used for your Country Style Ham Salad.
How to Store and Reheat Country Style Ham Salad
Proper storage is key to enjoying your homemade Country Style Ham Salad for as long as possible. I always make sure to put away any leftovers promptly to maintain its freshness and flavor. This ensures that every spoonful of this old fashioned ham salad tastes just as good as the first.
Once you’ve finished serving, transfer any remaining Country Style Ham Salad into an airtight container. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to get every last bit! Store it in the refrigerator, where it will stay delicious for about 3-4 days. I find that the flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, making it even better the next day.
While I don’t typically freeze ham salad due to mayonnaise separation upon thawing, if you must, it can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. There’s no need to reheat this simple country ham salad; it’s best served chilled. Just give it a good stir before serving to reincorporate any liquids.
Frequently Asked Questions About Country Style Ham Salad
Can I freeze Country Style Ham Salad?
I generally don’t recommend freezing Country Style Ham Salad if it contains mayonnaise. The emulsion in mayonnaise tends to break down when frozen and thawed, leading to a watery and unappetizing texture. This creamy ham salad recipe is best enjoyed fresh or simply refrigerated.
Why is Country Style Ham Salad so good?
Ah, the million-dollar question! I believe Country Style Ham Salad is so good because it hits all the right flavor notes. You get the savory, salty goodness of the ham, the creamy richness from the mayonnaise and egg, a delightful crunch from the celery, and just the right amount of tang and sweetness from the relish and mustard. It’s a perfect symphony of textures and tastes that defines country style ham salad as a true comfort food.
What can I use if I don’t have a food processor for this homemade ham salad recipe?
Don’t worry if you don’t have a food processor! You can absolutely still make this delicious Country Style Ham Salad. Just finely mince the ham, hard-boiled egg, celery, and onion by hand using a sharp knife. It takes a little more effort, but the results for this easy country ham salad recipe are just as satisfying.
What are some good pairings for Country Style Ham Salad?
Beyond the classic crackers and bread, I love serving Country Style Ham Salad with a variety of sides. Think fresh cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, or even sturdy lettuce cups for a low-carb option. A simple green salad or a bowl of tomato soup makes for a fantastic and complete meal with this hearty ham salad.
Variations of Country Style Ham Salad You Can Try
While the classic Country Style Ham Salad is truly perfect as is, I love experimenting with different variations to keep things interesting! You can easily tweak this delicious recipe to suit your dietary needs or just to explore new flavor combinations. These ideas make for a truly versatile creamy ham salad recipe.
- Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to my Country Style Ham Salad. It adds a wonderful warmth without overpowering the savory ham.
- Herbaceous Delight: Fresh herbs can brighten up any dish. Try folding in a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley, chives, or dill for a burst of fresh flavor. This makes your simple country ham salad even more aromatic.
- Dill Pickle Twist: If you prefer a tangier profile, swap out the sweet relish for dill pickle relish or finely diced dill pickles. This variation gives a delightful, briny counterpoint to the rich ham, creating a slightly different but equally delicious creamy ham salad recipe.
- Healthier Swap: For a lighter take, you can replace half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or even a light sour cream. This keeps your Country Style Ham Salad creamy while reducing some of the fat content, making it a great option for a deli style ham salad.
Amazing Country Style Ham Salad: 6 Servings of Pure Joy
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
This country-style ham salad is a classic retro recipe, perfect for using leftover ham. It is salty, creamy, and a little sweet from the relish, making it a hearty and savory spread.
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs thick slab ham, fully cooked and roughly chopped
- 1 large hard-boiled egg, peeled
- ½ cup celery, chopped
- 1 tsp white onion, finely diced
- ⅔ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp sweet relish
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Bread or crackers, for serving
Instructions
- Mince the ham mix: Throw the ham, hard-boiled egg, celery, and onion into a food processor. Pulse a few times until minced, not paste, not big chunks. Stop and scrape the sides if needed. You want it spreadable.
- Make the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sweet relish, Dijon mustard, and black pepper until smooth.
- Mix it all up: Scoop the ham mixture into the bowl with the mayonnaise mixture. Stir until fully combined and everything looks evenly coated.
- Chill it: Cover the bowl and let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour. The flavors will combine better.
- Serve it how you like: Scoop this country ham salad onto Ritz crackers, spread it on white bread with a slice of tomato, or stuff it into a croissant.
Notes
- If too salty, try using part ham and part cooked chicken next time for your homemade ham salad.
- No food processor? Chop everything by hand for this Southern ham salad preparation.
- For a little spice, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne to your classic country ham salad.
- Prefer dill pickles? Use them instead of sweet relish for a different flavor in your traditional ham salad.
- Making ahead? This easy country ham salad recipe is even better the next day. Stir before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Lunch, Snack
- Method: Food Processor, Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg