This old fashioned Ham Salad Recipe is the classic creamy spread my family makes every year after Easter and Christmas. It is the same church potluck style ham salad that turns leftover holiday ham into the best lunch of the week. Simple ingredients, no cooking required, and ready in just minutes.
In our house leftover ham never goes to waste because this ham salad is always next on the menu — my family actually looks forward to it more than the ham itself. I make a big batch the day after Easter or Christmas and we eat it on sandwiches, with crackers, and on pinwheels all week long.
Why You Will Love this Recipe
- Easy Leftover Recipe – Turn your leftover cooked ham into another meal. Your family will not realize they are eating leftovers.
- Simple Ingredients – The ingredients in this recipe are so simple. You can easily use a variety of ingredients to make it your own.
- Crowd Favorite – This best ham salad recipe is so delicious and always a family favorite.
- Quick to Prepare – Combine the ingredients the night before you are want to serve. This way it is ready to enjoy for an afternoon snack.
If making a sandwich, top it with sweet pickle relish or dill pickle relish with mayo for a delicious sandwich recipe. Other delicious sandwich recipes – Fried Egg Sandwich or Bacon Sandwich.
Ingredients
- Ham – Leftover baked ham works best, but deli ham, ham steaks, or canned ham can also be used.
- Mayonnaise – the classic creamy base that holds everything together. Some cooks use part Miracle Whip for a slightly sweeter tang, a tablespoon of sour cream for extra richness, or part Greek yogurt for a lighter version. Use what you love — the recipe works beautifully with any of these options.
- Sweet Relish – Adds sweetness and flavor. Dill relish can be substituted.
- Celery – Adds crunch and texture.
- Onion – Red onion or green onions work well if you want a milder flavor.
Carrie’s Tip: For the best texture pulse the ham in a food processor just until finely chopped, stop before it turns into a paste. You want small pieces with a little texture not a smooth spread.
Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.
How to Make Ham Salad
Step 1 – Dice Ham – Place the ham in a food processor. Then gently pulse until the ham is diced into small pieces but not a paste.
Step 2 – Stir Ingredients with Ham – Then place the ham in a large mixing bowl. Stir in all the remaining ingredients.
Step 3 – Chill Mixture – Cover and refrigerate for at least for 2 hours before serving.
Step 4 – Season with Salt and Pepper – Before serving, taste test the ham salad. Then add more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5 – Serve and Enjoy – This ham salad is great served on bread as a sandwich or with crackers.
Tips For Success
- Prepare Ingredients – To save time, prepare your ingredients ahead of time. Finely minced up the ham and vegetables that you are adding to the salad. Then when you are ready to serve, mix everything together.
- Chill – After preparing the ham salad make sure to allow it to chill for at least 2 hours. When not serving, keep the ham salad in the refigerator.
- Mixing Ingredients – Mix the ingredients in a large bowl to ensure that all the ingredients with the mayonnaise and seasoning.
- Double the Recipe – This recipe can easily be doubled if you are serving to a crowd. Just add in more ham and combine with the other ingredients.
Variations Ideas
- Hard-boiled egg – one of the most popular additions to old fashioned ham salad. Chop 2–3 hard-boiled eggs and fold in with the other ingredients for extra protein and a creamier texture that stretches the batch further
- Ham Salad Dip – You can still make this salad even if you have a smaller portion of ham leftover. Just dice the ham in smaller pieces and serve as a dip.
- Sweet relish vs dill — sweet relish is the traditional old fashioned choice for a slightly sweeter flavor while dill relish gives a more savory tangy result. Both are delicious — use whichever your family prefers
- Pasta – This mixture can easily turn into a pasta salad by adding in cooked pasta.
- Vegetables – Add in vegetables such as diced bell peppers and onions to add more flavor to this old fashioned ham salad recipe.
- Sweet onion or green onion — sweet onion gives a milder more subtle flavor while green onions add a fresh pop of color. Either works beautifully depending on your preference
- Mustard — add a teaspoon of yellow mustard or Dijon for a subtle tang that cuts through the richness of the mayo. A classic addition in many old fashioned versions
Serving Suggestions
This delicious ham salad can be served in many different ways. These are some of my favorite ways.
- Serve on a charcuterie board with a variety of crackers.
- Serve as a sandwich with a variety of bread.
- Make Pinwheels with the salad. Spread the salad on a tortilla and roll up, then slice.
Storage & Freezer Instructions
- Store leftover ham salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
- Stir before serving if any moisture has separated.
- I do not recommend freezing ham salad because the mayonnaise can separate after thawing.
- Make a batch ahead of time for easy lunches throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Leftover holiday baked ham gives the best flavor but deli ham, ham steaks, or canned ham all work great.
The classic base is ham, mayonnaise, sweet relish, celery, onion, and salt and pepper — simple pantry staples most people already have on hand.
Amish ham salad is very similar to old fashioned ham salad — the same creamy base of ham, mayo, and relish with a slightly chunkier texture and simple mild seasoning.
Old fashioned ham salad is a classic American potluck staple made with finely chopped ham, mayonnaise, sweet relish, and simple seasonings — mild creamy and perfect for sandwiches and crackers.
Yes, it is a good idea to make it ahead of time. This allows the Ham mixture time to chill for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the ingredients to combine and marinate together.
Deviled ham is more finely blended and spiced with mustard powder and hot sauce while ham salad is chunkier and milder.
More Leftover Ham Recipes
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Ham Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked Ham diced
- 1 cup Celery finely diced
- ¾ cup Mayonnaise
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard
- 2 Tablespoons Sweet Relish
- ⅛ teaspoon Black Pepper
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Instructions
- Place 3 cups cooked ham in a food processor and gently pulse until the ham is diced into small pieces but not a paste.
- Transfer the ham to a large mixing bowl. Stir in 1 cup celery (finely diced), ¾ cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons sweet relish, and ? teaspoon black pepper.
- Mix until well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Before serving, taste and add additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve on bread as a sandwich or with crackers and enjoy!
I add a shallot, sharp cheddar and green olives. So good on toast.