Savory Apple Ham Salad Spread

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 4
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If you’re craving a delightful mix of savory and sweet, this Savory Apple Ham Salad Spread is your answer. It’s a refreshing twist on classic ham salad, perfect for a light lunch or a hearty snack. Let’s dive into this simple yet flavorful dish that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients for Savory Apple Ham Salad Spread

Ham: The star of the show, adding a rich, savory base. Use leftovers or buy pre-cooked for convenience.

Tart apple: Provides a crisp texture and a sweet-tart flavor, balancing the savory ham. Granny Smith is ideal here.

Celery: Adds crunch and a touch of freshness, complementing the other flavors.

Red onion: Offers a mild, sweet onion flavor, making the salad more savory and aromatic.

Mayonnaise: Binds everything together with its creamy texture.

Dijon mustard: Introduces a tangy bite, enhancing the overall flavor complexity.

Honey: Balances the mustard's sharpness with a hint of sweetness.

Apple cider vinegar: Adds a subtle acidity to brighten the salad.

Black pepper and salt: Essential seasonings that bring out the best in each ingredient.

Tips & Tricks

  • Chill the salad spread for a couple of hours if you can; it tastes even better as the flavors mingle.
  • If you’re out of apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar or even lemon juice can work in a pinch.
  • For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.

Serving Suggestions

This spread is versatile! It’s perfect between slices of rustic bread for a hearty sandwich. For an elegant appetizer, serve it on thinly sliced baguette rounds or crunchy crackers. Pair with a light green salad or a bowl of tomato soup for a complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad spread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. The flavors will blend nicely, but give it a quick stir before serving.
What other apples work well in this recipe?
If you don’t have Granny Smith, try Honeycrisp or Pink Lady for a similar tartness.
How long does this spread last in the fridge?
Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Savory Apple Ham Salad Spread Recipe Walkthrough

Start by taking out a large mixing bowl. Dice 2 cups of cooked ham into small, bite-sized pieces and toss them into the bowl. Follow this with half a cup of diced tart apple — Granny Smith works well here for its crisp texture and tartness. Add a quarter cup of chopped celery and two tablespoons of finely chopped red onion to the mix. These veggies will bring some crunch and a touch of spice.

In a separate small bowl, we’re going to whip up the dressing. Combine a quarter cup of mayonnaise with a tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Add a tablespoon each of honey and apple cider vinegar. Sprinkle in an eighth teaspoon of ground black pepper and a dash of salt to taste. Stir until everything’s blended smoothly.

Pour the dressing over the ham mixture in your larger bowl. Gently stir everything until the ham, apple, and veggies are well coated with the creamy dressing. Cover the bowl and stick it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Combines savory ham with a hint of sweetness from apples and honey.
  • Quick and easy to prepare — perfect for busy weekdays.
  • Versatile: works as a sandwich filling or a spread for crackers.
  • A great way to use up leftover ham.

Ingredients

2 cups diced cooked ham
1/2 cup diced tart apple (such as Granny Smith)
1/4 cup chopped celery
2 tbsp finely chopped red onion
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1/8 tsp ground black pepper
Salt to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced ham, diced apple, chopped celery, and chopped red onion.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, ground black pepper, and salt until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the ham mixture and stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled as a filling for sandwiches or as a spread on crackers or bread slices.

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