Traditional Ham Salad Spread

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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This Traditional Ham Salad Spread is a nostalgic favorite, perfect for picnics or light lunches. It's a delightful combination of savory and sweet, providing a creamy texture that's ideal for spreading on your favorite bread or crackers.

Ingredients for Traditional Ham Salad Spread

Ham is the star of this dish, providing a rich and savory base. Opt for cooked ham that's not overly salty for the best results.

Mayonnaise adds creaminess and helps bind the ingredients together. Choose a brand you love for the best flavor.

Celery brings a fresh crunch and lightness, balancing the richness of the ham and mayo.

Sweet pickle relish introduces a hint of sweetness and tartness, adding depth to the flavor profile.

Dijon mustard offers a mild tanginess, enhancing the overall taste without overpowering it.

Lemon juice adds a zesty brightness, cutting through the richness and lifting all the flavors.

Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning. Adjust them to taste, ensuring every bite is perfectly balanced.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a smoother spread, pulse the mixture a few times in a food processor.
  • If your ham is too salty, rinse it under cold water and pat it dry before chopping.
  • Add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar for an extra tangy twist.

Serving Suggestions

This ham salad spread is excellent on toasted rye or pumpernickel bread. For a lighter option, spoon it onto endive leaves or serve it with cucumber slices. It also pairs wonderfully with a side of coleslaw or potato chips for a satisfying lunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of mustard?
Absolutely! Yellow mustard or spicy brown mustard work well too; just adjust the quantity to suit your taste.
How long will this ham salad last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it should last 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze the ham salad spread?
It's not recommended, as the mayonnaise tends to separate when frozen and thawed.

Traditional Ham Salad Spread Recipe Walkthrough

Start by taking out a large mixing bowl. Add in your chopped ham and mayonnaise. Stir them together until they're well combined. This forms the creamy base of your salad.

Next, toss in that finely chopped celery and sweet pickle relish. Mix these in thoroughly so every bite has a bit of crunch and sweetness.

Now it's time for the Dijon mustard and lemon juice. Stir them in, making sure they're evenly distributed throughout the mixture. These ingredients add a nice kick and freshness.

Finally, season your spread with salt and pepper. Taste as you go, adjusting until you reach your preferred level of seasoning.

Once everything is mixed and seasoned to your liking, cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors.
  • Quick and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients.
  • Great for using up leftover ham.
  • Versatile — enjoy as a sandwich, wrap, or dip.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked ham, chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup celery, finely chopped
1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped ham and mayonnaise, stirring until well mixed.
2. Add in the finely chopped celery and sweet pickle relish, blending them evenly into the mixture.
3. Stir in the Dijon mustard and lemon juice, mixing thoroughly to combine all flavors.
4. Season the spread with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the ham salad spread for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

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