Welcome to the world of flavor with this Zesty Ham & Pickle Salad! It's a delightful mix of savory and tangy, perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch or a refreshing side dish, this salad is sure to become a favorite.
Ham brings a savory, meaty base to the salad, providing a hearty texture. Dill pickles add a tangy crunch, balancing the richness of the ham. Celery offers a fresh, crisp bite, complementing the other ingredients. Red onion adds a sharp flavor, enhancing the overall taste. The creamy dressing, made with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and honey, ties everything together with a hint of sweetness. A dash of smoked paprika adds a subtle smokiness, while salt and pepper round out the flavors.
This salad makes a fantastic sandwich filling—try it on whole grain bread with some lettuce. For a light meal, serve it over a bed of mixed greens. It also pairs well with a side of crusty bread and butter for a more substantial meal.
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Dicing the ham into small, bite-sized pieces ensures that each forkful of salad gets a bit of everything. Next, chop the pickles, celery, and red onion, aiming for a similar size to the ham for a uniform texture.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced ham, pickles, celery, and red onion. This is your salad base. In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until you have a smooth dressing. Pour this over your ham mixture.
Gently toss everything together using a spatula or large spoon, ensuring the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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