Country-Style Ham Salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a sandwich filling, a dip for crackers, or even on its own. This classic recipe combines fully cooked ham with hard-boiled egg, celery, onion, and a flavorful dressing, making it perfect for picnics, lunches, or quick dinners. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making Country-Style Ham Salad, provide helpful cooking notes, and offer variations to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs thick slab ham, fully cooked and roughly chopped
- 1 large hard-boiled egg
- ½ cup celery, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon white onion, finely diced
- ⅔ cup mayo
- 3 tablespoons sweet relish
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Bread or crackers for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Chop the Ham:
- Roughly chop the fully cooked ham into small pieces.
- Chop the Celery and Onion:
- Roughly chop the celery.
- Finely dice the white onion.
- Hard-Boil the Egg:
- If you haven’t already, hard-boil one large egg. Once cooled, peel and chop the egg.
Step 2: Mix the Salad
- Combine Ham, Egg, Celery, and Onion:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped ham, chopped hard-boiled egg, chopped celery, and finely diced onion.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayo, sweet relish, Dijon mustard, and black pepper.
- Mix Everything Together:
- Pour the dressing over the ham mixture.
- Stir until all ingredients are well combined and evenly coated with the dressing.
Step 3: Chill and Serve
- Chill the Salad:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve:
- Serve the Country-Style Ham Salad chilled on bread or crackers. It also makes a great filling for sandwiches or wraps.
Cook Notes and Variations
Cook Notes:
- Ham: Use a thick slab of fully cooked ham for the best texture and flavor. You can also use leftover ham from a roast.
- Mayo: Adjust the amount of mayo to your preference for creaminess.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: Hard-boil the egg in advance to save time. Place the egg in boiling water for about 9-12 minutes, then cool in an ice bath before peeling.
Variations:
- Spicy Ham Salad:
- Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing for a spicy kick.
- Herbed Ham Salad:
- Mix in 1-2 tablespoons of fresh herbs such as parsley, dill, or chives for added flavor.
- Pickle Ham Salad:
- Substitute the sweet relish with dill pickle relish for a tangy twist.
- Low-Carb Version:
- Serve the ham salad in lettuce wraps instead of on bread or crackers for a low-carb option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different type of mustard?
Yes, you can use yellow mustard or whole grain mustard instead of Dijon mustard, depending on your preference.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Country-Style Ham Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Can I add other ingredients to the salad?
Yes, you can add other ingredients such as chopped pickles, shredded cheese, or diced bell peppers to customize the salad to your taste.
4. What type of bread is best for serving with ham salad?
Ham salad pairs well with a variety of breads, including whole wheat, rye, sourdough, or even croissants. It also works great as a dip with crackers.
5. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the ham salad up to a day in advance. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits in the refrigerator.
Country-Style Ham Salad is a delicious and easy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its savory ham, crisp celery, and flavorful dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Whether you’re serving it as a sandwich filling, a dip, or a main dish, this recipe is simple to follow and full of flavor. Give this Country-Style Ham Salad recipe a try and enjoy a classic, comforting dish. Happy cooking!
