Ham Salad Sandwich
A classic American comfort food, this creamy and savory ham salad is packed with crunchy celery and a hint of sweet relish. It's the perfect quick lunch and a fantastic way to use up leftover ham.
For 4 servings
4 steps.
- 1
Prepare the ham
- a.Finely dice the cooked ham. For a smoother, more classic texture, place the diced ham in a food processor and pulse 4-5 times until it's coarsely ground. Be careful not to over-process it into a paste.
- 2
Step 2
- a.In a medium bowl, combine the ground ham, mayonnaise, finely chopped celery, finely chopped red onion, sweet pickle relish, and Dijon mustard. Stir until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- 3
Season the ham salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper
- a.Mix well, then taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. For best results, cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- 4
To assemble, lay out 8 slices of bread
- a.Spread the chilled ham salad mixture evenly over 4 of the slices. Top with a leaf of lettuce, if using, and then place the remaining 4 slices of bread on top. Slice the sandwiches in half diagonally and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, use leftover baked ham, especially one with a sweet glaze.
- 2Chilling the ham salad for at least 30 minutes is key for allowing the flavors to fully develop.
- 3If you prefer a tangier salad, you can substitute dill pickle relish for the sweet relish.
- 4To avoid a soggy sandwich, lightly toast the bread before assembling.
- 5Serve the ham salad on crackers, in lettuce cups, or stuffed into a tomato for a low-carb option.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add-in
Add one or two chopped hard-boiled eggs to the mixture for extra creaminess and protein.
HerbaceousHerbaceous
Stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped dill or chives for a fresh, herby flavor.
SpicySpicy
Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture for a little kick.
SmokySmoky
Sprinkle a 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika into the salad for a subtle smoky depth.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Ham provides high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining overall body function.
Rich in B Vitamins
Ham is a good source of several B vitamins, particularly thiamine (B1) and niacin (B3), which are crucial for converting food into energy and supporting a healthy nervous system.
Provides Essential Minerals
This dish offers important minerals like selenium, which acts as an antioxidant, and phosphorus, which is vital for bone health.
Frequently asked questions
A typical ham salad sandwich, as prepared in this recipe, contains approximately 450-550 calories per serving, depending on the type of ham, mayonnaise, and bread used.