This old fashioned ham salad recipe is a creamy, savory classic that never goes out of style. It’s simple to make, full of flavor, and perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or easy lunches.
Whether you’re using leftover baked ham or canned deviled ham, this recipe delivers dependable results every time. It’s the kind of spread many of us grew up with — familiar, comforting, and incredibly practical.
If you’ve been wondering how to make ham salad that tastes balanced and not overly salty, this recipe walks you through it step by step.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Uses leftover ham or canned deviled ham
- Comes together in under 15 minutes
- Creamy but not heavy
- Easy to customize with simple add-ins
- Perfect for sandwiches, sliders, and tea trays
- Great make-ahead option for gatherings
- Budget-friendly and family-approved
What Is Ham Salad Recipe?
A ham salad recipe is a finely chopped or ground ham mixture blended with mayonnaise and simple seasonings to create a spreadable salad. It’s often served on sandwich bread, crackers, or as a party dip.
Old fashioned ham salad typically includes chopped ham, mayonnaise, mustard, sweet pickle relish, and a touch of onion. Some versions use canned deviled ham, while others rely on leftover baked ham from holiday meals.
The result is creamy, savory, slightly tangy, and easy to spread.
Ingredients (& What They Do)
** You can find the full recipe ingredients and instructions on the printable recipe card below.
Cooked ham – The base of the recipe. Use finely chopped leftover ham or grind it for a smoother texture.
Mayonnaise – Binds everything together and creates a creamy consistency.
Yellow mustard – Adds brightness and balances the richness.
Sweet pickle relish – Brings subtle sweetness and texture.
Finely minced onion – Adds bite and depth.
Black pepper – Enhances overall flavor.
Paprika (optional) – Adds mild warmth and color.
How to Make Ham Salad Recipe
** You can find the full recipe ingredients and instructions on the printable recipe card below.
- Finely chop or grind the ham.
The texture should be small and uniform for easy spreading. - Add mayonnaise, mustard, relish, onion, and pepper.
Stir until fully combined and evenly coated. - Adjust consistency.
Add a small spoonful of mayonnaise if it feels too dry. - Chill before serving.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
Alt Text for Image: creamy old fashioned ham salad recipe served in a bowl with crackers
Recipe Tips
Chop the ham finely for the best texture. Large chunks make the salad harder to spread.
Taste before adding salt. Ham is naturally salty, so additional seasoning is rarely needed.
Let the salad rest in the refrigerator before serving. The flavor improves as it chills.
Substitutions and Variations
Use canned deviled ham for a smoother, more uniform spread.
Swap yellow mustard for Dijon for deeper flavor.
Add finely chopped celery for extra crunch.
Stir in a small splash of pickle juice for added tang.
Use Greek yogurt in place of part of the mayonnaise for a lighter version.
What Can Go Wrong (and how to fix it)
Too salty – Add more mayonnaise or a small squeeze of lemon juice to balance it.
Too dry – Stir in an extra spoonful of mayonnaise until creamy.
Too chunky – Pulse briefly in a food processor [paid link] for smoother texture.
Too bland – Add a pinch of paprika or a touch more mustard.
What to Serve With Ham Salad Recipe
Serve this ham salad recipe on soft sandwich bread, croissants, or slider buns.
It pairs well with:
- Butter crackers
- Toasted baguette slices
- Lettuce cups for a lighter option
- Stuffed into mini phyllo shells
- Spread on tea sandwiches for gatherings
Storage and Reheating
Store ham salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Do not freeze. The mayonnaise will separate and change texture.
This recipe is served cold and does not require reheating.
Time-Saving Tips
Use a food processor [paid link] to finely chop the ham in seconds.
Make the salad a day ahead. The flavor improves overnight.
Double the batch and portion into small containers for quick lunches.
How to Repurpose Leftovers
Turn It Into Pasta Salad
Use It in Ham Noodle Casserole
Add It to Chopped Salads
Stuff It Into Hollowed Tomatoes
People Also Ask (FAQs)
What is the difference between ham salad and deviled ham?
Ham salad is typically made from chopped cooked ham mixed with mayonnaise and seasonings. Deviled ham is smoother and often includes additional spices and vinegar.
Can I use canned deviled ham for this recipe?
Yes. Canned deviled ham works well and creates a smoother spread.
How long does ham salad last in the refrigerator?
Properly stored, it lasts 3 to 4 days in an airtight container.
Can I freeze ham salad?
Freezing is not recommended because mayonnaise separates after thawing.
How do I make ham salad less salty?
Add extra mayonnaise or a small squeeze of lemon juice to balance the saltiness.
Final Thoughts
This old fashioned ham salad recipe is dependable, simple, and adaptable. It works for everyday lunches, holiday leftovers, and casual gatherings.
Once you learn how to make ham salad from scratch, you’ll always have a quick, practical spread ready for sandwiches and snacks.
Ham Salad
Ingredients
- 8 oz ham , chopped (canned or leftover- either are fine)
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp yellow mustard (or your favorite spicy or dijon mustard)
- 1 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 cup relish (sweet or dill)
- 2 Tbsp red onion , grated
Optional garnishes:
- sliced green onions (scallions)
- chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
Instructions
- In a food processor [paid link], pulse all the ingredients except the relish and the onions until a course paste forms. Scrape the sides of the bowl down and process until your desired smoothness.
- Transfer to a bowl and add the relish and onions stirring to combine.
- Serve with crackers, rolls, or on toast points or as finger sandwiches.
Nutrition
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what is the garnish?
Hi Deborah,
I used sliced green onions (scallions) but you can omit those if you don’t care for them. Parsley would also work well.
Made this for a baby shower – everyone was pleased with them
This is almost like my my ham salad that I make
I’d love to try it sometime. I’ve never had your ham salad.
I love ham salad, especially as a way to use up left overs.
Perfect!f I love doing that, too.
Awesome.
Thanks!
My Gram used to make this all the time. Great to have a recipe now to go with that delicious spread she made.
Thanks! Let me know if it’s close to your grandma’s recipe.
What a great way to use up leftover ham or even a canned ham.