Ham Salad

5 from 6 votes
Jump to Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Ham Salad is a classic dish, especially in the south. I love making this recipe when I have leftover holiday ham. It’s great for a sandwich, on a cracker or by itself. My mom adds a special ingredient that sets it apart for the rest. 

Ham salad in a white bowl with crackers in the background


 

Growing up my mom would serve this with a glass of pineapple lemonade and cucumber tomato salad for a delicious summer meal. 

How do I use up this extra ham? I find myself asking this question each holiday and this is the recipe that I usually pull out so my ham doesn’t go to waste. It’s especially good on any leftover rolls…yum!

Why this recipe works

  • It’s easy and doesn’t require many ingredients. 
  • The chow chow adds the perfect amount of tang, crunch and color. 

Ingredients needed 

Diced ham – Use leftover ham or prepackaged ham. 

Mayonnaise – I use full fat but low fat works well. 

Celery – Gives a nice crunch. 

Onion –

Chow-chow – You can also use pickle relish.

Diced ham in a food processor

How to make

Scroll to the bottom for full printable recipe with ingredients list. 

  • Begin by chopping the ham. Take the ham and place it into a food processor or chopper. You can also finely dice the ham with a knife. Pulse the food processor a few times making sure not to blend the ham to much. 
diced ham in a food processor
  • Place the chopped ham into a large bowl. Stir in finely chopped celery, onion and chow -chow. 

What is chow-chow?

Chow-chow is a pickled relish and recipes vary depending on region of the country. It typically contains tomatoes, cabbage and other vegetables. 

My mom makes her own chow-chow and uses it for her ham salad instead of pickle relish. You can buy chow-chow at the grocery store in the pickle section. 

diced ham, diced celery, onion, chow chow and mayonnaise in a bowl
  • Stir in mayonnaise and season with salt and pepper. 

Cooks tips

  • Make sure not to over chop the ham. If you put pulse it too much in the food processor it will become mushy.
  • Dice the onion and celery very small. This helps to keep everything about the same size. 
  • Drain the Chow Chow. Make sure to drain off excess liquid from the chow chow. Too much liquid will make the ham salad runny. 
  • Substitutes: You can replace the chow chow with sweet pickle relish. You can also use low fat mayonnaise if you prefer. 
ham salad in a bowl

How long does it keep in the refrigerator?

This ham salad recipe can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Make sure not to let it sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Can you freeze?

It can be frozen right after making it. Place it in a freezer safe bag making sure to get all the air out of the bag and freeze immediately. To eat, let thaw in the refrigerator.

Variations

  • Serve on bread or croissant for a yummy sandwich. 
  • Add chopped hard boiled eggs for a delicious change. 
  • Spread the mixture on a tortilla, roll-up and refrigerate for a few hours. Slice to make pinwheels.
  • Mix with pasta for a main course meal. 

More Recipes You Might Enjoy

**Make this recipe? Be sure to give it a star rating below. 

Bowl of ham salad.
5 from 6 votes

Ham Salad

By Heather
Easy ham salad is the perfect way to use up holiday ham. 
Prep: 10 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients 

  • 2-3 cups diced ham
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 stalk celery, finely diced
  • 1/3 cup chow-chow or pickle relish
  • 1/4 cup finely diced sweet onion
  • salt and pepper

Instructions 

  • Place pieces of ham into food processor. 
  • Pulse to processor a few times until the ham is small and crumbly. Do not over pulse.
  • Pour ham in large bowl and mix in celery and onion. Drain chow-chow of any excess liquid and add into the bowl.
  • Add in mayonnaise and stir until combined. Season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to serve. 

Notes

  • Make sure not to over chop the ham. If you put pulse it too much in the food processor it will become mushy.
  • Dice the onion and celery very small. This helps to keep everything about the same size. 
  • Drain the Chow Chow. Make sure to drain off excess liquid from the chow chow. Too much liquid will make the ham salad runny. 

Nutrition

Calories: 517kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 44g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 1230mg | Potassium: 49mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 80IU | Vitamin C: 0.8mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 1.1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Like this? Leave a comment below!

**This post was updated 3/9/2020

Hello!

Thank you for visiting Food Lovin’ Family! With 3 kids I know it can be hard getting food on the table. Here you will find easy and delicious recipes that the whole family will enjoy.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




5 Comments