I’m absolutely obsessed with this ham salad recipe because it’s insanely easy to whip up and brings back those nostalgic vibes of family picnics. Plus, the tangy kick from the Dijon mustard and the crunch from the celery create this perfect harmony that turns a simple sandwich into a crave-worthy lunch delight!

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I adore making speedy, scrumptious meals. This Ham Salad Sandwich is a prime example of that.

I chop 2 cups of cooked ham and mix it with mayonnaise. Now, I love a good sandwich, but making a mayo/mustard dressing for this ham salad takes it to a whole new level.

And that’s what I do here: toss 2 cups of chopped ham with 1 cup of mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard.

Ingredients

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Chopped Cooked Ham
A protein-rich ingredient provides a robust, savory quality with depth and umami.

Mayonnaise
Richness and moisture come from the creamy texture high in fat.

Dijon Mustard
Provides a sharp, somewhat peppery taste with a light bite.

Sweet Pickle Relish
Provides balance through a sweetness that is slightly tart.

Finely Chopped Onion
Offers a sharp, full-bodied taste and a piquant bite.

Finely Chopped Celery
Delivers the satisfying texture, nuanced taste, and even nutritional profile of crunch and fiber.

Lemon Juice
Improving freshness, adding acidity and brightness.

Ingredient Quantities

2 cups chopped cooked ham

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish

1 tablespoon finely chopped onion

1 tablespoon finely chopped celery

1 teaspoon lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

Sliced bread or rolls, for serving

Lettuce leaves (optional, for serving)

Sliced tomatoes (optional, for serving)

Instructions

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1. In a large mixing bowl, blend together the ham, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and pickle relish.

2. Incorporate the onion and celery, diced very finely, into the blend.

3. Add the lemon juice and stir until everything is well blended and thoroughly combined.

4. Add salt and pepper to achieve the desired flavor, and make it taste like something you would want to eat.

5. For at least 30 minutes, allow the flavors of the ham salad to meld in the refrigerator.

6. If necessary, slice your bread or rolls before preparing them.

7. Wash and dry the lettuce leaves and slice the tomatoes for serving, if you choose.

8. Generously spread the mixture of ham and salad onto the bottom half of the bread or roll.

9. Add a layer of whole lettuce leaves and sliced tomatoes over the ham salad, if using.

10. Place the uncut top half of the sandwich on top of the other half of the bread or roll. Cut the sandwich in half, or quarters if you like, and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious ham salad sandwich!

Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Mixing spoon or spatula
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Refrigerator
7. Bread knife (if slicing bread/rolls)
8. Plates (for serving)

FAQ

Can I use a food processor to chop the ham?Certainly, a food processor is an excellent tool for reaching the texture you want. Just give it a few pulses until the ham is finely chopped, but don’t go so far as to over-process.

Can I substitute mayonnaise with something else?Certainly! Greek yogurt and sour cream are viable substitutes for mayonnaise when you want a lighter option or when you need some dietary adjustments.

Is it necessary to add pickle relish?The sweet pickle relish contributes a tasty sweetness that helps balance the flavors, but if you’re not a fan of it, you can leave it out or use chopped pickles in its place. These will make the salad less sweet but won’t sacrifice any tang.

How long can I store the ham salad?An airtight container can be used to refrigerate ham salad for about 3 days. It is best eaten soon after it is made, but ham salad stored in the refrigerator will retain its flavor and texture for 3 days.

Can I add other ingredients for extra flavor?Certainly, you can add a chopped boiled egg, grated cheese, or even a dash of hot sauce for some heat.

Is this recipe gluten-free?The mixture of ham salad is gluten-free. Just ensure that any bread or rolls used for serving are gluten-free as well—if you need them to be gluten-free—that’s the main consideration.

Can I use different types of bread?Absolutely, you can use any kind of bread. You can choose from:
– Whole grain
– Sourdough
– Croissant

or any other kind of your preference.

Substitutions and Variations

Diced cooked ham: For a different flavor, use diced cooked chicken or turkey instead.
Greek yogurt: This is a more healthful alternative to mayonnaise when aiming for a lighter option.
Whole grain mustard or yellow mustard can substitute for Dijon mustard.
Sweet pickle relish: Replace with chopped dill pickles for a less sweet flavor.
Use finely chopped onion. For a milder flavor, try using finely chopped green onions.

Pro Tips

1. Chill Before Serving: Allowing the ham salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes is crucial for the flavors to meld together. If you have more time, let it sit longer for an even more pronounced taste.

2. Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh lemon juice instead of bottled for a brighter, more vibrant flavor. Fresh celery and onion will add a nice crunch and enhance the overall texture.

3. Experiment with Mix-Ins: Consider adding a small handful of chopped hard-boiled eggs or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for additional depth and richness.

4. Toast the Bread: Lightly toasting the bread or rolls can add a satisfying crunch and help prevent them from becoming soggy from the salad mixture.

5. Adjust the Seasonings: Taste the ham salad before assembling your sandwiches and adjust the salt, pepper, or mustard levels according to your preference. A dash of hot sauce can also provide a nice kick if desired.

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Ham Salad Sandwich Recipe

My favorite Ham Salad Sandwich Recipe

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Equipment Needed:

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Mixing spoon or spatula
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Refrigerator
7. Bread knife (if slicing bread/rolls)
8. Plates (for serving)

Ingredients:

2 cups chopped cooked ham

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish

1 tablespoon finely chopped onion

1 tablespoon finely chopped celery

1 teaspoon lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

Sliced bread or rolls, for serving

Lettuce leaves (optional, for serving)

Sliced tomatoes (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, blend together the ham, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and pickle relish.

2. Incorporate the onion and celery, diced very finely, into the blend.

3. Add the lemon juice and stir until everything is well blended and thoroughly combined.

4. Add salt and pepper to achieve the desired flavor, and make it taste like something you would want to eat.

5. For at least 30 minutes, allow the flavors of the ham salad to meld in the refrigerator.

6. If necessary, slice your bread or rolls before preparing them.

7. Wash and dry the lettuce leaves and slice the tomatoes for serving, if you choose.

8. Generously spread the mixture of ham and salad onto the bottom half of the bread or roll.

9. Add a layer of whole lettuce leaves and sliced tomatoes over the ham salad, if using.

10. Place the uncut top half of the sandwich on top of the other half of the bread or roll. Cut the sandwich in half, or quarters if you like, and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious ham salad sandwich!