Looking for a quick and easy lunch option that’s ready to go when you are? This ham salad recipe is just what you need. Inspired by my classic chicken salad and tuna salad, I made this version instead of those when I had some extra diced ham to use up. It’s one of the best ways to take care of that leftover ham in your fridge (but deli ham works, too).
Why You’ll Love This Ham Salad Recipe
- Rich, savory flavor – This dish combines the classic cured flavor of ham with a creamy, herby dressing that satisfies. Each bite offers a mix of tender ham, creamy dressing, and crisp veggies.
- Chunky texture – Some versions blend the salad in a food processor, but I think the best ham salad recipe has all the ingredients diced finely instead. And it’s less dishes to wash!
- Not too heavy – I use mayo for most of my creamy salads, but this time opted for half mayo and half Greek yogurt to lighten it up a bit.
- Common ingredients – You probably have most, if not all, of these on hand.
- Quick and easy – I whip this up in just 10 minutes flat, making it the ultimate solution for a meal in a hurry (or meal prep!). Whether you need a make-ahead lunch, a picnic meal, or a quick snack, this easy ham salad has got you covered.
- Great way to use leftovers from a holiday dinner – Repurpose your ham from Christmas or Easter (or ham steak from any dinner) into something totally different!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ham salad ingredients, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
- Ham – The star of the show! You can use ham steaks or leftover ham from a holiday if you have some, or just buy deli ham. Dice into small cubes.
- Mayonnaise – This homemade mayo only uses 5-ingredients and takes 5 minutes to make, but you could use your favorite store-bought mayo instead.
- Greek Yogurt – Adds a creamy, tangy base to the ham salad recipe, and makes it a little lighter, too. I’ve also just made this with additional mayo or sour cream instead, and it totally works. If using only mayo, add a splash of lemon juice.
- Dijon Mustard – Lends a sharp and tangy depth, but if you want a different (but equally yummy) flavor, try yellow mustard or stone-ground mustard.
- Cayenne Pepper – This gives it the perfect spicy kick. You can adjust the level of heat to your liking.
- Pickles – I love the crunchy element. Feel free to use any kind of pickles you have: Sweet pickles, cornichons (small dill gherkins), or pickle relish. I prefer dill pickles to avoid added sugar. For a milder flavor, swap with crunchy celery instead.
- Sweet Onion – The sweetness contrasts the salty ham and pickles, but you can use red onion or scallions for a sharper bite.
- Fresh Herbs – I can never resist adding fresh herbs! I used fresh parsley and thyme, but dill or chives also work nicely with the flavors here.
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper
How To Make Ham Salad
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
- Make the creamy dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and cayenne pepper.
- Combine the salad ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ham, pickles, onions, parsley, and thyme.
- Mix together. Pour the dressing over the ham mixture and stir well. Season with the sea salt and black pepper to taste, if needed.
- Refrigerate (optional). You can serve this ham salad recipe immediately, or refrigerate for later.
Recipe Tips
This homemade ham salad recipe is super simple and easy to whip up, but here are a couple tips that I find make it even better:
- Chop the ham into similar sizes. Small, uniform pieces will give you a consistent texture that’s both creamy and chunky.
- It gets better with time. You can certainly serve it right away, but I like to refrigerate the salad for a few hours to let the flavors develop. It’s even better the next day!
- Adjust seasoning to taste. Taste the salad before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or other spices.
Variations
Like most salads, you can easily customize this homemade ham salad recipe. Here are some variations I like sometimes:
- Add eggs. Dice up some hard-boiled eggs for extra protein, flavor, and texture variety.
- Add crunchy celery. The onions in this recipe provide some crunch, but if you want more, add 1/4 to 1/3 cup of diced celery.
- Make it deviled. Deviled ham salad is basically one where the ingredients are blended in a food processor, for a smooth, spreadable texture. I used to make it this way, but now prefer the chunky texture I have here. If you like a finer consistency, just pulse the ingredients in a food processor.
Storage Instructions
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. I don’t recommend freezing ham salad, as the texture of the dressing will be ruined.
- Meal prep: This salad is ready-to-eat and perfect for meal prep or on-the-go snacks, as it doesn’t require heating — simply take it out of the refrigerator and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Looking for the best ways to eat your ham salad? Check out these easy ideas that’ll make your meal even tastier:
- Sandwich – Use any bread that fits your lifestyle. I like to add a lettuce leaf, and sometimes a slice of tomato.
- Lettuce Wrap – This is my favorite way to serve it, pictured above. Large, flexible leaves work best, such as butter lettuce, bibb lettuce, or hearts of romaine.
- Crackers – I like to serve this recipe for ham salad with flax seed crackers or almond flour crackers, but any kind works. Don’t use ones that are too small, or the diced pieces will fall off.
- Veggies – Scoop it onto sliced cucumbers or inside mini bell peppers for a fun snack or appetizer.
- Greens – Serve it over a bed of greens for a fresh, light meal.
More Creamy Salad Recipes For Lunch
I love quick and easy meal prep lunches, but here are a few more salad recipes that are perfect for a quick and easy lunch:
Ham Salad Recipe
This fast 10-minute ham salad recipe is the perfect lunch. Make it with leftover ham, mayo, Greek yogurt, mustard, pickles, onions and herbs.
Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and cayenne pepper.
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In a large bowl, combine the ham, pickles, onions, parsley, and thyme.
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Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well. Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste, if needed.
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Serve immediately, or if you have time, refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors develop.
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Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 cup
Nutrition info does not include optional salt and pepper.
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy.
© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.
Ham Salad
15 Comments
Wiletta Dotson
1I’m definitely going to try your Far Head rolls. and think they will great with my Ham Spread that my family, especially the grandchildren, love. I combine 1 5 oz. can Hormel Smoked Ham with 8 oz. Philadelphia Whipped Cream Cheese with chives. I don’t add anything else, but one day will try adding pickles, don’t think they would like onions in it. I have been making this for over 40 years. Keeps in the refrigerator very well.
Kellie
0So easy to make and a great way to use up leftovers!
Sha
0I love this for lunch! I’m keeping this recipe! Super easy yet so delicious and satisfying!
Holly
0Just made this ham salad for lunch today. It’s delicious. Will definitely make this again .
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Thank you, Holly! I’m so glad you liked this ham salad.
Trish C
0We loved this salad. So simple and easy to prepare and yummy My mother in law was very impressed!
Brian
0Can you use a bullet to mix this? If so, how do you recommend doing it?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Brian, I have never tried to do that before.
Theresa
0Ohhh mYy..my… just glad to be able to Finally, USE this wonderful, DELICIOUS, healthy and Helpful website, WholesomYummm
Lisa
0Might be a dumb question but can I use a low sodium deli ham?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Lisa, Yes, low sodium ham would work fine.
Cookinmom
0What no eggs?
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Cookinmom, Not in this recipe! Feel free to add a couple of hard boiled eggs in the food processor if you prefer your salad to include them. Enjoy!
Claudia Lamascolo
0Wow I need to add this to my New Year Eve party list I think it will be a big hit for sure!
Amanda Livesay
0I haven’t had ham salad in years! I love turning a classic comfort food into something healthier. Yum!