Southern Style Ham Salad

Ingredients

1 egg hard boiled and chopped

3 to 3 ½ cups ham diced into small bits

2 pickles chopped into pieces, I prefer to use sweet pickles

1 tbsp sweet pickle juice

1 stalk celery, chopped fine

¾ cup mayonnaise

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1:

Chop the ham into small pieces

Chop the pickles and add them to the ham

Season with Salt and pepper if desired

Step 2:

Add in the chopped celery

Stir in the mayonnaise and pickle juice

Step 3:

All the ingredients could also be placed into a food processor and ‘pulsed’ 10 to 15 times until the pieces are small

Mix altogether in a bowl

Place the covered bowl into the refrigerator for one to two hours before serving.

Step 4:

Serve on bread, crackers or use as a dip. Add lettuce and tomato to the sandwiches if desired for a more filling sandwich.

Enjoy!

Notes:

Ham Selection: Use diced leftover ham for a convenient and flavorful option. You can also use different varieties like smoked or honey-glazed ham for added depth of flavor.

Pickles Varieties: While sweet pickles are recommended, you can personalize the salad by using dill pickles for a tangier taste or pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Mayonnaise Substitutes: For a lighter alternative, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream. This modification reduces fat content while still maintaining creaminess.

Storage and Make-Ahead: Store the Southern Style Ham Salad in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. This dish is ideal for meal prepping and can be made ahead of time for convenience.

Serving Suggestions Beyond Sandwiches:

Experiment with serving this salad in various ways:
Use it as a wrap or pita pocket filling.
Serve atop baked potatoes for a hearty meal.
Use as a dip for vegetable sticks or crackers.

Ham Variations: Feel free to use different types of ham to suit your taste preferences. Smoked, honey-glazed, or leftover holiday ham all work well in this recipe.

Pickles Alternatives: Customize the flavor profile by substituting sweet pickles with dill pickles, pickled jalapeños, or relish based on personal taste.

Preventing Excess Moisture: Drain excess moisture from pickles and celery before adding them to the salad to prevent it from becoming watery. Patting dry the diced ham with a paper towel can also help.

Make-Ahead Preparation: Allow the flavors to meld by chilling the salad in the refrigerator for an hour or two before serving. This step enhances the overall taste and texture.

Recipe Variations: Customize the salad with additional ingredients like chopped boiled eggs, diced bell peppers, or a touch of mustard for extra flavor. Adjust seasonings to suit personal preferences.

Nutrition Information:

YIELD: 8 SERVING SIZE: 1

Amount Per Serving:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use leftover ham for this recipe?

Yes, using leftover ham is a great way to make this salad.

Simply dice the leftover ham into small bits, and it works wonderfully.

What type of pickles are best for this salad?

The recipe suggests sweet pickles, but you can use dill pickles if you prefer a more savory flavor.

It’s a matter of personal preference.

Is there a substitute for mayonnaise?

If you want a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of mayonnaise.

This will change the flavor slightly but still result in a creamy salad.

How long can I store this salad in the refrigerator?

You can store Southern Style Ham Salad in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container.

It’s a great make-ahead dish.

What are some serving suggestions beyond sandwiches and crackers?

You can get creative with this salad.

It makes a great filling for wraps or stuffed into pita pockets.

It can also be served as a topping for baked potatoes or as a dip for vegetable sticks.

Can I use any type of ham for this salad?

You can use different types of ham, including smoked, honey-glazed, or even leftover holiday ham.

Just make sure to dice it into small bits for the salad.

What can I substitute for sweet pickles if I prefer a different flavor?

If you’re not a fan of sweet pickles, you can use dill pickles for a more savory flavor.

You can also experiment with pickled jalapeños or relish for a unique twist.

How do I prevent the salad from becoming too watery?

To avoid excess moisture, make sure the pickles and celery are well-drained before adding them to the salad.

Additionally, patting the ham bits dry with a paper towel can help.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, Southern Style Ham Salad can be prepared ahead of time.

It actually benefits from some chilling in the refrigerator for an hour or two to allow the flavors to meld.

What are some variations of this salad I can try?

You can get creative with add-ins like chopped boiled eggs, diced bell peppers, or a dash of mustard for extra flavor.

Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste.