Here’s a Ham Salad with a Delicious Twist—a savory and creamy salad with a touch of sweetness and crunch! This recipe takes classic ham salad up a notch with added ingredients for extra flavor and texture.
Ingredients:
- For the Ham Salad:
- 2 cups cooked ham, finely diced (you can use leftover ham)
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup sweet pickle relish (or finely chopped dill pickles for a tangier flavor)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup chopped apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a sweet-tart balance)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for a crunchy texture)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a different twist)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (adjust to desired creaminess)
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (adds creaminess and a little tang)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Finely dice the ham into small cubes. If you’re using leftover ham, make sure it’s diced into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop the celery, red onion, apple, and nuts (if using). You want everything to be finely chopped so that the salad has a nice, even texture.
- Shred the cheddar cheese if using.
2. Mix the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the diced ham, chopped celery, red onion, pickle relish, shredded cheddar cheese (optional), chopped apple, and nuts (if using).
3. Make the Dressing:
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), mayonnaise, and Greek yogurt until smooth and well combined.
- Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine the Salad and Dressing:
- Pour the dressing over the ham mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Make sure all the ingredients are well mixed and the salad is creamy.
5. Chill and Serve:
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the ham salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives before serving.
Tips:
- Add a touch of heat: For a bit of spice, add a dash of hot sauce or a finely chopped jalapeño pepper to the salad.
- Swap out the mayo: You can use a lighter option like low-fat mayo or even Greek yogurt for a healthier version.
- Serve ideas: This ham salad is great served on crackers, in a sandwich, on top of a bed of greens, or even as a dip.
This Ham Salad with a Delicious Twist is the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory—ideal for using up leftover ham or as a fun dish for your next picnic or gathering! Enjoy! 🥒🍏