(Serves 4–6)
- 2 cups cooked ham, finely chopped (about 10 oz)
- ½ cup celery, finely diced
- ½ cup red apple (like Honeycrisp or Fuji), finely diced
- ¼ cup red onion or shallot, minced (soak in cold water 5 mins to mellow if desired)
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped (optional)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Optional add-ins:
- 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish or dill pickles
- 1 tsp capers for briny pop
- Pinch of cayenne for heat
💡 Pro Tips:
- Use a mix of textures: Chop ham finely, but keep celery and apple slightly chunky for contrast.
- Chill 30 minutes before serving—flavors meld and texture firms up.
- Don’t skip the lemon—it cuts richness and keeps the salad bright.
Step-by-Step Instructions (Easy, Fresh, Foolproof)
1. Chop the Base
- Finely chop ham, celery, apple, and red onion.
- Combine in a medium bowl.
2. Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Stir in fresh herbs (if using).
3. Combine & Season
- Pour dressing over ham mixture. Gently fold until evenly coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste (remember: ham is salty!).
4. Chill & Serve
- Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 days).
- Serve chilled with:
- Buttery croissants or Hawaiian rolls
- Lettuce cups for low-carb
- Crackers, cucumber slices, or endive leaves
Serving Ideas with a Twist
- Ham Salad Sliders: Pile onto mini brioche buns with arugula
- Stuffed Avocados: Scoop into halved avocados for a keto-friendly meal
- Breakfast Toast: Spread on sourdough with a fried egg on top
- Potluck Star: Serve in a bread bowl with extra crackers on the side
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Keeps well in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Prep ahead: Chop ingredients and store separately; mix day-of to keep apples crisp.
- Avoid browning: Toss apple in lemon juice before adding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use canned ham or deli ham?
A: Yes! Just chop finely. For best flavor, avoid overly salty or gelatinous deli brands.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Absolutely—use vegan mayo or avocado mash as the base.
Q: My salad is watery—what happened?
A: Likely from un-drained ham or watery apples. Pat ham dry and use firm apples.
Q: Is this gluten-free?
A: Yes—as long as your ham is GF (check labels for glazes or fillers).
A Salad That Feels Like a Celebration
This Ham Salad isn’t just a way to use leftovers—it’s a fresh, flavorful experience that turns humble ingredients into something memorable. Whether you’re packing lunch, hosting brunch, or treating yourself to a quiet midday meal, it delivers comfort with a kick of brightness.
So chop that ham, dice that apple, and stir up a little joy. Because the best meals aren’t always cooked—they’re assembled with care and a twist of inspiration.
Do you add pickles, grapes, or keep it classic?
Share your favorite way in the comments! And if this recipe just upgraded your leftover ham game, pass it on to a fellow home cook who believes in the magic of a simple salad, reimagined. 🥪🍎✨
