A Southern Ham Salad recipe that’s the perfect way to use up any leftover ham. This easy Ham Salad is great on sandwiches or as a simple spread for crackers. A must have for parties and the Kentucky Derby celebration!

Ham Salad Sandwich on a white marble platter.


Old Fashioned Ham Salad

So, now that Easter’s just about behind us…..who has a ton of leftover ham? I know we certainly do and it’s the best excuse to whip up the Best Ham Salad in the world.  

Southern Ham Salad is one of those things that I put up there with Pimento Cheese….it’s kinda weird if you’ve never actually seen it before but for my Southern friends….it’s kind of a staple. It looks kind of lumpy and strangely pink but one swoop of your cracker and you’ll be hooked by the salty, vinegary punch that I know and love.

With all the bridal showers, baby showers and the Kentucky Derby right around the corner….it’s about time you get acquainted with this easy Ham Salad. PLUS, it’s a fabulous recipe for leftover ham!

Overhead shot of Southern Ham Salad in a blue and white bowl on a white background.

What is Ham Salad?

Easy Ham Salad is a traditional American salad similar to tuna salad, chicken salad or even crab salad where the main ingredient is ham. It’s often found in southern restaurants and parties.

Ham Salad recipe in a blue and white bowl on a white background.

Ingredients You Will Need

Homemade Ham Salad is usually made of chopped or minced ham, mayonnaise, mustard, chopped pickles, celery and onion. You can add just about anything you want to your ham salad recipe to make it your own. 

Some other things I like to add to Ham Salad:

  • Capers
  • pickle relish
  • grainy mustard
  • chives
  • lemon zest
  • hot sauce
  • jalapeno
Ham salad on a Town cracker with a bowl of ham salad in a blue bowl.

How To Make It

This Ham Salad recipe is so simple to make in about 2 minutes flat with the help of a food processor or powerful blender.

  1. Place the ham and pickles in the food processor or blender. Pulse to chop.
  2. Transfer the ham mixture to a large bowl.
  3. Add the mayonnaise, mustard, parsley, chopped scallions, onion, salt and pepper. 
  4. Stir to combine.
  5. Serve as a Ham Salad Sandwich or a ham salad spread with crackers.
Ham Salad sandwiches on a marble board.

How To Freeze It

Fresh Ham Salad can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Leftover Ham Salad that’s been stored in the refrigerator for more than a day is not fresh enough to freeze and should be eaten immediately.

Ham Salad in a blue and white bowl.

How Long Does It Last

This easy Ham Salad recipe can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Transfer your ham salad to an airtight container and place in the refrigerator until ready to eat. Be sure to give it a stir before serving and it’s best when served chilled. 

This Southern Style Ham Salad recipe is very similar to Deviled Ham Salad except that deviled ham doesn’t have the pickles and other veggies blended into the mix.

Close up of ham salad sandwich on a potato roll.

What To Serve With It

If you’re serving you this recipe as a Ham Salad Sandwich recipe, I love to serve them with:

Super easy Salt and Vinegar Potato Chip recipe that will blow your mind from TheSuburbanSoapbox.com.

More Party Recipe Ideas

Pimento Cheese in a small jar with a spreader and green napkin from TheSuburbanSoapbox.com

This Ham Salad recipe is truly a very versatile treat!  I’ve even had this tangy salad served on top of a green salad with a light blue cheese dressing and it made the best filling, yet healthy, lunch!  

Super fantastic for the summer months, this ham salad is a regular staple in our picnic basket along with a simple fruit tray and a bottle of wine. Round it out with a wedge of sharp cheddar and you have one epic summer treat.

More Salad Recipes

Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad on a white roll with lettuce and lemon slices from TheSuburbanSoapbox.com

If you want to see even more fun recipes and inspiration….follow us over on Instagram! 

I post over there fun family trips, my favorite restaurants and the occasional lifestyle tip PLUS fun behind the scenes stuff on our Instastories.  You don’t want to miss it!

So….what’s your favorite way to use up leftover ham….I’m always on the hunt for new ideas, too.

Ham Salad Sandwich on a bun with a lettuce leaf and a blue spoon on a marble board.

Get the Recipe: The Very Best Ham Salad Recipe

Yield: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
The best recipe to use up leftover ham, this easy Ham Salad Recipe is simple and quick to whip up in minutes!
5 from 9 votes
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Ingredients

  • 2 cups chopped baked ham
  • 8 sweet gherkins
  • 3 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp creole mustard , or dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 1/4 cup chopped scallions
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced celery, about 2 stalks
  • 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
  • kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions 

  • Place the ham and gherkins in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse to chop.
  • Transfer the ham mixture to a large bowl.
  • Add the mayonnaise, mustard, parsley, scallions, celery and red onion. Stir to combine.
  • Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Transfer to an airtight container and chill until ready to use.

Notes

Ham Salad can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Fresh Ham salad will last in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Calories: 150kcal, Carbohydrates: 6g, Protein: 8g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 23mg, Sodium: 611mg, Potassium: 173mg, Fiber: 0g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 410IU, Vitamin C: 3.8mg, Calcium: 27mg, Iron: 0.6mg
Author: Kellie
Course: Appetizer, Dinner, lunch, Salad
Cuisine: American