Creamy Ham Salad with diced ham, hard-boiled egg, celery, and onion mixed with mayonnaise and mustard. Perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or soft rolls, this easy ham salad recipe is great for lunch, picnics, or quick meals.

Ingredients

1½ pounds boneless cooked ham, diced (leftover or thick slab, trimmed of fat)
1 hard-boiled egg
1 stalk celery, roughly chopped
2 teaspoons finely chopped onion
¾ cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons sweet pickle relish (optional)
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste
Assorted crackers or soft rolls, for serving

Instructions

Place the diced ham, hard-boiled egg, chopped celery, and finely chopped onion in a blender or food processor. Season with a pinch of black pepper.
Pulse the mixture in short bursts, about 20–25 times, until finely minced. Scrape down the sides of the processor to ensure even mixing.
In a separate large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish (if using), prepared mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Stir the minced ham mixture into the mayonnaise mixture until fully combined.
Cover and chill in the refrigerator for several hours. The flavors meld and improve as it chills.
Serve with assorted crackers or soft rolls.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Ham Salad is creamy, flavorful, and easy to make. Perfect for using leftover ham, it works as a quick lunch, a picnic snack, or a party spread. The combination of ham, celery, and egg creates a satisfying texture and classic taste.

Tips

Use a sharp knife to dice the ham before pulsing for even consistency.
Chill for at least 2 hours to let the flavors develop fully.
Adjust seasoning gradually—mayonnaise and relish add creaminess and sweetness, so taste before adding extra salt.
Use a food processor in short pulses to avoid turning the mixture into a puree.

Variations and Substitutions

Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Add chopped pickles, pimentos, or a touch of hot sauce for extra flavor.
Replace celery with finely diced bell pepper for a sweeter crunch.
Use Dijon mustard instead of prepared mustard for a tangier flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare the ham salad a day in advance and keep it chilled. It tastes even better after sitting overnight.

Q: How long will it keep in the fridge?
A: Stored in an airtight container, it lasts 3–4 days.

Q: Can I make it without a food processor?
A: Yes, finely chop all ingredients by hand and mix with mayonnaise for a chunkier texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a sandwich filling on soft rolls or bread.
Pair with crackers as an appetizer or party snack.
Use as a topping for baked potatoes or a salad for extra protein.