If you are looking for a delicious, comforting, and easy-to-make dish that brings together savory, tangy, and crunchy flavors, this Ham Salad Recipe with Relish and Dill Pickles Recipe is just what you need. Combining finely chopped ham with creamy mayonnaise, zesty dill pickles, and sweet relish, it’s a perfect spread or salad that’s bursting with texture and taste in every bite. Whether you want a quick lunch, a flavorful sandwich filling, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe balances simplicity and bold flavor wonderfully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in pulling the whole dish together – from creaminess to tang, crunch to spice, creating a symphony of flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cooked ham (1 pound, diced): The star of the salad, providing a savory, meaty base with a satisfying bite.
- Mayonnaise (1 cup): Adds creaminess that binds everything beautifully and mellows out the tangy flavors.
- Celery (1 cup, diced): Offers a fresh crunch that brightens the salad and adds a lovely contrast.
- Black pepper (1 teaspoon): Gives just the right hint of spice without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Sweet relish (3 tablespoons): Brings a hint of sweetness and a burst of tangy flavor that complements the ham perfectly.
- Dijon mustard (3 teaspoons): Adds depth and a gentle kick that rounds out the creamy dressing.
- Dill pickle spears (3, chopped): The crunchy, vinegary star ingredient that gives this ham salad its signature zing.
- Green onion (1, sliced): Adds a mild onion flavor and a pop of color for fresh balance.
- Dill pickle juice (1 tablespoon): Enhances the pickle flavor and ties the whole salad together with a light vinegar tang.
How to Make Ham Salad Recipe with Relish and Dill Pickles Recipe
Step 1: Finely Chop the Ham
Start by pulsing your diced ham in a food processor just a few times until it’s finely chopped but still has some texture. You don’t want it to become a paste, but a nice fine chop helps every bite blend perfectly with the other ingredients.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
Transfer the finely chopped ham to a large mixing bowl. Add the mayonnaise, black pepper, sweet relish, Dijon mustard, chopped dill pickles, sliced green onion, and dill pickle juice. Stir all these delicious components together until smooth and evenly combined. This creates a flavorful, creamy foundation for your salad.
Step 3: Add the Crunch of Celery
Gently fold in the diced celery at the end. The celery adds an essential crispness and freshness to the dish, making sure each forkful has a delightful crunch. Once everything is combined thoroughly, your ham salad is ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Ham Salad Recipe with Relish and Dill Pickles Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs like parsley or dill on top before serving. A few additional pickle slices can also make a great garnish to accentuate the tangy features of the salad.
Side Dishes
This ham salad goes wonderfully with crisp crackers, fresh baguette slices, or even atop leafy greens for a low-carb option. Pairing it with light potato chips or vegetable sticks can round out a perfect casual meal or snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the ham salad scooped into hollowed-out tomatoes or bell peppers for a colorful presentation. It also makes a fantastic sandwich filling, layered with fresh lettuce and tomato on your favorite bread. For parties, use it as a dip with pita chips or create mini lettuce wraps for a bite-sized treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the ham salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it an easy option for quick meals or snacks later in the week.
Freezing
While this salad is best enjoyed fresh to keep the celery’s crunch intact, you can freeze it if needed. Just be aware the texture may change slightly after thawing, especially the celery, which tends to soften when frozen.
Reheating
Ham salad is generally served cold, so there’s no need to reheat. Give it a quick stir after it’s been chilled to redistribute the flavors, then enjoy straight from the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use leftover ham for this salad?
Absolutely! This recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked ham, turning it into a completely new and exciting dish packed with flavor and texture.
What can I substitute for sweet relish?
If you don’t have sweet relish on hand, chopped sweet pickles or even a mix of finely diced pickled vegetables can work as a substitute, adding a similar burst of sweetness and tang.
Is this ham salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this Ham Salad Recipe with Relish and Dill Pickles Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and tasty choice for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I add other ingredients to the ham salad?
Definitely! Chopped hard-boiled eggs, shredded cheese, or even a splash of hot sauce can add nice variations to this classic recipe, allowing you to tailor it to your taste.
How long does the ham salad keep in the fridge?
The salad is best eaten within 3 days of making it. Be sure to keep it well covered and refrigerated to maintain freshness and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Ham Salad Recipe with Relish and Dill Pickles Recipe is a wonderfully versatile, flavorful dish that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Its perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and crunchy elements makes every bite a joy. I encourage you to give it a try soon—you might just discover your new go-to for lunches, snacks, or potluck gatherings!
Print
Ham Salad Recipe with Relish and Dill Pickles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic ham salad is a creamy, tangy, and flavorful dish perfect for sandwiches or as a side. Made with finely chopped cooked ham, crisp celery, and a blend of sweet relish, Dijon mustard, and dill pickles, it’s a quick and easy recipe that comes together in just 10 minutes without cooking.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound cooked ham (diced)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup celery (diced)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons sweet relish
- 3 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 3 dill pickle spears (chopped)
- 1 green onion (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon dill pickle juice
Instructions
- Chop the Ham: In a food processor, pulse the cooked ham a few times until it is finely chopped but not pureed, giving a good texture for the salad.
- Mix Ingredients: Transfer the finely chopped ham to a large bowl. Add the mayonnaise, black pepper, sweet relish, Dijon mustard, chopped dill pickle spears, sliced green onion, and dill pickle juice. Stir the mixture thoroughly until smooth and well combined.
- Add Celery and Combine: Fold in the diced celery gently to maintain its crunch. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. The ham salad is now ready to serve, perfect for sandwiches or as a dip.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of mayonnaise for a creamier or thicker texture.
- For extra tang, add a bit more dill pickle juice or mustard according to your taste.
- This ham salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
