Classic Creamy Ham Salad Recipe for Sandwiches and Dips

Tasty deviled ham salad makes a delicious sandwich filling or cracker spread. Like egg salad or tuna salad, this simple recipe is an excellent way to use leftover ham or deli ham for a quick meal or appetizer.

A stacked sandwich filled with deviled ham and lettuce.

Delicious sandwich filling

This ham salad spread is full of flavor and comes together in minutes. Use it to build a hearty sandwich, pile it on crackers for an appetizer, or serve it alongside fresh greens. It’s versatile, easy, and a great way to stretch holiday ham or deli slices.

Key Ingredients

Below are the main ingredients and simple substitutions. For exact quantities, see the recipe card further down.

  • Ham – leftover holiday ham or deli ham, cubed
  • Mayonnaise – use your preferred type
  • Celery – finely diced for crunch
  • Pickle relish – sweet or dill, or substitute finely chopped pickles
  • Dijon mustard – yellow mustard works too
A white bowl filled with chopped ham, diced celery and mayonnaise.

To Make

  • Place cubed ham in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped; avoid overprocessing or it will turn to paste.
  • Transfer the chopped ham to a bowl and add mayonnaise, finely diced celery, pickle relish, and Dijon mustard.
  • Gently stir until evenly combined.
  • Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Chopped ham in a food processor bowl.
Finely chopped ham in a food processor bowl.
Deviled ham salad in a white bowl with a mixing spoon.

Tips for making ham salad

These practical tips help you get the best texture and flavor. See the recipe card for exact amounts and serving details.

  • Start with about ½ cup mayonnaise and add more as needed to reach your desired creaminess—drier ham will need more.
  • Pulse the ham just enough to get a fine dice; over-processing creates a pasty texture.
  • If you don’t have a food processor, finely mince the ham with a sharp knife.
  • Keep the salad refrigerated and covered for up to two days.
A small white bowl filled with a ham salad and a sandwich in the background.

Serving Suggestions

Make sandwiches on multigrain bread or spread the ham salad on crackers for a quick appetizer. It also pairs nicely with fresh lettuce, tomato slices, or crunchy homemade potato chips for texture.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it—leave a comment or share a photo on social media.

Explore other salad recipes for more easy, flavor-packed ideas.

  • Summer Salads
  • Lentil Salad
  • Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
  • Farro Salad
A stacked sandwich filled with deviled ham and lettuce.

Ham Salad

Kathy Berget

A sandwich spread made with finely chopped ham, celery and pickle relish.
5 from 28 votes
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Prep Time
10
Total Time
10

Course Lunch
Cuisine American

Servings 4 people
Calories 366 kcal

Equipment

  • Food Processor (or a sharp knife to mince the ham)

Ingredients

  • 2 cups ham (cubed)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 stalk celery (finely diced)
  • 1 tablespoon pickle relish
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

  • Place the cubed ham into a food processor and pulse a few times until the ham is finely chopped. Do not overwork it.
  • Transfer the ham to a bowl and add mayonnaise, celery, pickle relish, and Dijon mustard. Stir lightly until combined.
  • Use on sandwiches or crackers, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Notes

  • Adjust the mayonnaise to reach the texture you prefer—some hams are drier and need more.
  • If you don’t have a food processor, finely mince the ham by hand.

Nutritional Disclaimer:

Nutritional information is an estimate provided for convenience. For the most accurate values, calculate nutrition based on the exact ingredients and amounts you use.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cup
Calories: 366kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 33g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 1072mg
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