Winter Blossom's Often Requested Ham Salad

This requested Ham Salad recipe transforms simple leftover ham into a savory, creamy spread with just the right amount of crunch and tang. By pulsing the ham rather than grinding it, you achieve a delightful texture that pairs perfectly with the sharpness of brown mustard and the classic bite of dill pickle relish.

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Winter Blossom’s Ham Salad Ingredients

The Salad Base:

1 ½ pounds Cooked Ham: Chopped. Ideally, use leftover baked ham with some of the delicious crusty skin included for extra flavor. Avoid boiled or processed deli ham for the best texture.
¾ cup Mayonnaise: Or as needed. The original recipe swears by Hellmann’s, but a blend of ½ regular and ½ light mayonnaise works well if you want to cut calories.
⅓ cup Dried Minced Onion: Or to taste. These rehydrate in the mixture, absorbing excess moisture and adding a savory depth.
⅓ cup Dill Pickle Relish: Provides a tart crunch. While dill is preferred, sweet relish can be substituted and still receives rave reviews.
¼ cup Brown Mustard: Adds a spicy, tangy kick that cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise.

The Equipment:

Food Processor: Essential for getting the ham to that “finely chopped but not pasty” consistency.
Large Mixing Bowl: For combining the processed ham with the dressing ingredients.
Spatula: For thorough mixing.

Winter Blossom's Often Requested Ham Salad — Winter Blossom’s Often Requested Ham Salad

How To Make Winter Blossom’s Ham Salad

Prep the Ham: Add the ham to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped but not pasty, about 6 or 7 pulses. (You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your processor). Transfer the processed ham to a large bowl and repeat with any remaining meat.
Mix the Dressing: To the bowl with the chopped ham, add the mayonnaise, dried minced onion, dill pickle relish, and brown mustard.
Combine: Stir everything together until well combined.
Check Consistency: The dried onions will absorb some moisture as they sit. If the mixture looks too dry, add a little more mayonnaise to reach your desired creaminess.
Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator until ready to serve to let the flavors meld.

Recipe Tips

Ham Texture: The key to this salad is the texture. Be careful not to over-process the ham into a paste; you want distinct, small pieces.
Moisture Management: Because the dried onions soak up liquid, the salad might tighten up after sitting in the fridge. Give it a stir and add a dollop more mayo just before serving if needed.
Sourcing Ham: If you don’t have leftovers, you can ask for “baked ham ends” in your grocery store’s deli department. These are often cheaper and perfect for salad.

What To Serve With Ham Salad

Crackers: Butter crackers or whole wheat crackers make for a great dip-style snack.
Croissants: Serve inside a buttery croissant with a leaf of lettuce for an elegant lunch.
Celery Sticks: For a low-carb, crunchy option.
Rye Bread: The flavor of rye pairs exceptionally well with the brown mustard in the salad.

How To Store Ham Salad

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
Do Not Freeze: Freezing is not recommended as the mayonnaise will separate and the texture will become watery upon thawing.

Winter Blossom’s Ham Salad Nutrition Facts

Calories: ~210 kcal
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 12g
Sodium: 780mg
Nutrition information is estimated per serving based on 12 servings.

FAQs

Can I use fresh onions instead of dried?

Yes, you can use finely minced fresh onion, but you may want to reduce the amount slightly as fresh onion has a sharper bite. Also, fresh onions add moisture, whereas dried onions absorb it, so you might need slightly less mayonnaise.

Why shouldn’t I use boiled ham?

Boiled or processed wafer-thin ham often lacks the texture and robust flavor of baked ham. It tends to turn into a mushy paste in the food processor rather than maintaining a nice chopped consistency.

Is this gluten-free?

Generally, yes, provided your ham and mustard are certified gluten-free. Always check the labels on processed ingredients like mayonnaise and relish to be sure.