Zesty Deviled Ham Salad Recipe: A Smoky-Sweet Party Pleaser

Whipping up a delightful deviled ham salad brings unexpected excitement to your midday meal.

Creamy textures blend with zesty seasonings that dance across your palate.

Spreadable and versatile, this classic dish offers a quick solution for hungry moments.

Southern kitchens have long treasured this simple yet satisfying recipe that combines smooth ingredients with robust flavor profiles.

Pantry staples transform into a delectable spread perfect for sandwiches or crackers.

Each bite promises a nostalgic journey through comforting culinary traditions.

Jump into this effortless recipe and discover a timeless favorite that never disappoints.

FAQs

• What ingredients can I substitute if I don't have sweet pickle relish?

You can use chopped dill pickles mixed with a tiny bit of sugar, or finely diced celery with a splash of vinegar for a similar tangy crunch.

• Is deviled ham salad safe for people with gluten sensitivities?

Yes, the basic recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your ham and mayonnaise labels to confirm no gluten-containing additives are present.

• Can I make this recipe spicier?

Absolutely! Add a dash of hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or some finely chopped jalapeños to give your ham salad an extra kick of heat.

Deviled Ham Salad Classic with a Savory Kick

• Quickly Customize Flavors: Adjust the ham salad's taste and texture by adding more mayonnaise for creaminess or extra pickle relish for a tangy kick, making it perfect for personal preferences.
• Versatile Serving Options: Transform this ham salad into a delightful sandwich spread or an elegant appetizer alongside premium crackers, ideal for casual lunches or party snacks.
• Simple Prep, Maximum Enjoyment: Combine ingredients in one bowl with minimal chopping, creating a delicious dish that requires no complex cooking techniques and delivers maximum flavor.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to a week, allowing busy home cooks to have a quick protein-packed option ready whenever hunger strikes.

Ingredients Needed to Make Deviled Ham Salad

• Ham: A flavorful and protein-rich meat that forms the core of this delicious salad.
• Mayonnaise: A creamy condiment that binds the ingredients and adds rich texture to the salad.
• Sweet Pickle Relish: A tangy and sweet condiment that provides additional flavor and zest to the ham mixture.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the ham and complement the other ingredients.

• Crackers, Bread: Ideal accompaniments for spreading or serving the ham salad as a delightful appetizer or light meal.
• Storage Container: A sealed container that helps maintain the freshness and quality of the ham salad in the refrigerator.

Stepwise Instructions to Create Deviled Ham Salad

Step 1: Chop and Mix Ham

Grab a mixing bowl and finely dice the ham into tiny, uniform pieces. Toss the chopped ham into the bowl and add mayonnaise and sweet pickle relish.

Use a fork or spoon to blend everything together until the ingredients are completely combined and look creamy.

Step 2: Customize the Flavor

Taste your ham salad and adjust the flavors to your liking.

Want it creamier? Add a bit more mayonnaise.

Craving extra sweetness or tang? Sprinkle in some more sweet pickle relish.

Keep mixing and tasting until you’re happy with the result.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy

Spread your delicious ham salad on soft bread for a killer sandwich or scoop it onto crispy crackers for a quick snack.

The mixture is perfect for lunch, picnics, or casual gatherings with friends and family.

Step 4: Store Properly

Transfer any leftover ham salad to an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator.

The salad will stay fresh for about a week. Before serving again, give it a quick stir to redistribute the ingredients and restore its creamy texture.

Handy Tips to Perfect Deviled Ham Salad Every Time

• Opt for high-quality ham to elevate the flavor profile and create a more delectable spread.
• Try different relish types like dill or spicy varieties to customize the taste and add unexpected zest.
• Boost nutritional value by incorporating finely chopped celery or green onions for extra crunch and freshness.
• Transform the classic recipe into a low-fat version by using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise and reducing overall fat content.
• Serve chilled on toasted whole wheat bread or as a protein-packed filling for lettuce wraps to diversify meal options.

Variations That Refresh Deviled Ham Salads

• Low-Sodium Ham Salad: Replace traditional ham with low-sodium ham and use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise to reduce salt and fat content.
• Spicy Jalapeño Ham Salad: Add diced jalapeños and a dash of hot sauce for a fiery kick that transforms the classic recipe.
• Gluten-Free Cracker Spread: Serve the ham salad with gluten-free crackers or use as a filling for lettuce wraps for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Protein-Packed Version: Mix in diced hard-boiled eggs or chopped almonds to increase protein content and provide additional texture and nutrition.

Pairing Suggestions for Deviled Ham Salad Serving

• Reach for a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the rich, creamy texture of the ham salad. These light wines provide a refreshing contrast and enhance the tangy pickle notes.
• Select hearty sourdough or multigrain bread as the ultimate sandwich base. These robust breads offer a delightful textural crunch that complements the smooth ham salad spread.
• Toss a light cucumber and mixed greens salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette. The fresh, acidic components will balance the rich, creamy ham salad and create a well-rounded meal experience.

Storage Ideas to Keep Deviled Ham Salad Fresh

• Transfer the deviled ham salad to an airtight container with a tight-sealing lid. Place in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the back shelf. Consume within 3-5 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
• Not recommended due to mayonnaise content, which can separate and lose texture when thawed. Creamy salads tend to break down and become watery after freezing.
• Enjoy cold directly from the refrigerator. Gently stir before serving to redistribute ingredients and restore creamy consistency. Do not microwave, as this will negatively impact the texture and taste.

Deviled Ham Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy deviled ham salad blends tangy flavors with classic deli charm. Hearty ingredients mingle for a quick sandwich spread that southern kitchens cherish.

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Ingredients

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• 3 1/2 to 4 cups finely chopped ham
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup sweet pickle relish

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Instructions

1. Finely chop ham into uniform, small pieces to create a smooth, consistent texture for the salad.
2. Combine chopped ham with mayonnaise and sweet pickle relish in a mixing bowl, stirring until ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
3. Taste the mixture and adjust flavor profile by adding more mayonnaise for creaminess or extra pickle relish for enhanced tanginess.
4. Gently fold ingredients to maintain a light, airy consistency without over-mixing.
5. Refrigerate the ham salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop a more robust taste.
6. Serve chilled as a sandwich spread or alongside crisp crackers for an elegant appetizer.
7. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days, stirring well before each serving to redistribute ingredients.
8. For optimal freshness, consume within one week of preparation and keep consistently chilled.

Notes

• Customize the ham’s texture by using a food processor for ultra-fine chopping, creating a smoother, more spreadable consistency.
• Experiment with alternative mayo options like Greek yogurt or vegan mayonnaise for lighter, dietary-specific versions.
• Balance flavors by adding a dash of Dijon mustard or hot sauce for an extra kick of zestiness.
• Elevate the salad’s nutritional profile by incorporating finely diced celery or chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley for added crunch and freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 203 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 870 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg