If you are craving something delightful, creamy, and packed with a tangy twist, the Ham Salad with Relish and Dill Pickles Recipe is an absolute must-try. This comforting dish brings together the savory flavors of finely chopped ham with the crisp bite of celery, the zesty tang of dill pickles, and the sweet pop of relish, all enveloped in a luscious mayonnaise and Dijon mustard dressing. It’s a perfect balance of textures and tastes that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly vibrant, making it ideal for sandwiches, snacks, or even as a unique party appetizer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Ham Salad with Relish and Dill Pickles Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a distinct role: the ham provides hearty savoriness, the mayonnaise adds creaminess, and the relish and pickles bring that signature tang with bursts of crunch. Plus, celery and green onions add fresh texture and color, making this dish as pretty as it is delicious.
- Cooked ham (1 pound): Use good-quality cooked ham, diced for freshness and meaty flavor.
- Mayonnaise (1 cup): Acts as the creamy binder that holds everything together beautifully.
- Celery (1 cup, diced): Adds a refreshing crunch and mild sweetness to each bite.
- Black pepper (1 teaspoon): Provides subtle warmth and depth without overpowering the salad.
- Sweet relish (3 tablespoons): Brings a delightful sweet and tangy contrast to the savory ham.
- Dijon mustard (3 teaspoons): Infuses a gentle kick and complexity to the creamy base.
- Dill pickle spears (3, chopped): Essential for that signature dill pickle flavor and satisfying crunch.
- Green onion (1 sliced): Adds a mild oniony brightness and color.
- Dill pickle juice (1 tablespoon): Enhances the overall tangy vibrancy, tying all flavors together.
How to Make Ham Salad with Relish and Dill Pickles Recipe
Step 1: Finely Chop the Ham
The first step is to perfectly chop your ham so it’s just right—finely diced without turning into a paste. Using a food processor, pulse the ham a few times until the texture feels finely chopped. This ensures every spoonful gets a lovely, consistent meaty bite that blends smoothly with the other ingredients.
Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients
Transfer the finely chopped ham to a large mixing bowl. Add in the mayonnaise, black pepper, sweet relish, Dijon mustard, chopped dill pickle spears, sliced green onion, and a splash of dill pickle juice. Stir everything together until you get a smooth, creamy mixture where all those fantastic flavors meld together.
Step 3: Fold in the Celery
Lastly, gently fold in the diced celery. This adds the brightness and crunch that give the salad such delightful texture contrast. Mix just enough to evenly distribute the celery without crushing it. Your charming ham salad is ready to be served!
How to Serve Ham Salad with Relish and Dill Pickles Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful finishing touch, sprinkle a little extra chopped green onion or fresh dill on top before serving. These garnishes add a pop of fresh color and an aromatic hint that complements the tangy dill pickles superbly.
Side Dishes
This ham salad pairs wonderfully with crispy crackers, crusty baguette slices, or fresh leafy greens for a light, balanced meal. Offering crunchy veggies like cucumber slices or carrot sticks alongside makes for a refreshing accompaniment that brightens every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve this recipe in traditional sandwich form, or get creative by scooping it into halved tomatoes, hollowed cucumbers, or even miniature pita pockets for easy, fun appetizers. Layering it on a bed of lettuce leaves also makes for a pretty and appetizing presentation if you’re entertaining guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover ham salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy this tasty treat again within the workweek. The flavors actually benefit from sitting overnight, as they become more melded and cohesive.
Freezing
Freezing ham salad is generally not recommended because the mayo-based dressing and crunchy celery can change texture and become watery. For best results, always prepare fresh or store chilled for short-term use instead.
Reheating
This ham salad is traditionally served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary. Simply stir gently before serving to redistribute any settled juices and you’re good to go!
FAQs
Can I use leftover ham for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked ham works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure it’s diced and finely chopped to the right texture for the best results.
Is it possible to make this ham salad vegetarian?
Since ham is the star ingredient here, it’s hard to make it truly vegetarian. However, you could experiment with chopped smoked tofu or chickpeas for a similar texture and smoky flavor.
What can I substitute for dill pickle juice?
If you don’t have dill pickle juice, a splash of fresh lemon juice with a pinch of salt can provide a bright, tangy kick, but the characteristic dill flavor will be missing.
How long does ham salad last in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, the ham salad should stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Always give it a sniff and check for any changes before eating.
Can I add hard-boiled eggs to this recipe?
Yes! Chopped hard-boiled eggs are a fantastic addition that adds more creaminess and protein. Fold them in gently at the end for a richer salad.
Final Thoughts
This Ham Salad with Relish and Dill Pickles Recipe is one of those timeless classics that brings warmth and flavor to the table effortlessly. Whether you’re making sandwiches for lunch, packing a picnic, or creating a flavorful appetizer spread, it’s sure to charm your taste buds and become a staple in your recipe collection. Give it a try and watch how this simple, satisfying salad turns into an instant favorite!
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Ham Salad 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 recipe is a creamy, tangy, and savory dish made with finely chopped cooked ham, combined with mayonnaise, celery, dijon mustard, sweet relish, dill pickles, and green onion. Perfect for sandwiches or as a side, it’s quick to prepare and ideal for a satisfying lunch or snack.
Ingredients
Ham Mixture
- 1 pound cooked ham (diced)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 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
Vegetables
- 1 cup celery (diced)
Instructions
- Chop the ham: In a food processor, pulse the diced cooked ham a few times until it is finely chopped but not a paste, ensuring a perfect texture for the salad.
- Combine 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. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add celery: Fold in the diced celery gently, mixing until all ingredients are evenly distributed. The ham salad is now ready to serve, either on bread, crackers, or as a side dish.
Notes
- For best results, use cooked ham with some fat for flavor but trim off any excessive fat if desired.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mixture.
- To reduce calories, substitute mayonnaise with light mayo or Greek yogurt.
- Ham salad can be refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Serve chilled for optimal taste and texture.
