Are you looking for a delicious and effortless meal that's perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner? Look no further! This Heavenly Ham Salad recipe is a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish that's packed with flavor. Forget boring sandwiches; this recipe elevates the classic ham salad to a whole new level of deliciousness. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking that's both healthy and incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxing weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced (about 1/2 pound)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (use your favorite brand!)
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
Start by dicing the cooked ham into bite-sized pieces. If you're using leftover ham, ensure it's completely cooled before proceeding.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, gently combine the diced ham, mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, celery, red onion, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, salt, and pepper. If using nuts, add them now.
Step 3: Mix Well
Using a spoon or spatula, carefully mix all the ingredients until they are evenly distributed throughout the salad. Be gentle to avoid over-mixing and breaking down the ham.
Step 4: Chill (Optional)
For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the ham salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Heavenly Ham Salad on bread, crackers, croissants, lettuce cups, or enjoy it as a standalone dish.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Ham Salad:
- Use high-quality ham: The flavor of your ham salad depends heavily on the quality of the ham you use. Opt for a flavorful ham that you would enjoy eating on its own.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing can make the salad mushy. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and mustard to your preference.
- Add some spice: For a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Variations:
- Curried Ham Salad: Add 1 teaspoon of curry powder for an exotic twist.
- Apple Ham Salad: Incorporate 1/2 cup of diced apple for a sweet and savory combination.
- Grape Ham Salad: Add 1/2 cup of halved seedless grapes for a juicy burst of flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300 (depending on ingredients and serving size)
- Protein: Approximately 15-20g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This Heavenly Ham Salad recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. It's a delicious, healthy, and versatile dish that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!