There’s something timeless about an old-fashioned salad spread, and Deviled Ham Salad is one of those retro recipes that never really goes out of style. Creamy, tangy, slightly spicy, and full of savory ham flavor, this dish is perfect for quick lunches, party appetizers, or even an afternoon snack on crackers.
This recipe takes just 10 minutes to make and transforms simple ingredients into a dish that feels both comforting and versatile. You can serve it as a sandwich filling, pile it onto crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb option, or spoon it onto buttery crackers for a classic appetizer.
Deviled Ham Salad has roots in mid-century American cooking, where economical and easy-to-store ingredients reigned supreme. It’s a recipe that’s stood the test of time because it’s adaptable, flavorful, and requires almost no effort. Whether you make it with leftover baked ham from the holidays or store-bought deli ham, it’s a winning way to stretch your ingredients into something special.
Why You’ll Love Deviled Ham Salad
- Quick and easy: Just 10 minutes from start to finish.
- Perfect for leftovers: A great way to use up extra ham.
- Versatile: Serve as a sandwich, wrap, dip, or topping.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level to your taste.
- Make-ahead friendly: Tastes even better after chilling.
Ingredients
4 cups diced ham
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
Place diced ham into the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped, but avoid turning it into a paste. You want a texture that will mix well with the dressing while still offering some bite.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and hot sauce. Stir until smooth and fully blended. This mixture will form the creamy, tangy base for your salad.
Step 3: Combine and Season
Add the chopped ham to the dressing and fold together until the ham is evenly coated. Taste and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Keep in mind that ham is naturally salty, so you may not need much additional salt.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold as a sandwich filling, on crackers, or as part of a charcuterie board.
Recipe Tips
- Use quality ham: Leftover baked ham works beautifully, but thick-cut deli ham is also great.
- Adjust the spice: Add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
- Make it lighter: Swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter version.
- Texture matters: Don’t over-process the ham—leave small pieces for a satisfying bite.
Variations
Sweet and Tangy: Add a teaspoon of pickle relish or chopped bread-and-butter pickles.
Smoky Twist: Use smoked ham or add a pinch of smoked paprika.
Herbed Version: Stir in fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill for brightness.
Cheesy Mix: Fold in shredded cheddar or Swiss for extra richness.
Serving Suggestions
Deviled Ham Salad is incredibly versatile and works in many settings:
- Sandwiches: Spread generously between slices of white, rye, or whole-grain bread.
- Wraps: Roll it up in tortillas or lettuce leaves for a lighter option.
- Appetizers: Spoon onto crackers or cucumber slices for party snacks.
- Breakfast: Serve on a toasted English muffin with a fried egg for a hearty start.
It’s also a great addition to lunchboxes—just pack it in a small container with crackers or bread on the side for assembling later.
Storage and Make-Ahead
Store Deviled Ham Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavor improves after sitting for a few hours, making it ideal for preparing ahead of time. It’s not recommended for freezing, as the mayonnaise-based dressing may separate.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of creamy mayo, tangy mustard and vinegar, and the umami depth of Worcestershire creates a flavor-packed base that perfectly complements the salty richness of ham. The hot sauce adds just the right amount of heat without overpowering the other flavors. By finely chopping the ham, you create a spreadable yet textured mixture that can adapt to almost any serving style.
Final Thoughts
Deviled Ham Salad is proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen to make something memorable. It’s a quick, budget-friendly recipe that packs a punch in flavor and versatility. Whether you’re hosting friends, packing lunches, or just need a snack, this creamy ham spread is a dependable choice you’ll make again and again.
Deviled Ham Salad
Ingredients
- 4 cups diced ham
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
- Place diced ham into the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped, but avoid turning it into a paste. You want a texture that will mix well with the dressing while still offering some bite.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and hot sauce. Stir until smooth and fully blended. This mixture will form the creamy, tangy base for your salad.
Step 3: Combine and Season
- Add the chopped ham to the dressing and fold together until the ham is evenly coated. Taste and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Keep in mind that ham is naturally salty, so you may not need much additional salt.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold as a sandwich filling, on crackers, or as part of a charcuterie board.
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