When it comes to recipes that are both comforting and incredibly versatile, this Chicken Ham Salad hits it out of the park every single time. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, packing lunches for the week, or simply craving a savory snack, this creamy ham salad has got you covered.
I can’t tell you how many times this recipe has come to my rescue. After holiday dinners or Sunday family meals, I always seem to have leftover ham just waiting to be transformed. That’s where this chicken ham salad shines — it’s not just a way to use leftovers; it’s a downright delicious dish in its own right. With its creamy texture, a perfect hint of sweetness from the pickle relish, and a little tang from the mustard, it’s become a staple in my kitchen.
What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to pull together. You don’t need any fancy ingredients or complicated steps — just simple, wholesome components that combine to create something truly special. Plus, it’s super customizable depending on what you have in your fridge or pantry.
Before we dive into the step-by-step directions, let’s take a quick look at what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering Chicken Ham Salad.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
1 ½ pounds boneless cooked ham, diced (leftover or purchased thick slab, trimmed of fat)
1 hard-boiled egg
1 stalk celery, roughly chopped
2 teaspoons finely chopped onion
¾ cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons sweet pickle relish (optional)
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Assorted crackers and/or soft rolls for serving
Now that you’ve got everything ready to go, let’s get started!
STEPS TO MAKE CHICKEN HAM SALAD
STEP 1: PREP YOUR INGREDIENTS
Start by dicing your boneless cooked ham into small cubes. If you’re using leftover ham from a holiday meal or Sunday dinner, make sure to trim off any excess fat. The leaner the ham, the better the texture and flavor of your salad.
Next, roughly chop one stalk of celery for a nice crunchy texture and finely chop two teaspoons of onion. The onion adds a subtle sharpness that really balances out the creamy dressing. Don’t forget your hard-boiled egg — peel it and have it ready to go.
STEP 2: BLEND THE BASE MIXTURE
Now it’s time to bring out your blender or food processor. Add the diced ham, chopped celery, hard-boiled egg, and finely chopped onion into the bowl of your processor. Season lightly with black pepper for that extra kick of flavor.
Pulse the mixture using short, quick pulses — about 20-25 times should do the trick. You want the ingredients to be minced and well combined, but not pureed into a paste. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the processor bowl a few times to ensure an even consistency throughout.
CREAMY, SAVORY GOODNESS: FINISHING YOUR CHICKEN HAM SALAD
Alright, we’ve got the base mixture ready — minced ham, egg, celery, and onion perfectly blended. Now comes my favorite part: mixing up that creamy, tangy dressing that really pulls this salad together. This is where the flavors start to meld, and your kitchen smells absolutely amazing.
One thing I always tell my friends: don’t be afraid to taste and adjust as you go. Everyone has their own perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy, and this recipe is super forgiving if you want to tweak it just a bit to fit your taste buds.
Let’s jump right back into the recipe!
STEPS TO MAKE CHICKEN HAM SALAD (CONTINUED)
STEP 3: PREPARE THE DRESSING
In a large mixing bowl, combine ¾ cup of mayonnaise, 2 teaspoons of sweet pickle relish (if you like a little sweetness), and 1 tablespoon of prepared mustard. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to bring all the flavors together.
Give it a good stir until everything is smooth and well blended. This creamy dressing is the heart of your ham salad, adding richness with just the right amount of tang.
Quick tip: If you prefer a lighter version, you can easily substitute part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. It gives a slight tang and cuts down a bit on the calories without sacrificing that creamy texture we all love.
STEP 4: COMBINE EVERYTHING TOGETHER
Now, gently transfer your minced ham mixture into the bowl with the dressing. Using a spatula or large spoon, fold everything together until the ham mixture is fully coated with the dressing. You’ll see the salad transform into that signature creamy consistency that’s perfect for spreading on crackers or stuffing into soft rolls.
Pro tip: Make sure you mix it thoroughly but don’t overwork it — you want to keep that nice, slightly chunky texture rather than turning it into a paste.
STEP 5: CHILL FOR MAXIMUM FLAVOR
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate the salad for several hours. Honestly, if you can let it sit overnight, that’s even better. The flavors really develop and meld together beautifully while it chills.
This chilling time also makes it a great make-ahead recipe for parties, potlucks, or busy weeknights. I often prepare it the night before a family picnic or game day — it’s always a hit!
CUSTOMIZATION IDEAS & TIPS
One of the best things about this Chicken Ham Salad is how easy it is to customize. Depending on what you have in your fridge or your personal preferences, you can easily tweak it to make it your own:
Add extra crunch: Finely diced bell peppers or green onions add a pop of color and extra flavor.
A little heat: A splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper gives it a spicy kick.
Lighter option: Swap half of the mayo for Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
Serve it your way: This salad is perfect served on assorted crackers, spooned onto soft rolls, wrapped in lettuce leaves, or even used as a filling for sandwiches and wraps.
No matter how you serve it, this Chicken Ham Salad is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s creamy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying — perfect for any occasion.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CHICKEN HAM SALAD
As much as I love making this recipe, I know there are always a few questions that pop up, especially the first time you try it. So, I’ve put together a little FAQ to help you out.
CAN I USE STORE-BOUGHT HAM INSTEAD OF LEFTOVERS?
Absolutely! While leftover ham works perfectly, you can easily use store-bought boneless cooked ham. Look for a thick slab of ham that you can dice yourself to control the texture. Just trim any excess fat before using.
IS THE PICKLE RELISH NECESSARY?
The sweet pickle relish adds a nice hint of sweetness that balances the saltiness of the ham. If you’re not a fan of sweet flavors in your salad, you can leave it out or substitute it with dill relish for a more tangy profile.
HOW LONG DOES CHICKEN HAM SALAD LAST IN THE FRIDGE?
Stored in an airtight container, your ham salad will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. In fact, the flavor often gets even better after the first day as the ingredients meld together.
CAN I FREEZE CHICKEN HAM SALAD?
I wouldn’t recommend freezing this salad. The mayonnaise-based dressing can separate and become watery once thawed, which affects the texture and flavor.
WHAT CAN I SERVE WITH CHICKEN HAM SALAD?
It’s incredibly versatile! Serve it with assorted crackers for a snack, spoon it onto soft rolls or croissants for sandwiches, or wrap it in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option. It also makes a great filling for wraps and pita pockets.
CAN I MAKE THIS SALAD AHEAD OF TIME?
Yes! This is actually one of the best recipes to make ahead. I often prepare it the night before a gathering, and by the next day, it’s absolutely perfect.
HOW CAN I MAKE IT SPICIER?
If you like a bit of heat, try adding a splash of hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or some finely diced jalapeños. Start small and taste as you go.
A DELICIOUS CLASSIC YOU’LL MAKE AGAIN AND AGAIN
There you have it — a simple, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying Chicken Ham Salad that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch idea, an easy appetizer for your next party, or a creative way to use up leftover ham, this recipe delivers every single time.
I love how customizable this salad is. You can tweak the ingredients based on what you have on hand, adjust the flavors to your liking, and serve it in so many different ways. It’s one of those recipes that feels comforting and familiar, yet always gets compliments whenever I share it.
If you give this Chicken Ham Salad a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Feel free to leave a comment and share any variations or special touches you added. Happy cooking, and enjoy every creamy, savory bite!
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The Best Chicken Ham Salad
Description
This Chicken Ham Salad is a savory, creamy spread that combines the rich flavors of ham with a hint of sweetness and tang from pickle relish and mustard. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or served with crackers, it’s an easy way to use up leftover ham or create a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds boneless cooked ham, diced (leftover or purchased thick slab, trimmed of fat)
1 hard-boiled egg
1 stalk celery, roughly chopped
2 teaspoons finely chopped onion
¾ cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons sweet pickle relish (optional)
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Assorted crackers and/or soft rolls for serving
Instructions
Place the diced ham, hard-boiled egg, chopped celery, and finely chopped onion into a blender or food processor. Season lightly with black pepper.
Pulse the mixture using short, quick pulses about 20-25 times until the ingredients are minced and evenly combined. Scrape down the sides of the processor as needed to ensure a consistent texture.
In a separate large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, prepared mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
Add the minced ham mixture to the bowl with the dressing and stir thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for several hours to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it chills, the better the flavor develops.
Serve the chicken ham salad chilled with assorted crackers or spooned onto soft rolls for sandwiches.
Notes
This salad can be easily customized by adding finely diced bell peppers, green onions, or a splash of hot sauce for extra flavor. For a lighter version, substitute part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. It holds up well in the fridge for a couple of days, making it a great option for meal prep, picnics, or quick lunches.
