Ham salad

Ham salad is a beloved dish in Anglo-American cuisine, akin to other meat-based salads such as chicken, egg, and tuna salads. At its essence, ham salad features ham mixed with chopped vegetables or relishes, all unified by a creamy dressing like mayonnaise or salad cream.

The primary component is, of course, ham—typically cooked or canned and served cold. To this base, you can add diced cucumber pickles or relish, along with vegetables like celery, green pepper, onion, cucumber, carrot, pimento, corn, or tomato. Some recipes even incorporate additional ingredients such as hard-boiled eggs, grated cheese, peas, or boiled potatoes. The final salad is chilled and served cold, often boasting a chunky or pasty texture, making it ideal for spreading on crackers or stuffing into sandwiches.

The beauty of ham salad lies in its versatility. Recipes can vary widely depending on region or family tradition. Sometimes, other meats like bologna, Spam, or sausage are used instead of ham. This dish is particularly popular in the Upper Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeastern parts of the United States, where pork and ham have a rich culinary history.

So whether you’re seeking a flavorful sandwich filler or a savory cracker spread, ham salad is a delicious and adaptable choice!