Easy Country Ham Salad Recipe for Sandwiches and Biscuits
A creamy, tangy, slightly sweet ham spread with crunchy celery and red onion, perfect for sandwiches, biscuits, crackers, and lettuce cups.
Ingredients
- 2 cups finely chopped country ham about 250–300 g
- ½ cup mayonnaise 120 g, adjust to taste
- 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish or finely chopped pickles gherkins
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard or yellow mustard
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 2 tbsp finely diced celery
- 2 tbsp finely diced red onion or shallot
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Pinch of sugar optional, balances saltiness
Optional add-ins
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 hard-boiled egg finely chopped
- A dash of hot sauce or paprika
Instructions
- Finely chop the ham by hand or pulse briefly in a food processor. Aim for a small, slightly chunky texture, not a paste.
- In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, mustard, relish, and vinegar. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in the ham, celery, onion, and pepper. Taste and add a pinch of sugar if it’s too salty.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Spread on sandwich bread, biscuits, or crackers. It’s also great in lettuce cups for a lighter option.
Notes
This recipe assumes the country ham is cooked and ready to eat. If yours is uncooked and cured, cook it according to the package directions and cool it completely before chopping.
Country ham is very salty, so don’t add any salt. Taste first and adjust with sugar, vinegar, or extra mayonnaise.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days (about 3 days if you add egg). Not suitable for freezing.
Country ham is very salty, so don’t add any salt. Taste first and adjust with sugar, vinegar, or extra mayonnaise.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days (about 3 days if you add egg). Not suitable for freezing.
UK tip: use finely chopped gammon or dry-cured ham, and chopped gherkins with a pinch of sugar in place of sweet pickle relish.