Deviled Ham Salad

This classic Deviled Ham Salad is a versatile, flavorful dish that makes a perfect spread for crackers, sandwiches, or soft rolls. Made with diced ham, hard-boiled eggs, celery, and a creamy, tangy dressing, it’s the ideal way to use up leftover ham or serve at gatherings. With just the right balance of savory ham, crunch from the celery, and a hint of sweetness from the pickle relish, this ham salad is sure to be a hit!

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless cooked ham (about 5 cups, diced)
• 1–2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced or roughly chopped
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 2 tablespoons diced onion
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish (drained and blotted with a paper towel)
• Assorted crackers or soft rolls, for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ham Mixture: In a food processor, add the diced ham, hard-boiled egg, diced celery, onion, and pepper. Pulse 20–25 times using short, quick pulses until the ingredients are finely minced but still have texture.
2. Make the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, mustard, and sweet pickle relish. Stir well until smooth and creamy.
3. Combine: Add the minced ham mixture to the bowl with the dressing. Stir until everything is evenly mixed and the ham salad is thoroughly coated.
4. Chill for Flavor: Cover the ham salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least a couple of hours to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
5. Serve: Serve the deviled ham salad as a sandwich filling on soft rolls, or as a spread for crackers or toast. It makes a great appetizer or light lunch.

Tips & Variations:

• Ham Options: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover ham, but you can also use pre-cooked ham from the deli or a thick slab of boneless ham.
• Hard-Boiled Eggs: For extra richness, use two hard-boiled eggs. You can also omit the eggs if you prefer a more traditional ham salad without them.
• Make-Ahead: Deviled ham salad is even better when made ahead. Chill for a few hours (or overnight) to enhance the flavors.
• Add Some Heat: For a spicy kick, add a dash of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or a few chopped pickled jalapeños to the dressing.
• Texture Tip: Be careful not to over-pulse the ham mixture in the food processor. You want a minced texture, not a paste.

This Deviled Ham Salad is an easy, tasty dish that’s perfect for any occasion—from casual lunches to party appetizers! It’s creamy, tangy, and full of satisfying flavor.