There’s a kind of magic in recipes that come from family — the ones passed around handwritten on index cards, whispered over the phone, or lovingly taught in a warm kitchen. This Deviled Ham Salad is one of those recipes. Inspired by my grandmother’s version and given just a little modern flair, it’s become a must-have dish in our household.
This creamy, spiced ham salad isn’t just a spread. It’s a bridge between generations. It brings us together at picnics, lunches, and casual dinners, and always disappears fast — whether piled high on soft sandwich bread, spooned into lettuce cups, or served with crackers as a snack.
Made with just a handful of ingredients and zero cooking required, it’s the perfect way to turn leftover ham into something crave-worthy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy: Takes only 10 minutes to prepare.
Waste not, want not: A delicious use for leftover holiday ham.
Bold and creamy flavor: Balanced with tangy mustard and a hint of spice.
No stove required: Perfect for hot days or quick meals.
Versatile: Great as a sandwich filling, dip, or wrap stuffing.
Ingredients Needed (Makes 4–6 servings)
2 cups cooked ham, finely chopped
Use leftover baked ham, deli ham, or even smoked ham. Trim excess fat if needed.
1/3 cup mayonnaise
Use a good-quality mayo for the best flavor and creaminess.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Adds tang and depth; you can substitute with yellow or spicy brown mustard.
2 teaspoons sweet pickle relish
This is the “secret ingredient” from grandma — it adds just the right amount of sweet and tangy.
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Enhances the savory flavor without overpowering.
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
For a little heat — feel free to adjust or omit based on your spice preference.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Chop the ham finely
You can do this by hand with a sharp knife or use a food processor with a few short pulses. You’re aiming for a fine, spreadable texture — similar to tuna salad or pâté.
Mix the base
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped ham, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard. Stir until smooth and evenly blended.
Add flavor boosters
Stir in the sweet pickle relish, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated.
Taste and season
Add salt and pepper to taste. If you’d like more tang, stir in a little more mustard or relish. For extra creaminess, add a touch more mayo.
Chill (optional)
For best flavor, let the salad sit covered in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions
Sandwiches: Spread on toasted white bread, brioche buns, or croissants for an easy, satisfying lunch.
Crackers or crostini: Serve as a dip or appetizer at parties.
Lettuce wraps: Spoon into butter lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
Stuffed tomatoes or deviled eggs: Use it as a filling for a more elegant presentation.
With hard-boiled eggs: Mix in chopped eggs for an “egg-and-ham salad” twist.
Storage Tips
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Make-ahead: This is a great recipe to prepare in advance — it tastes even better the next day.
Recipe Variations
Add diced celery or onion for extra crunch and freshness.
Use hot sauce instead of cayenne for more punch.
Try different mustards (honey mustard or whole grain) for a new flavor profile.
Swap relish for chopped dill pickles if you prefer less sweetness.
