Ham Salad Spread Recipe

Ham: Finely chopped cooked ham is the main ingredient and gives the spread its savory flavor.

Mayonnaise: This adds creaminess and helps bind all the ingredients together.

Mustard: A little mustard adds a tangy kick that balances the richness.

Sweet pickle relish: This brings a sweet and slightly tangy crunch to the spread.

Onion: Finely chopped onion adds sharpness and texture.

Celery: Chopped celery gives a fresh crunch that brightens the spread.

Salt: Used to season and bring out the flavors.

Black pepper: Adds a bit of spice and depth to the taste.

One of the most helpful little moves in this Ham Salad Spread Recipe is getting your onion chopped just right. When you finely chop the onion, it helps the flavor mix evenly throughout the spread without any big chunks that might surprise you. Here’s a simple way to do it:

1. Peel the onion and cut it in half from top to bottom.
2. Lay one half flat on the cutting board.
3. Make several horizontal cuts into the onion, but don’t cut all the way through the root end.
4. Then, make vertical cuts down the onion, again stopping before the root.
5. Finally, slice across those cuts to create tiny pieces.

This method keeps the pieces small and even, which means every bite of your ham salad will have a little bit of that sharp, tasty onion flavor without overpowering it. Plus, finely chopped onion blends better with the creamy mayonnaise and the crunch of the celery.

When I first made this spread, I didn’t chop the onion finely enough, and I ended up with big chunks that made some bites too strong. After trying this chopping trick, the whole mix tasted smoother and more balanced. Also, if you want to save time, you can use pre-chopped onions from the store, but fresh always tastes best!

Taking a little extra care with the onion makes the whole recipe come together better and makes your ham salad taste like you really know what you’re doing. Plus, it’s a handy skill for lots of other recipes, too!

• cooked ham - Substitute with cooked turkey: Provides a similar texture and flavor, especially if you use smoked turkey.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Offers a creamy consistency with fewer calories and added protein.

• mustard - Substitute with Dijon mustard: Adds a bit more complexity and a slight tang to the spread.

• sweet pickle relish - Substitute with chopped dill pickles: Provides a similar crunch and tanginess without the sweetness.

• finely chopped onion - Substitute with finely chopped shallots: Adds a milder, slightly sweeter onion flavor.

• finely chopped celery - Substitute with finely chopped bell pepper: Adds a similar crunch and a bit of sweetness.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Adds a savory umami flavor along with the saltiness.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: Provides a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile.

• Store your ham salad spread in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and prevent any unwanted odors from seeping in.
• Place the container in the coldest part of your refrigerator, typically the back, to keep the spread at a consistent temperature.
• For optimal flavor and texture, consume the ham salad spread within 3 to 5 days. Beyond this period, the quality may decline.
• If you wish to freeze the spread, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Ensure you remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the container or bag with the date of preparation to keep track of its freshness.
• When ready to use, thaw the ham salad spread in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
• After thawing, give the spread a good stir to reincorporate any separated ingredients and restore its creamy texture.
• Note that freezing may slightly alter the texture of the mayonnaise and vegetables in the spread, but the flavor should remain delightful.
• For a quick refresh, add a small dollop of fresh mayonnaise and a pinch of salt and pepper after thawing to enhance the taste and consistency.

• Gently warm the ham salad spread in a skillet over low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent the mayonnaise from separating.
• Place the ham salad spread in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
• Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the ham salad spread evenly in an oven-safe dish. Cover with aluminum foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches your desired temperature.
• For a quick and easy method, use a double boiler. Place the ham salad spread in the top part of the double boiler and gently heat over simmering water, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine all the ingredients together.

• Knife: Essential for finely chopping the ham, onion, and celery.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the ingredients.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the correct amount of ham and mayonnaise.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the mustard, pickle relish, onion, and celery.

• Spatula: Useful for mixing the ingredients thoroughly.

• Refrigerator: Needed to chill the ham salad spread before serving.

• Serving dish: For presenting the ham salad spread once it's ready to serve.

Pre-chop ingredients: Prepare the ham, onion, and celery in advance and store them in the refrigerator.

Use a food processor: Quickly chop the ham and vegetables using a food processor to save time.

Batch make: Double or triple the recipe and store extra ham salad spread in the fridge for future use.

Pre-measure condiments: Measure out the mayonnaise, mustard, and pickle relish beforehand to streamline the mixing process.

Chill efficiently: Place the ham salad spread in a shallow container to speed up chilling time.