Hammy Ham Salad Sammy
My Perfect Ham Salad on bun: A Symphony of Sweet, Savory, and a Touch of Zing
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: American
- Servings: 1
- Prep Time: 4h
- Cook Time: 10min
- Total Time: 4h 10min
Ingredients
The Prep!
The Star:
2 cups diced cooked ham (I prefer a good quality country ham. A mix of lean and a little bit of the fattier bits is ideal for flavor and texture.)
The Crunch:
1/2 cup finely diced celery
1/4 cup finely diced red onion (or shallot for a milder flavor)
The Sweet:
1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
The Herbaceous:
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (or green onion)
1/4 c. diced kalamata olives
1/4 tsp Dill weed
The Creamy Binding:
1/2 cup mayonnaise (I prefer real mayonnaise for the richness.
The Secret Weapon (Optional, but Highly Recommended):
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Seasoning:
1/4 tsp. sweet paprika
1/4 tsp Turmeric
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Intructions
- Prep the Veggies: Finely dice the celery and red onion (or shallot). Mince the parsley and chives.Combine: In a medium bowl, combine the diced ham, celery, red onion (or shallot), sweet pickle relish, parsley and olives, and chives.Dress: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard Dill, Paprika , turmeric and apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.Mix it Up: Add the dressing to the ham mixture and stir gently until everything is evenly coated. Don't overmix!Chill (Optional, but Recommended): Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This also helps the salad thicken slightly.Serve: Serve your perfect ham salad on croissants, toasted bread, lettuce wraps, or crackers. It's also delicious as a filling for deviled eggs or just plain out of the bowl!
Notes
-
My Ham Salad Philosophy:
- Balance is Key: The sweetness of the relish balances the saltiness of the ham. The celery and onion add crunch and freshness. The herbs brighten everything up. The Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar (if using) add a subtle tang that elevates the flavor. The Paprika adds depth and the Turmeric gives it a beautiful golden hue.
- Texture Matters: Finely dicing the vegetables ensures that you get a little bit of everything in each bite. You don't want big chunks of onion overpowering the other flavors.
- Don't Overdress: Use just enough mayonnaise to bind the ingredients together. You want the ham to be the star, not swimming in dressing.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh herbs whenever possible. They make a world of difference in the flavor.
Enjoy! Let me know what you think if you give it a try. I'm always open to feedback (unless you tell me to add pineapple...then we might have to have words ;-)
Nutrition
- Serving: 1 Serving
- Calories: 350 calories
Welcome To Randy's Chaotic Kitchen!
I'm a Tasmanian devil in the kitchen, but hey, don't let the whirlwind fool you – I know exactly what I'm doing. I'm like a culinary conductor, orchestrating flavor amidst the controlled chaos. So buckle up, get ready for some delicious fun, and let's turn my kitchen chaos into comforting cuisines in yours!"
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