If you’re craving a dish that effortlessly combines savory ham, crunchy celery, and tangy pickles, you’ve got to try this Ham Salad with Celery and Pickles Recipe. It’s a classic comfort food that brings a delightful balance of textures and flavors in every bite. Whether you’re making an easy lunch or prepping a light dinner, this salad not only tastes fantastic but also comes together in a snap, making it one of my all-time favorite go-to recipes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients create the magic in this Ham Salad with Celery and Pickles Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role—adding crunch, creaminess, tang, and a subtle smoky depth that makes this salad truly stand out.
- Cooked ham (2 cups, chopped small): The star protein, bringing rich, savory flavor and hearty texture.
- Celery (2 sticks, chopped small): Adds a fresh, crisp crunch that brightens every bite.
- Sweet pickles or relish (1/4 cup, chopped small): Offers a perfect tangy sweetness that balances the savory ham.
- Red onion (2 tablespoons, chopped small): Brings a mild, sharp bite and vibrant color for extra flavor contrast.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Creates that creamy, luscious dressing to tie all ingredients together.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle smoky warmth and depth without overpowering the salad.
- Worcestershire sauce (1/2 teaspoon): Provides umami richness and a hint of complexity.
- White vinegar (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a gentle acidity that lifts the overall flavor profile.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a mild, savory kick for added depth.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of every ingredient.
How to Make Ham Salad with Celery and Pickles Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Begin by chopping the cooked ham, celery, sweet pickles, and red onion into small, bite-sized pieces. This ensures every spoonful has a beautiful mix of textures and flavors. Toss everything together in a medium-sized bowl—this colorful base is where all the excitement begins!
Step 2: Whip Up the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, white vinegar, and garlic powder. Stir it thoroughly until you get a smooth, flavorful dressing. Make sure to taste it so you can adjust the flavors—sometimes a touch more vinegar or paprika can really elevate the mix.
Step 3: Mix Salad and Dressing
Pour the dressing over the ham and veggie mixture, then toss gently to coat everything evenly without crushing the crunchy bits. If you love creamy salads, feel free to add a bit more mayo here for that luscious texture. Finally, season with salt and pepper until it tastes just right for you.
Step 4: Let It Chill or Serve Right Away
You can serve this salad immediately if you’re short on time, but it’s even better after chilling in the fridge for a couple of hours. This resting period lets the flavors marry beautifully. Keep in mind, the salad will stay fresh in the fridge for a few days, which means it’s a fantastic make-ahead option.
How to Serve Ham Salad with Celery and Pickles Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few fresh parsley leaves or chives on top to add a pop of green and fresh aroma. If you enjoy a little extra zest, a few crushed red pepper flakes can add a surprising kick that complements the creamy salad perfectly.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with crispy crackers or buttery croissants for a simple lunch. For a more substantial meal, try alongside a fresh garden salad or a bowl of tomato soup—both will complement the ham salad’s rich, creamy notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t limit yourself to sandwiches—this ham salad also makes an excellent topping for baked potatoes or stuffed tomatoes. Another fun idea is serving it on crisp lettuce leaves for a lighter, refreshing twist that’s perfect for picnics or potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover ham salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and tasty for up to three days, making it ideal for quick meals later in the week. Give it a good stir before serving as the dressing can settle at the bottom.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t freeze well because the mayo and fresh veggies tend to separate and become watery after thawing. For best results, avoid freezing and stick to refrigeration only.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, it’s meant to be enjoyed chilled and doesn’t require reheating. If you want a warm meal, consider spreading it inside a toasted sandwich or melting some cheese on top under a broiler for a warm, savory treat.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pickles in this Ham Salad with Celery and Pickles Recipe?
Absolutely! Sweet pickles are classic, but dill pickles or bread-and-butter pickles can add unique flavor twists. Just chop them finely so they blend well with the other ingredients.
Is it possible to substitute mayonnaise with a healthier alternative?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or a light mayo if you want a lighter version. Just keep in mind the taste and texture may be a bit tangier or less creamy but still delicious.
How long does this ham salad keep in the fridge?
It will stay fresh and flavorful for about three days when stored properly in an airtight container. Beyond that, the texture might start to change as the veggies soften.
Can I add other vegetables or ingredients to this salad?
For sure! Diced bell peppers, hard-boiled eggs, or even shredded cheese can be great additions if you want to mix things up while keeping the heart of the recipe intact.
What’s the best bread to use for ham salad sandwiches?
Soft sandwich breads like whole wheat, rye, or brioche are wonderful choices because they don’t overpower the salad and add just the right amount of softness to every bite.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about this Ham Salad with Celery and Pickles Recipe that keeps me coming back for more. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for so many occasions. If you haven’t tried it yet, I wholeheartedly encourage you to whip it up—once you taste that creamy, crunchy, tangy goodness, it might just become your new favorite comfort dish too!
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Ham Salad with Celery and Pickles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A quick and flavorful ham salad made with chopped ham, celery, pickles, and a creamy, smoky dressing. Perfect for sandwiches or as a chilled side dish, this easy recipe comes together in minutes and delivers a deliciously satisfying meal or snack.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked ham (chopped small)
- 2 sticks celery (chopped small)
- 1/4 cup sweet pickles (or relish) (chopped small)
- 2 tablespoons red onion (chopped small)
Dressing
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Chop the ham, celery, pickles, and red onion into small pieces and place them in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, white vinegar, and garlic powder. Stir thoroughly until the dressing is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Combine salad and dressing: Pour the dressing over the chopped ingredients in the medium bowl. Toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated. Add more mayonnaise if you prefer a creamier salad.
- Season and chill: Season the ham salad with salt and pepper according to your preference. You can serve it immediately or refrigerate for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld. Store the salad in the fridge and consume within a few days.
- Serve: Use the ham salad as a filling for sandwiches or enjoy it as a chilled side dish.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of mayonnaise to your liking for creaminess.
- Letting the salad chill in the fridge for a few hours enhances the flavor.
- Use fresh cooked ham for best taste and texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Smoked paprika adds a pleasant smoky flavor but can be omitted or replaced with regular paprika if unavailable.
