Add Preferred SourceThere was always a container of Southern Ham Salad in my grandmother’s refrigerator after a holiday meal. It usually appeared the day after Sunday dinner when leftover ham needed using. She would scoop it onto soft white bread, add a crisp lettuce leaf, and call it lunch. Simple and always welcome.
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I still make it the same way today. It is quick, creamy, and full of those classic Southern flavors that never go out of style. This version keeps things easy with just a handful of ingredients, but the result tastes like something that has been passed down for generations.
Making the Most of Leftovers
Southern Ham salad is the kind of dish that shows up at church picnics, family reunions, and quiet lunches at the kitchen table. It is cool, creamy, and perfect for spreading on crackers or tucking into soft bread. Using leftover ham is a long-standing Southern kitchen habit, and recipes like this help turn yesterday’s dinner into something just as special the next day.
Ingredients
How to make Southern Ham Salad
Making Southern Ham Salad is quick and easy. Start by cutting the ham into small chunks. Add it to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped with a little texture.
Next, add the softened cream cheese and grainy mustard. Snip the parsley and green onions with herb scissors, then add them to the bowl. Pulse again until creamy and well combined, scraping the sides with a silicone spoonula if needed.
Transfer to a bowl and serve right away, or chill for about 30 minutes before serving.
Serving suggestions
Southern Ham Salad is easy to turn into a complete meal with the right sides. For a cozy option, serve a ham salad sandwich with a bowl of Sausage & Kale Soup, which pairs nicely with the creamy spread. If you want something lighter, Cucumber and Onion Salad adds a refreshing contrast. For a warm Southern-style side, Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans are a natural fit and round out the meal nicely. These simple pairings help turn a humble spread into a satisfying plate.
Storage tips
To store leftovers, place the ham salad in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days.
When you're ready to enjoy it again, stir it well before serving. For a quick bite, you can spread it on crackers for a tasty snack.
Southern farewell
This Southern Ham Salad is more than a simple dish to me. It connects me to the kind of cooking that brings people together around the table. I hope you give it a try and enjoy it at a family gathering or during a quiet meal at home. It is the kind of recipe that easily becomes part of your regular table.
Southern Ham Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 ounces ham
- 2 green onions white and green parts
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 tablespoon grainy mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Cut the ham into small chunks.
- Add the ham chunks to the food processor’s bowl. Pulse the blade a few times to chop the ham into small pieces.
- Add the softened cream cheese, grainy mustard, chopped parsley and green onions to the food processor.
- Pulse the mixture until all ingredients are well combined and creamy.
- Spoon the ham salad into a serving dish. Chill it in the refrigerator before serving for the best flavor. Enjoy with crackers or on bread!
Notes
- Consider adding a dash of paprika or cayenne pepper for a slight kick.
Nutrition
A Note on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.
