This Pioneer Woman Ham Salad Recipe is a savory and easy recipe, which is made with cooked ham and dill pickles. It’s a no-fuss take on the classic, ready in about 15 minutes.
Pioneer Woman Ham Salad Recipe Ingredients
- 1 lb. cooked ham or ham steak, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 3 cups)
- 2 green onions, roughly chopped
- 1 celery stalk, roughly chopped
- 1 hard-boiled egg, roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup roughly chopped dill pickles (about 2 ounces), plus 1 tablespoon liquid from pickle jar
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp. dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- Dash of hot sauce (optional)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Crackers, lettuce, or bread, for serving
How To Make Pioneer Woman Ham Salad Recipe
- Process the solid ingredients: In a food processor, combine the ham, green onions, celery, hard-boiled egg, and pickles. Pulse several times until the ingredients are finely chopped but not puréed. You want a slightly chunky, uniform texture.
- Mix the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, dijon mustard, black pepper, pickle brine, and a dash of hot sauce, if using.
- Combine and season: Add the chopped ham mixture to the bowl with the dressing. Fold everything together until well combined. Season to taste with salt.
- Serve: Serve the ham salad immediately on crackers, in lettuce wraps, or on bread for sandwiches.

Recipe Tips
- How do I get the perfect texture? The key is to pulse the ingredients in the food processor, not blend them. You’re aiming for a finely chopped, scoopable texture, not a smooth paste. Scrape down the sides of the processor bowl between pulses.
- What’s the best ham to use? This is the perfect recipe for using up leftover holiday ham! A thick-cut ham steak also works beautifully. Avoid using thinly sliced deli ham as it can become mushy.
- Can I make this without a food processor? Absolutely. It will take a bit more effort, but you can achieve a great result by finely dicing all the solid ingredients with a sharp knife.
- How can I make it creamier or tangier? This recipe is easy to adjust. For a creamier salad, add another tablespoon or two of mayonnaise. For a tangier flavor, add a little more dijon mustard or pickle brine.
What To Serve With Ham Salad
This classic salad is versatile and can be served in many ways.
- Piled high on crackers for a simple appetizer
- As a sandwich filling on soft white bread, croissants, or toast
- Scooped into lettuce cups for a low-carb option
- Stuffed into hollowed-out tomatoes or celery stalks
How To Store Ham Salad
- Refrigerate: Store the ham salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days.
Ham Salad Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Sodium: 950mg
- Sugar: 2g
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
FAQs
Can I use sweet pickles instead of dill?
Yes, you can substitute sweet pickles or sweet pickle relish for the dill pickles if you prefer a sweeter-style ham salad. If using sweet relish, you may want to omit the extra sugar from the brine.
hy is there a hard-boiled egg in the recipe?
The hard-boiled egg adds richness, a creamier texture, and another layer of savory flavor to the salad, making it more substantial.
How long does ham salad last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, homemade ham salad will last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Winter Salad Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Cranberry Salad Recipe
Pioneer Woman Ham Salad Recipe
Description
A classic, savory ham salad with a perfectly chunky texture, made creamy and tangy with mayonnaise, dijon, and a hint of dill pickle.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pulse ham, green onions, celery, egg, and pickles in a food processor until finely chopped.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, pepper, pickle brine, and hot sauce.
- Fold the chopped ham mixture into the mayonnaise dressing until combined.
- Season with salt to taste.
- Serve as desired on crackers, bread, or lettuce.
Notes
- u003cliu003eBe careful not to over-process the ham mixture; pulse for a chunky texture, not a smooth purée.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eUsing leftover cooked ham is an excellent way to make this salad.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThe flavor is often even better after chilling for an hour, which allows the ingredients to meld.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eAdjust the amount of mayonnaise and pickle brine to reach your desired creaminess and tang.u003c/liu003e
