Savory Creamy Ham Salad: Crunchy Veggies & Fresh Herbs!

Ah, the delightful aroma of home wafting through the air! Whenever I make my Savory Creamy Ham Salad with Crunchy Vegetables and Herbs, I’m transported back to those sunny Sunday afternoons at my grandma’s house. She’d gather the family around the table, and we’d dive into her famous ham salad. The memory still makes my heart swell with warmth! There’s just something about combining the savory flavors of ham with a burst of fresh crunch and creamy goodness that speaks to the soul. Perfect for lunchtime or a light dinner, this salad is a joy to make and eat! Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, meaning it’s perfect for any season or occasion. Let’s roll up our sleeves and craft this delicious dish together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Whip it up in under 30 minutes!
• Budget-friendly: Use leftover ham for a frugal, tasty meal.
• Comforting flavors: Creamy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying!
• Loaded with veggies: Crunchy, colorful, and nutritious.
• Perfect for gatherings: A dish that brings everyone together.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this beautiful salad:

• 2 cups diced ham (use leftover ham for a shortcut)
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or mayo, if you prefer)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup diced celery (for that crunch!)
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (any color makes it pop!)
• 1/2 cup sweet peas (frozen is fine, no need to thaw)
• 1/3 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (like parsley, dill, or chives)
• Salt to taste

Notes: A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten up the flavors even more. Fresh herbs are a game-changer, but dried herbs will work in a pinch—just use about one-third of the amount.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep your ingredients: Begin by gathering all your ingredients. This will make the process smoother. Chop your ham, veggies, and herbs so they’re ready to be mixed together.
2. Create the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined.
3. Add in the ham: Toss the diced ham into the bowl with your creamy mixture, ensuring every piece is coated with that luscious dressing.
4. Mix in the crunch: Gently fold in the diced celery, bell pepper, sweet peas, and red onion. The combination of colors and textures will make your salad come alive!
5. Flavor boost: Stir in the chopped fresh herbs and salt to taste. Take a moment to enjoy the aroma; it’s heavenly!
6. Chill (optional): For the best flavor, let it sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes to an hour. However, it’s still delicious if you can’t wait!
7. Serve it up: Grab a beautiful bowl, plate it, and garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs if desired. Now you’re ready to dig in!

Tip: Be careful not to overmix in step four! You want to keep that lovely crunch from the veggies. Remember, it’s a salad, not a puree!

Pro Tips & Variations

Want to make this recipe your own? Here are some fun twists:

• Add some diced apples or dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness and chew.
• Spice it up with a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce in the dressing.
• For a vegan version, swap the ham for chickpeas or tofu, and use vegan mayo.
• Try adding crunchy nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra texture.

The beauty of this salad is that it’s like a canvas—feel free to get creative!

Serving Suggestions

How do I love to serve this creamy ham salad? Oh, let me count the ways! It’s simply delicious served on toasted whole-grain bread or in a buttery croissant for a fluffy sandwich. For a lighter option, enjoy it in lettuce wraps—you’ll have a refreshing crunch in each bite! Pair it with a side of fruit or a light green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette to round out your meal. If you’re in a more casual mood, it’s fantastic with crackers and a glass of chilled white wine or iced tea. Just picture it: a sunny picnic blanket, the laughter of friends, and a bowl of this delightful ham salad!

Storage Tips

This salad is great for meal prep! Here’s how to store it properly:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will meld beautifully.
• Freeze: While I wouldn’t recommend freezing it—creamy salads don’t do well in the freezer—you can freeze the ham before using it, then make the salad fresh!
• Reheat: If you’ve made this salad into a filling for sandwiches, you can warm the bread slightly to toast it. Just remember not to reheat the salad itself; it’s best served cold.

FAQs

Can I use leftover ham from a holiday meal?

Absolutely! In fact, that’s one of the best ways to enjoy this salad. It yields great flavor and saves food waste—win-win!

What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?

You can use traditional mayonnaise for a more indulgent version or try a plant-based alternative if you’re aiming for a vegan or lighter option.

How can I make this salad ahead of time?

This salad can be made a day in advance. Just keep it in a sealed container in the fridge and mix in the fresh herbs right before serving for the best flavor!

Can I add other vegetables to the salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to toss in any veggies you enjoy—cucumbers, carrots, or even corn work wonderfully. Just remember to keep the sizes similar for an even texture.

Conclusion

There you have it, my dear friend—a heartwarming, Savory Creamy Ham Salad with Crunchy Vegetables and Herbs that will surely make your mealtime special. I can’t wait to hear how you make this recipe your own! Share your tweaks and stories in the comments below. Now, go ahead and create something delicious—I’m cheering you on from the kitchen!

Savory Creamy Ham Salad: Crunchy Veggies & Fresh Herbs!

---

• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delight in this savory ham salad, combining creamy texture with crunchy veggies and fresh herbs for a refreshing twist on a classic dish. (153 chars)

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 cups of diced ham

1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt

1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar

1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon of black pepper

1 cup of diced celery

1/2 cup of diced bell pepper

1/2 cup of sweet peas

1/3 cup of diced red onion

1/4 cup of chopped fresh herbs

Salt to taste

---

Instructions

Prep your ingredients: Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Chop your ham, veggies, and herbs so they’re ready to be mixed together.

Create the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.

Add in the ham: Toss the diced ham into the bowl with your creamy mixture, ensuring every piece is coated with the dressing.

Mix in the crunch: Gently fold in the diced celery, bell pepper, sweet peas, and red onion.

Flavor boost: Stir in the chopped fresh herbs and salt to taste.

Chill (optional): For the best flavor, let it sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes to an hour.

Serve it up: Plate it and garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

A heartwarming, Savory Creamy Ham Salad with Crunchy Vegetables and Herbs that brings comfort and joy to any meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 4g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 18g

Keywords: ham salad, creamy salad, vegetable salad, quick recipes, easy meals