This classic Southern deviled ham salad is a fantastic way to transform leftover ham into a rich, savory spread. By combining finely minced ham with hard-boiled eggs, tangy pickles, and a creamy seasoned binder, you get a retro deli favorite that is packed with flavor. It comes together in just 10 minutes and makes a perfect appetizer or sandwich filling.
Ingredients
The Protein Base: 2 cups cooked ham (cubed), 2 large hard-boiled eggs (peeled and roughly chopped)
The Creamy Binder: 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon yellow or Dijon mustard
The Crunch & Tang: 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish (or finely diced dill pickles), 1 tablespoon finely minced celery
The Flavor Boost: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, a dash of hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce (optional)
Seasoning: Black pepper, to taste (the ham usually provides plenty of salt)
Instructions
Step 1: Pulse the Ham
Place the cubed ham into the bowl of a food processor. Pulse 8 to 10 times until the ham is finely minced and flaked, but not pureed into a paste. If you don’t have a food processor, you can finely mince the ham by hand using a sharp chef’s knife. Transfer the minced ham to a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Prep the Aromatics
Finely mince the celery and onion (if using). If using whole pickles instead of pre-made relish, chop them finely to ensure even distribution throughout the salad.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and optional hot sauce until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the chopped hard-boiled eggs, pickle relish, and minced celery to the bowl with the ham. Pour the creamy dressing over the top. Use a rubber spatula to fold everything together gently until well incorporated, achieving the signature pale-pink, textured look shown in image_15.png. Season with freshly cracked black pepper.
Step 5: Chill to Set
Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and firms up the spread.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the chilled ham salad into a glass serving bowl, just like the setup in image_15.png. Surround the bowl with buttery round crackers (such as Ritz) and garnish the platter with a fresh green leaf or pickle spear. Serve it as a dip, or scoop it between slices of toasted white bread for a classic sandwich.