Ham salad

Ham salad is a classic American dish, particularly popular in the South and Midwest, made from finely chopped or ground cooked ham mixed with a creamy binder like mayonnaise or salad dressing. It typically includes crunchy vegetables such as celery and onion, and is often seasoned with mustard, relish, or herbs. The mixture is commonly served as a sandwich filling, on crackers, or atop a bed of lettuce.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is generally high in protein and fat due to the ham and mayonnaise, with a relatively low carbohydrate content unless served with bread or crackers. A typical half-cup serving provides a good source of protein and B vitamins like thiamine and niacin, with a calorie count ranging from approximately 250 to 350 calories.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	340 kcal
Protein	20 g
Carbs	12 g
Fat	24 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	5 g
Sodium	1100 mg
Vitamin A	120 mcg RAE
Vitamin C	8 mg
Vitamin K	15 mcg
Calcium	120 mg
Iron	1.8 mg
Potassium	380 mg
Phosphorus	250 mg
Selenium	22 mcg

Per 1 cup (220 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Ham salad is a prime example of 'nose-to-tail' or resourceful cooking, traditionally used to transform leftover holiday ham or end pieces into a new, flavorful meal. Its simplicity and adaptability have made it a staple of community cookbooks and potlucks, reflecting a cultural tradition of practical, home-style comfort food.