Ham salad
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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.
🍽️ 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.
💡 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.