Ham salad spread

Ham salad spread is a creamy, savory mixture typically made from finely chopped or ground cooked ham, mayonnaise, and a variety of mix-ins like celery, onion, sweet pickle relish, and mustard. It's a classic American deli and picnic staple, often served as a sandwich filling, on crackers, or as a dip. Its origins are rooted in home cooking as a practical way to use up leftover holiday ham.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is generally high in fat and protein due to the ham and mayonnaise base, with a moderate amount of sodium. A typical 1/4 cup serving provides a good source of protein and iron, but also contains significant saturated fat, with a calorie count roughly between 150-250 calories per serving depending on the specific recipe.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	210 kcal
Protein	12 g
Carbs	4 g
Fat	16 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	2 g
Sodium	850 mg
Potassium	250 mg
Phosphorus	150 mg
Vitamin B12	0.8 mcg
Niacin (B3)	3.5 mg
Selenium	15 mcg
Zinc	2.0 mg
Vitamin B6	0.3 mg
Iron	0.8 mg

Per 1/2 cup (120 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, ham salad spread is a quintessential example of American 'comfort food' and resourceful cooking, transforming a holiday centerpiece into a versatile everyday ingredient. Nutritionally, it's a dense source of complete protein and B vitamins from the pork, but its health profile is heavily influenced by the ratio of lean ham to creamy, high-fat binders.