Am I even a cook if I don’t introduce a lip-smacking side to my main course? Well, that’s the thing only cooks understand, so here I’m with a classic, chunkier cubed ham salad that’s made up of freshly cut veggies, topped off with mayonnaise and some salt and pepper. 

It makes a great side meal and a great addition to my table. It’s one of those recyclable dishes with leftover ham that always awestruck me. It’s perfect taste and is full of flavors and takes only several minutes to come through. 

So let’s gear up with me to make up this delicious cubed ham salad, along with its unique variations and serving ideas. 

What Is Cubed Ham Salad?

What it is? Well, it’s no different than our typical salad recipes like chicken salad, egg salad, Macaroni, or Tuna Salad. Cubed Ham Salad is distinguished due to the addition of smoked cubed ham, but one ingredient seems to be found in almost all the salads. Make a guess? Mayonnaise right!

But you can find some alternatives too to make it a bit healthier along with its significant delightful taste. I believe chipotle lime sauce will do fine due to the anti-inflammatory properties of chipotle chilled and ascorbic acid in lime. Besides, Greek yogurt and sour cream are perfect healthy options due to the abundance of prebiotics. 

The other things in cubed ham salad are chopped veggies and, of course, smoked Ham. Salad is typically found finely chopped in some regions, but I prefer my salad chunkier because otherwise, what’s the point of using a smoked cubed ham then? 

Sometimes, it’s served plain because it is perfect, or sometimes along with crackers or sandwiches. You should serve it cold due to its sauce. 

Why You Will Love Cubed Ham Salad? 

You must be acutely aware of cubed ham, but when it comes to salads, there are plenty of variations we can bring to the table. Believe me; each style has its charm; therefore, it’s irresistible.  

In America,  almost every second family prepares cubed ham salad separately. Although nuts are commonly prepared with canned ham, if you have leftover ham, then it’s equally perfect. Why am I always down for this recipe? 

• It can be made using either leftover or canned ham easily, so you will no longer let your leftover Christmas and Easter ham perish. 

• You need only minimal ingredients to make it quick. Just add pickles, mustard, onions, and other add-ins. Your favorite salad is ready to be served.

• Another thing making me hooked to this salad is it can be prepared ahead of time and can be kept in the fridge for later use in snacks and brunches. 

• It’s one of the perfect things you can add to sandwiches along with crackers. A combo food fantasies are made of! 

• Many other facets make it our absolute favorite, like its flexibility in serving. You can just add anything to it, and it will turn out amazing. 

Ingredients In Cubed Ham Salad

The ingredients list matters the most; I believe this salad asks for typical ingredients that must be already in your pantry. However, your cubed ham requires some extra prep if you love a smoky touch. 

Cubed Ham: You need a fully cooked cubed ham. If it’s smoked, then perfect, or you can use a leftover one from last night’s party. Both work well!

Mayonnaise: A salad isn’t a salad until it’s mixed up with some mayo. I prefer the purist type like it must be either Hellman’s or Duke’s, but if you want any other, then go ahead. 

Hard Boiled Egg: You just can never go wrong with eggs, and it adds a blast of flavor, but if you aren’t into eggs, I’ll recommend you to skip it because the taste will be pretty profound.

Mustard: It might weird you out, but mustard adds a tinge of flavor that tastes pretty good. 

Vegetables: Add layers of onions, celery,  carrots, or any vegetable that is your absolute favorite. The more the merrier!

Dill Pickle: If you have plenty of time, then you can surely make your own Homemade Sweet Pickle Relish ahead of time, but if you like a quick fix, then you can go for Dill Pickle Relish. 

Variations In Cubed Ham Salad

Many versatility make this cubed ham salad stand out. The recipe is fun and can be customisable as per your liking like you can play around with this salad the way you want. The result is never disappointing, that’s certain! 

• I prefer being creative, like just adding the base ingredients like cubed ham and chipotle lime sauce and skipping the salt altogether. Then, you can add as many flavors as you want without altering the authentic flavor. 

• You can just add hard-boiled eggs for a complementary touch. 

• Throw in bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, celery, green onions, or whatever veggies are lying around your pantry. 

• You can top it off with cheddar cheese and mustard sauce and sprinkle some lemon and pickle juice.

For the rubs used to marinate cubed ham, you can creatively use Spellbound, Sweet Heat, Island Dust, or Apple Pie. 

Serving Suggestions for Cubed Ham Salad 

There is no stringent rule to serve cubed ham, like in a salad form serve it either in the wrap, with pita bread or crackers.

• You can always lather up this salad on the sandwich bread and your brunch is ready.

• If you are hosting a large crowd, then mixing up this cubed ham with diced hard-boiled eggs makes a decent and fulfilling meal.

• If you have just a little portion of ham left, mix it with a pickle juice blend to make a fine consistency, and it makes a perfect dip.

• You can serve the smoked cubed ham with bread, a slider bun, potato wedges, or crackers.

• You can make a wholesome meal by making a ham pasta salad, or a cubed ham macaroni salad. 

• Just add little gherkins and dill Pickle into cubed ham, and a dollop of Dijon Mustard will tantalize your taste buds with peculiar tangy notes.

• You can throw up lunch by grilling cubed ham and shredding some cheese on the top as the combined mixture comes up delicious.

You can be creative with its serving ideas and bring them to the table with your favorite sides. 

How To Store Cubed Ham Salad? 

Plan to keep cubed ham salad for a longer time? You can just do it by keeping it in the fridge for 5 days in an airtight container, and it will stay fresh.

Although it’s best when served chilled and right after it’s prepared, the bulk quantity asks for storage. But never store it in the freezer as at thawing, the sauce will grossly spread out.

But still, it’s a common question: How to Freeze Ham Salad? You can do it by keeping it in a hermetic seal in the freezer, and, when required, keep it in the refrigerator overnight, drain excess liquid, and stir a spoonful of fresh sauce before serving. 

FAQs on Cubed Ham Salad

Cubed Ham Salad Recipe