Ham Salad
Ham Salad Recipe - Vegetarian Hawaiian Delight
Introduction
Ham salad is a classic dish that is perfect for picnics, lunches, or as a light dinner option. This recipe combines the savory flavor of smoked ham with the sweetness of pineapple and the crunch of celery and peanuts.
History
Ham salad has been a popular dish in the United States for many years. It is often made with leftover ham from holiday dinners or special occasions. The combination of ham, pineapple, and mayonnaise creates a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of cubed and/or cooked smoked ham
- 8 oz (227 g) of pineapple chunks
- 2 sliced celery ribs
- 0.5 cup of halved black olives
- 0.25 cup of mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp of lemon juice
- 0.25 cup of peanuts
How to prepare
- Combine ham, pineapple, celery, mayonnaise, and lemon juice in a bowl; stir well.
- Spoon the mixture into a fresh container. Chill for at least an hour.
- Before serving, stir in peanuts.
Variations
- Add in diced apples or grapes for a sweeter flavor.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a healthier option.
- Mix in some curry powder or mustard for a different flavor profile.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to chill the salad for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- You can customize this recipe by adding in your favorite ingredients such as diced bell peppers, onions, or even raisins.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of mayonnaise and lemon juice to suit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this ham salad on a bed of lettuce or with crackers for a light and refreshing meal.
Cooking Techniques
This recipe requires simple mixing and chilling techniques, making it easy and quick to prepare.
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to substitute the ham with turkey or chicken for a different twist on this recipe. You can also use canned pineapple chunks instead of fresh.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare this ham salad a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish the ham salad with fresh parsley or chopped peanuts for a decorative touch.
Pairing Recommendations
This ham salad pairs well with a side of fresh fruit, potato salad, or a simple green salad.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Serve chilled.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of this ham salad recipe contains approximately 300 calories.
Carbohydrates
This ham salad recipe contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Fats
Each serving of this ham salad contains around 20 grams of fat.
Proteins
With the ham and peanuts in this recipe, each serving provides about 15 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
This ham salad is a good source of vitamin C from the pineapple and celery. It also contains iron and potassium from the ham and peanuts.
Alergens
This recipe contains peanuts and mayonnaise, which may be allergens for some individuals.
Summary
Overall, this ham salad is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Ham salad is a versatile and delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a mix of savory, sweet, and crunchy ingredients, this recipe is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha for a little afternoon tea. As we sat in her cozy kitchen, sipping on cups of steaming hot tea, Martha suddenly jumped up from her chair and disappeared into the pantry.
She returned with a large, gleaming silver bowl filled with the most delicious looking ham salad I had ever seen. The salad was a colorful mix of diced ham, crisp vegetables, and a creamy dressing that looked positively divine. I couldn't help but ask Martha for the recipe, and she graciously agreed to share it with me.
As she walked me through the steps of making the ham salad, I was struck by how simple and yet how flavorful the dish was. Martha explained that she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. The secret, she said, was in the dressing – a combination of mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, and a touch of sugar that brought out the flavors of the ham and vegetables perfectly.
I knew that I had to make this ham salad for my own family, so I carefully wrote down the recipe in my trusty old recipe book. Over the years, I have made it countless times, tweaking the ingredients here and there to suit my own tastes. Each time I serve it, I am reminded of that sunny afternoon in Martha's kitchen and the joy of discovering a new favorite recipe.
One of the things I love most about cooking is the way it can connect us to our past and to the people we love. Every time I make this ham salad, I am transported back to that day with Martha, and I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the friendships and memories that have enriched my life.
I have shared this recipe with many friends and family members over the years, and it always brings a smile to their faces. There is something special about a dish that has been passed down through generations, carrying with it the love and memories of those who have cooked it before.
I like to serve the ham salad on a bed of crisp lettuce leaves, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice. It makes for a perfect light lunch or a refreshing side dish for a summer barbecue. I have even been known to sneak a spoonful straight from the bowl when no one is looking – it's just that good!
As I sit here in my own kitchen, preparing a batch of ham salad for a family gathering, I can't help but feel grateful for the gift of cooking. It is a simple pleasure that brings me so much joy and connects me to my past in a way that nothing else can.
So here's to Martha, and to her grandmother, and to all the cooks who came before me, passing down their recipes and traditions for future generations to enjoy. I raise a spoonful of ham salad in their honor, and I am grateful for the love and memories that live on in every bite. Cheers to good food, good friends, and the simple joys of a well-made recipe.
Categories
| Black Olive Recipes | Black Olive Salad Recipes | Fruit Recipes | Ham Recipes | Hawaiian Recipes | Hawaiian Salads | Mayonnaise Recipes | Meat Recipes | North American Recipes | Pineapple Recipes | Quick And Easy Recipes | Salad Recipes | Side Dish Meat Recipes | Two-step Recipes | Vegetable Recipes | Vegetarian Recipes | Vegetarian Side Dish Recipes | World Recipes |