This retro Southern recipe is ideal for having on hand when you don’t feel like cooking.

Ham salad is one of those retro Southern dishes that never goes out of style. Whether you’re serving it sandwiched between airy cheese puffs, on a bed of salad greens, or on toast points or crackers, it makes a satisfying lunch or snack.

While we love a simple, old-fashioned ham salad, we also love fun new variations, like this recipe. Instead of the usual mayonnaise or salad dressing, we combine all of the ham salad ingredients with cream cheese for extra richness. Be sure to use full-fat cream cheese, and make sure that it is at room temperature when you’re ready to make the ham salad so that the cream cheese is soft enough to work with.

Learn how to make ham salad. Perfect for a spring brunch or afternoon party, your guests will be impressed with this classic Southern dish.

Ingredients for Ham Salad

Cream cheese, scallions, parsley, mustard, and pepper create a creamy coating for smoked ham. To make ham salad, you’ll need:

• Cream cheese: Gives the salad a creamy richness and mild tanginess.
• Scallions: For a fresh oniony flavor and a crunchy texture.
• Flat-leaf parsley: Adds fresh, herbaceous notes to the salad.
• Creole mustard: Adds a tangy, slightly spicy flavor to the salad. Can substitute with Dijon mustard for a more mild flavor.
• Cayenne pepper: For a touch of heat.
• Black pepper: Adds a hint of peppery spice.
• Smoked fully cooked ham: The primary element of the salad, giving it a meaty texture and a savory, smoky flavor.

How To Make Ham Salad

Grab that leftover ham, chop it finely, and mix with seasonings for a delicious lunch or snack option. Full instructions are below, but here’s a brief recap before you get started:

• Step 1. Combine cheese and seasonings: In a bowl, stir to combine cream cheese, scallions, parsley, mustard, and both kinds of pepper.
• Step 2. Add ham: Fold in ham.

Ham Salad Variations

To change up this savory ham salad, consider these variation ideas:

• Pickles: Add chopped dill pickles or pickle relish for a tangy crunch.
• Veggies: Add finely chopped celery, bell peppers, or sweet onions for a flavorful addition.
• Bacon: For a boost in savory flavor, add bits of crispy bacon into the mix.
• Herbs: Add chives, dill, or other herbs as preferred.
• Hard-cooked eggs: Chop and add hard-cooked eggs to the mix for additional richness and to bulk up the salad.
• Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a nutty crunch to the salad.
• Lighten it up: Swap a portion of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a light and tangy dressing.