MeMe's Recipes
MeMe's Recipes is a easy American recipe that serves 10. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by MeMe's Recipes | Diane Leary on YouTube.
Prep: 22 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 32 min
Cost: $11.15 total, $1.12 per serving
Ingredients
- 5 cups Ham (leftover cooked ham, cut into chunks before processing)
- 5 large Eggs (raw eggs, chopped finely (or use hard‑boiled if preferred))
- 2.5 cups Mayonnaise (Duke's brand recommended; sugar‑free for low‑carb)
- 8 oz Dill Relish (whole 8‑ounce jar, finely chopped)
- 1 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 0.5 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
Instructions
Process the Ham
Cut the leftover ham into roughly 1‑inch pieces, place them in the food processor and pulse on high until the ham is finely ground, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Chop the Eggs
Crack the eggs into a bowl and chop them by hand or give them a quick pulse in the food processor until they are small pieces.
Time: PT5M
Combine Ham and Eggs
Transfer the processed ham and chopped eggs into a large mixing bowl and stir to combine evenly.
Time: PT2M
Add Mayonnaise and Dill Relish
Add 2.5 cups of mayonnaise and the entire 8‑oz jar of dill relish to the bowl. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and spreadable.
Time: PT5M
Season and Adjust Consistency
Stir in 1 tsp black pepper and ½ tsp salt. Check the texture; add an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise if needed to achieve a spreadable consistency.
Time: PT2M
Store
Transfer the ham salad to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep for up to one week.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 10 g
- Carbohydrates
- 5 g
- Fat
- 20 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Low Carb, Gluten-Free, High Protein
Allergens: Eggs, Mayonnaise (egg)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ham: Turkey ham, Cooked chicken breast
- Instead of Eggs: Hard‑boiled eggs, Egg substitute
- Instead of Mayonnaise: Other brand mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (for lighter version)
- Instead of Dill Relish: Sweet relish, Chopped pickles
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt, Kosher salt
Equipment Needed
- Food Processor
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
- Measuring Cups
- Knife
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Processing the ham to a fine texture without turning it into a paste.
- Achieving the right mayonnaise-to‑ham ratio for a spreadable consistency.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use sugar‑free Duke's mayonnaise for a truly low‑carb version.
- Chill the salad before serving for a firmer spread.
- Serve on toasted baguette slices, crackers, or fresh celery sticks for texture contrast.
Troubleshooting
Salad is too dry.
Add additional mayonnaise, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired spreadability is reached.
Salad is too watery.
Fold in more finely chopped ham or a bit more dill relish to absorb excess moisture.
Flavor is bland.
Season with extra salt, pepper, or a splash of mustard for a little kick.
Storage
Refrigerator: Up to 7 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture changes when frozen.
Room temperature: Do not leave out longer than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Make the salad up to a week in advance; the flavors meld nicely over time.
- Stir before serving to refresh the texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of ham salad in American cuisine?
Ham salad has long been a staple in American home cooking, especially as a way to stretch leftover holiday ham into a quick, protein‑rich spread for sandwiches, crackers, and brunch tables.
What regional variations of ham salad exist within the United States?
In the South, ham salad often includes mustard and pickles; in the Midwest, dill relish is common, while some East Coast versions add sweet relish or chopped apples for a sweeter profile.
How is ham salad traditionally served in American family gatherings?
It is typically presented as a spread on a platter with crackers, sliced bread, and fresh vegetables, allowing guests to build their own mini‑sandwiches or bite‑size snacks during brunches, picnics, or holiday leftovers.
What occasions or celebrations is ham salad traditionally associated with in American culture?
Ham salad is popular after Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter when large hams are cooked; it provides a convenient way to use leftovers for casual lunches, potlucks, and family brunches.
What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional American ham salad?
The classic version relies on finely chopped cooked ham, hard‑boiled or raw eggs, mayonnaise (often a brand like Duke's), and dill or sweet relish; salt and pepper are added for seasoning.
What other American dishes pair well with ham salad?
Ham salad pairs nicely with classic sides such as potato salad, coleslaw, deviled eggs, and fresh fruit salads, creating a balanced spread for a potluck or brunch table.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making ham salad?
Avoid over‑processing the ham into a paste, and be careful not to add too much mayonnaise at once; both can lead to a texture that is either too dry or overly soggy.
Why does this ham salad recipe use dill relish instead of sweet relish?
Dill relish adds a bright, tangy flavor that balances the richness of the mayonnaise and ham, whereas sweet relish would make the salad sweeter and change the traditional savory profile.
Can I make ham salad ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, ham salad can be prepared up to a week in advance; store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and stir before serving to refresh the texture.
What does the YouTube channel MeMe's Recipes | Diane Leary specialize in?
The YouTube channel MeMe's Recipes | Diane Leary focuses on practical, family‑friendly American comfort food, offering quick solutions for leftovers and everyday meals with a warm, home‑cooking style.
How does the YouTube channel MeMe's Recipes | Diane Leary's approach to leftover cooking differ from other cooking channels?
MeMe's Recipes | Diane Leary emphasizes turning leftovers into fresh, appealing dishes with minimal extra ingredients, often using simple kitchen tools like a food processor, whereas many other channels focus on creating entirely new recipes from scratch.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
