Get ready to experience a mouthwatering explosion of flavors that captures the heart and soul of Southern cuisine! This Pimento Cheese Ham Salad is not just another recipe – it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, savory delight that will have everyone begging for seconds. Perfect for picnics, parties, or a quick and delicious lunch, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup pimento cheese
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crackers for serving
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of pimento cheese, 1 cup of diced ham, 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Ensure that your diced ham is finely chopped for easier mixing and spreading.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the pimento cheese and diced ham. Use a spatula or spoon to mix them together until they are evenly combined.
- Next, add the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard to the bowl. Stir the mixture well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated and the salad has a creamy consistency.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small pinch of salt and a few cracks of pepper, then mix again. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your preference.
- Once the salad is well mixed and seasoned, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let it chill in the refrigerator for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- After chilling, remove the salad from the refrigerator. Give it a quick stir to refresh the texture.
- Serve the pimento cheese ham salad on a platter or in individual serving bowls, accompanied by an assortment of crackers. You can also use celery sticks or cucumber slices for a refreshing crunch.
- Enjoy your delicious Southern-style pimento cheese ham salad as a snack, appetizer, or light lunch!
Tips
- Ingredient Temperature Matters: Make sure your ingredients are cold for the best texture and flavor blend. Take your pimento cheese and ham straight from the refrigerator before mixing.
- Dice with Precision: Finely dice the ham to ensure an even distribution of flavors and a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Taste as You Go: Don't be afraid to adjust the seasonings. Start with a little salt and pepper, then taste and add more as needed.
- Chill for Maximum Flavor: Letting the salad rest in the refrigerator for a few minutes allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Serving Suggestions: While crackers are classic, try serving this salad on toasted baguette slices, as a sandwich filling, or even as a dip for fresh vegetables.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This salad can be prepared up to 2 days in advance, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality pimento cheese and ham for the best possible flavor. If you can, opt for locally sourced or artisanal ingredients.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 244kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 11g
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 43mg
