Cabbage and Ham Salad

This cabbage and ham salad is one of those dishes that just feels like home. The crunchy, fresh cabbage contrasts perfectly with the savory, tender ham, creating a texture and flavor balance that’s both hearty and refreshing. The vinaigrette, tangy with a hint of sweetness, brings everything together in such a satisfying way. What I love most about this salad is how versatile it can be. You can throw in a little shredded cheese, add a dash of hot sauce for some heat, or even toss in a few croutons for that extra crunch. It’s a great way to use up leftover ham, too—just chop it up, and you’ve got a meal in no time. The best part? It gets even better as it sits in the fridge, allowing all those flavors to meld together. I can’t help but love how simple yet flavorful it is—perfect for any time of the year, but especially when you’re craving something light yet filling.

Key Ingredients in Cabbage and Ham Salad

This salad is all about the right balance of textures and flavors, and each ingredient plays a key role in making it a standout dish. Here’s a quick look at the essentials that come together to create this delicious meal:

* Shredded Cabbage

The crunchy, fresh base of the salad. It adds a wonderful bite and pairs beautifully with the savory ham, creating a great contrast in texture.

* Cooked Ham, Diced

Tender and flavorful, the ham provides the savory depth in this salad. It’s the perfect way to use up leftovers, adding both heartiness and protein.

* Mayonnaise

Creamy and rich, mayonnaise binds all the ingredients together, giving the salad a smooth, luscious texture. It also brings a mild, comforting flavor to balance out the tangy vinaigrette.

* Dijon Mustard

A little zing goes a long way! Dijon mustard adds a subtle sharpness that enhances the overall flavor profile, giving the salad that perfect touch of mustardy bite.

* Apple Cider Vinegar

This vinegar brings a tangy, slightly sweet kick that brightens the entire dish. It cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise and balances the flavors beautifully.

* Salt

A pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors, ensuring the salad tastes well-seasoned and flavorful without overpowering any one ingredient.

* Black Pepper

Freshly ground black pepper adds a mild heat and a touch of earthiness, helping to elevate the flavors of the cabbage and ham without taking over the dish.

* Green Onions, Sliced

The green onions add a mild, oniony crunch and a pop of color. They give the salad a fresh, bright flavor that complements the richness of the ham and mayo.

* Shredded Carrots

Sweet and crunchy, the carrots not only add vibrant color but also a natural sweetness that balances the tang of the vinegar and the richness of the mayonnaise.

* Honey

A touch of honey brings a subtle sweetness that rounds out the vinaigrette, giving the salad a delicate balance between savory, sweet, and tangy.

These ingredients combine to create a satisfying, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Each one plays its part in making this salad so delicious!

How to Make Cabbage and Ham Salad

1. Wash your hands thoroughly to ensure cleanliness before handling any ingredients.

1. Take a large mixing bowl and set it aside on your workspace.

3. Grab 4 cups of shredded cabbage and carefully add it to the bowl. The cabbage will form the crunchy, fresh base of your salad.

4. Take 1 cup of cooked ham and dice it into small, uniform pieces. This will help the ham distribute evenly throughout the salad.

1. Add the diced ham to the bowl with the cabbage. The tender, savory ham will complement the freshness of the cabbage.

6. Measure out 1/2 cup of mayonnaise and carefully spoon it into the bowl. The mayo helps bind everything together with a creamy texture.

7. Take 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard and add it to the mixture in the bowl. This will bring a sharp, zesty kick to balance the richness of the mayo.

8. Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the bowl to give the salad that tangy, slightly sweet flavor that ties it all together.

9. Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of salt, making sure to distribute it evenly throughout the ingredients. Salt enhances the flavors and ensures the salad isn’t bland.

10. Add 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper to the mixture. The pepper provides a mild heat and earthy note that rounds out the flavor profile.

11. Chop 1/4 cup of green onions into thin slices and add them to the bowl. The green onions will bring a crisp, oniony bite and a pop of color to your salad.

12. Shred 1/4 cup of carrots, ensuring they are finely grated. Add them to the mixture. The carrots will bring a natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.

13. Pour 1 tablespoon of honey into the bowl to provide a subtle sweetness that balances the tang of the vinegar and the richness of the mayo.

14. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently stir the ingredients together until they are well combined. Be careful not to mash anything—just enough to mix the flavors evenly.

15. Once all the ingredients are mixed thoroughly, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary by adding more salt, pepper, or honey to suit your taste.

16. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

1. After chilling, remove the salad from the refrigerator and give it a quick stir before serving. This helps redistribute any ingredients that might have settled.

18. Serve the cabbage and ham salad in individual bowls or as a side dish. Enjoy the perfect balance of textures and flavors!

Serving Suggestions for Cabbage and Ham Salad

* As a side dish: This salad pairs beautifully with almost any main course. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, roast pork, or even a simple fried egg for a light, satisfying meal.

* With a slice of crusty bread: A thick, hearty slice of freshly baked bread or a few buttery dinner rolls makes the perfect accompaniment to this salad. The crunch of the cabbage and the creaminess of the mayo are great with a side of bread to soak up any extra vinaigrette.

* Topped with crumbled bacon: For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle some crispy bacon bits on top just before serving. The smoky, salty crunch of the bacon elevates the whole dish, adding a little indulgence to the fresh, tangy salad.

How to Store Cabbage and Ham Salad

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, you’ll want to make sure your cabbage and ham salad stays fresh and flavorful. Here are a few easy tips to keep it at its best:

* Refrigerate promptly: After you’ve enjoyed your meal, cover the salad with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid and pop it into the fridge. It’s best to store it within two hours of making it to prevent any bacteria growth. The cold helps keep everything crisp and cool, just like when you first made it.

* Store separately if you plan to add extras: If you’ve added things like croutons or bacon, it’s a good idea to store those separately. This keeps the crunch intact and prevents them from becoming soggy when mixed with the dressing. You can just toss them on top right before serving!

* Enjoy within 2-3 days: While this salad is delicious right away, it actually gets better as the flavors meld together. However, it’s best to enjoy it within 2-3 days for optimal freshness. After that, the cabbage might start to lose its crispness, and the flavors could become too strong.

Storing your salad properly ensures you get to enjoy all that goodness again, keeping it as tasty as the first bite!

Conclusion

And there you have it! This cabbage and ham salad is the perfect balance of fresh, crunchy, savory, and tangy flavors, all coming together in a way that’s just so comforting. Whether you’re using up some leftover ham or just in the mood for a quick, satisfying dish, this salad is a real winner. Plus, it’s versatile, so you can tweak it to your liking—add cheese, spice it up with some hot sauce, or top it off with crumbled bacon for that extra crunch.

I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine! If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out. Got any questions or feedback? Or maybe you’ve added your own twist to the recipe? I’m always excited to hear about your cooking adventures. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any help along the way!

Enjoy, and happy cooking!

Print Recipe

Cabbage and Ham Salad

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Lunch

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 25 mins

Calories: 280

Description

Cabbage and Ham Salad is a crunchy, savory delight! Fresh, crisp cabbage pairs perfectly with smoky, tender ham, while a tangy dressing ties it all together. Each bite bursts with flavor, offering a satisfying balance of textures that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 4 cups shredded cabbage

• 1 cup cooked ham, diced

• ¹⁄₂ cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon black pepper

• ¹⁄₄ cup green onions, sliced

• ¹⁄₄ cup shredded carrots

• 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions

1. Begin by washing your hands thoroughly to ensure cleanliness before handling any ingredients.
2. Take a large mixing bowl and set it aside on your workspace.
3. Next, grab 4 cups of shredded cabbage and carefully add it to the bowl.
4. Then, take 1 cup of cooked ham and dice it into small pieces, ensuring the pieces are uniform in size.
5. Add the diced ham to the bowl with the cabbage.
6. Now, measure out 1/2 cup of mayonnaise and carefully spoon it into the bowl.
7. Next, take 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard and add it to the mixture in the bowl.
8. Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the bowl to give the salad a tangy flavor.
9. Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of salt, making sure to distribute it evenly throughout the ingredients.
10. Next, add 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper to the mixture to enhance the taste.
11. Chop 1/4 cup of green onions into thin slices and add them to the bowl.
12. Shred 1/4 cup of carrots, ensuring they are finely grated, and add them to the mixture.
13. Pour 1 tablespoon of honey into the bowl to provide a hint of sweetness.
14. Now, using a large spoon or spatula, gently stir the ingredients together until they are well combined.
15. Once all the ingredients are mixed thoroughly, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary by adding more salt, pepper, or honey according to your preference.
16. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
17. After chilling, remove the salad from the refrigerator and give it a quick stir before serving.
18. Serve the cabbage and ham salad in individual bowls or as a side dish.

Note

• Make sure the cabbage is shredded evenly for a consistent texture throughout the salad.
• For a creamier texture, you can add a bit more mayonnaise or a touch of sour cream.
• If you prefer a spicier salad, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
• To make it lighter, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
• This salad pairs well with grilled meats or as a topping for sandwiches.

Keywords: cabbage ham salad recipe, healthy cabbage salad with ham, easy cabbage and ham salad, ham and cabbage salad dressing, cabbage salad with ham and vegetables