There’s something about a salad that feels both nostalgic and exciting—like a childhood picnic and a grown-up brunch all at once. This Easy Ham and Cheese Salad isn’t just a meal; it’s a memory wrapped in layers of crisp lettuce, creamy ranch dressing, and the comforting duo of ham and cheese. It’s like rediscovering an old favorite song you didn’t know you missed.
Steps
- Prepare the ranch dressing by whisking together all the dressing ingredients in a medium bowl. If the consistency is too thick, thin it out with a tablespoon of buttermilk at a time until it reaches your desired texture. Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Arrange the salad by dividing the iceberg lettuce blend evenly among four large salad bowls. Top each bowl with shredded or cubed ham and a combination of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses for a delightful mix of flavors.
- Slice the hard-boiled eggs and place one sliced egg on top of each salad bowl. Drizzle the prepared ranch dressing over the salads, ensuring even coverage for a delicious finish. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness of the ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded or cubed ham
- 4 large eggs, hard boiled, peeled, and sliced
- 24 oz iceberg lettuce blend
- 3/4 cup (3 oz) mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup (3 oz) medium or mild cheddar cheese
Nutritional Values
Calories 2176 | Calories from Fat 1476 | Fat 164g | Saturated Fat 64g | Cholesterol 1064mg | Sodium 6280mg | Potassium 2524mg | Carbohydrates 40g | Fiber 8g | Sugar 24g | Protein 120g | Vitamin A 7700IU | Vitamin C 36.4mg | Calcium 1560mg | Iron 10mg
FAQ
- Can I use store-bought ham for this salad?
- While you can use store-bought ham cubes, it’s recommended to use leftover baked ham for the best flavor. Chopping up a leftover baked ham in a food processor enhances the texture and taste better than pre-packaged ham cubes.
- What are some variations I can try with this salad?
- You can add ingredients like celery, bell peppers, dill pickles, or sweet pickle relish for extra flavor and crunch. You can also experiment with different dressings, such as a homemade vinaigrette with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, pickle juice, lemon juice, or white wine vinegar.
- Are the hardboiled eggs necessary in this salad?
- The eggs are optional, but they add more substance to the dish, making it suitable as a main course. Plus, the combination of ham and eggs is a classic pairing that works well in this salad.
- How can I turn this salad into a Cobb salad?
- To convert this salad into a Cobb salad, simply add some cooked chicken and tomatoes. This variation adds more protein and freshness to the dish.
- How should I store the homemade ranch dressing?
- The homemade ranch dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If needed, you can adjust the consistency by adding more buttermilk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired thickness.
Tips
- For a quicker and more flavorful ham preparation, use a food processor to finely chop leftover baked ham. If a food processor isn’t available, manually dice the ham into small cubes.
- Customize your salad by adding crunchy vegetables like celery or bell peppers, or include tangy elements such as dill pickles or sweet pickle relish to enhance flavor.
- Consider transforming this salad into a Cobb salad by including additional ingredients like chicken and tomatoes for extra variety and heartiness.
- If you don’t have leftover baked ham, a ham steak can be a suitable alternative; dice it to the desired size for the salad.
Equipment
- Food Processor – Useful for quickly chopping or shredding the ham into small pieces for the salad.
