National Ham Salad Day

National Ham Salad Day is observed annually on December 18. This culinary observance celebrates a classic comfort food known for its resourcefulness, transforming cured pork into a creamy, savory spread that has graced American lunch tables for generations.

History of National Ham Salad Day

The origins of ham salad are deeply intertwined with the history of economy and frugality in the American kitchen. While no single inventor claimed the dish, it gained significant popularity during the Great Depression and the rationing years of World War II. During these times, home cooks were adept at stretching expensive proteins to feed larger families. By grinding small amounts of leftover ham and binding it with mayonnaise, mustard, and relish, a substantial meal could be created from what might otherwise have been insufficient scraps.

Culturally, the dish has strong regional roots, particularly in the Upper Midwest, the Mid-Atlantic, and the South. In areas like Western Pennsylvania, it is sometimes affectionately or humorously referred to as “funeral salad” because of its ubiquity at post-funeral luncheons and community potlucks. It became a staple of the American deli counter in the mid-20th century, serving as a reliable, low-cost sandwich filler that offered the savory taste of holiday ham in a convenient, spreadable form.

Why is National Ham Salad Day important?

This day highlights the importance of food sustainability and the culinary art of repurposing leftovers. In a modern era often characterized by food waste, ham salad serves as a delicious reminder of how previous generations valued every ounce of meat. It champions the “nose-to-tail” philosophy in a domestic setting, encouraging cooks to find creative uses for the ends of a Sunday roast rather than discarding them.

Beyond its practical benefits, the holiday celebrates a specific genre of Americana comfort food. It evokes nostalgia for simpler times—picnics, church basements, and diner lunches. It validates a dish that is often overlooked in favor of trendier foods, reminding us that simple ingredients like cured ham, pickle relish, and celery can create complex and satisfying flavors without requiring gourmet skills or expensive equipment.

• Encourages the reduction of food waste at home
• Honors the culinary ingenuity of the Depression era
• Celebrates a staple dish of the American Midwest and South
• Promotes economical meal planning for families
• Preserves traditional recipes passed down through generations

How to Observe National Ham Salad Day

The most authentic way to observe the day is to prepare a batch of ham salad from scratch. While buying it from a deli is convenient, the homemade version allows for texture control—whether you prefer a chunky chop or a smooth, pâté-like consistency. Food processors make this easy, but traditionalists may prefer using a hand-cranked meat grinder. Experimenting with binders is also encouraged; some recipes call for a mix of mayonnaise and salad dressing, while others rely on mustard or even a splash of hot sauce to cut the richness.

Sharing the dish is another key part of the observation. Ham salad is traditionally a communal food, meant to be eaten at gatherings. You can host a retro-themed lunch featuring ham salad sliders, or serve it as a dip with buttery crackers and vegetable sticks. For those who do not eat pork, the day can still be enjoyed by applying the same technique to smoked turkey or bologna, a variation often found in the same regional cookbooks.

• Grind leftover ham to make a fresh batch of salad
• Experiment with adding hard-boiled eggs or cheese
• Swap recipes with older family members or friends
• Serve the salad on toasted rye or soft white rolls
• Visit a classic deli and order a ham salad sandwich

Classic Ham Salad Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked ham (cubed or torn)
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish (drained)
• 1 tbsp Dijon or yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp red or white onion, minced
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Optional: 1 hard-boiled egg, peeled and chopped

Instructions

1. Prep the Ham: Place the ham cubes in a food processor. Pulse several times until the meat is coarsely ground (do not purée). Alternatively, chop very finely by hand.
2. Combine Solids: Transfer the ground ham to a mixing bowl. Add the chopped celery, onion, and hard-boiled egg (if using).
3. Add Dressing: Stir in the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, mustard, and black pepper. Mix until the salad is creamy and uniform.
4. Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve: Spread onto soft rolls, crackers, or serve over fresh greens.

National Ham Salad Day Dates