Cabbage and Ham Salad: Fresh, Crunchy Delight
I’m so excited to share this Cabbage and Ham Salad with you! It’s one of those recipes I make all the time. Why? Because it’s fresh, crunchy, and super easy. The cabbage stays crispy. The ham adds yummy flavor.
And that tangy dressing? It brings everything together perfectly. I love making this for lunch or bringing it to potlucks.
Everyone always asks for the recipe! It takes just minutes to throw together. Plus, you probably have most of these ingredients already.
Trust me, once you try this salad, it’ll become one of your favorites too. Ready to make something delicious?
Ingredients You’ll Need
You need fresh veggies, good ham, and some basic pantry items for the dressing. Look at the recipe card for the full ingredients list and amounts.
- Green Cabbage: This is your crunchy base. It’s mild and slightly sweet. It holds the dressing really well, too.
- Deli Ham: Adds that savory, smoky taste. It makes this salad hearty and filling. So good!
- Carrots: These bring sweetness and bright color. Plus, they add extra crunch. Your salad will look beautiful.
- Red Onion: Gives a sharp, bold flavor. It adds depth to every bite. A little goes far.
- Mayonnaise: Makes the dressing creamy and rich. It coats everything perfectly. You’ll love the smooth texture.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a tangy kick. It brightens all the flavors. It cuts through the creaminess nicely.
How to Make Cabbage and Ham Salad
Making this salad is so simple! Just chop, mix, and toss. Everything comes together in minutes.
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
Slice the cabbage nice and thin. First, cut out the core. Then slice it into strips about 1/8-inch thick. You need about 6 cups. That’s roughly half a medium head.
Step 2: Prep Remaining Vegetables
Shred 2 medium carrots with your grater or food processor. Then slice 1/4 cup of red onion into thin pieces. These veggies add color and crunch. They make the salad so much better!
Step 3: Chop the Ham
Dice 2 cups of deli ham into small cubes. Keep them about 1/2-inch big. This helps spread the ham evenly. Good ham makes a big difference here!
Step 4: Make the Dressing
Whisk together 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in a bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add cabbage, carrots, onion, and ham to your big bowl. Pour the dressing on top. Now toss everything together really well. Make sure every piece gets coated. YUM!
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before you enjoy it. This helps the flavors mix together. The cabbage softens just a tiny bit. But it still stays nice and crunchy!
Tips for the Best Cabbage and Ham Salad
Want to make this salad even better? Here are my top tips!
- Slice the cabbage thinly so it’s easy to eat.
- Don’t add too much dressing at first. You can always add more later!
- Use fresh vegetables for the best crunch and flavor.
- Let it chill before serving. The flavors get so much better!
- Store dressing separately if making ahead. This keeps the cabbage from getting soggy.
Variations and Substitutions
This salad is super flexible! You can change it based on what you like or what’s in your fridge right now.
- Turkey Instead of Ham: Use diced turkey breast instead. It’s lighter but just as tasty and filling.
- Greek Yogurt Dressing: Swap half the mayo with Greek yogurt. It makes it tangier and adds protein too.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Toss in some parsley, dill, or cilantro. Fresh herbs make everything taste brighter and fresher.
- Cabbage Varieties: Mix in red cabbage or Napa cabbage. Different types add new colors and flavors.
Love cabbage salads? You’ve got to try our Roasted Cabbage Salad with warm, sweet flavors. Or check out our crunchy Ramen Cabbage Salad for something different!
FAQs: Cabbage and Ham Salad
Can I make cabbage and ham salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can make it up to 24 hours early. Just cover it and put it in the fridge. The flavors get even better overnight!
How long does this salad last?
It stays fresh for 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Keep it in a sealed container. The cabbage gets softer but still tastes great.
Can I freeze cabbage and ham salad?
No, don’t freeze this one. The mayo separates when it thaws. The veggies get mushy and watery. It won’t taste good anymore.
What can I serve with cabbage and ham salad?
This goes great with grilled chicken or BBQ ribs. Try it with pulled pork sandwiches, too. Or just eat it for lunch with some bread!
How do I keep cabbage salad from getting watery?
Dry your cabbage really well after washing. Don’t use too much dressing at once. Store leftovers in a sealed container to keep moisture out.
Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
Yes! Bagged coleslaw mix saves time. Just make sure it looks fresh. Check that there are no brown edges before buying.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free! Just use gluten-free ham. Make sure your mayo doesn’t have any gluten ingredients. Then you’re all set!
How can I make this salad spicier?
Add some diced jalapeños for heat. Mix cayenne pepper into the dressing. Or stir in some sriracha sauce. ENJOY the kick!!!
Cabbage and Ham Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Remove the core from the cabbage and slice it into thin shreds. Put them in your large mixing bowl.
- Shred carrots using a box grater or food processor. Then slice red onion into thin half-moon pieces.
- Dice deli ham into uniform half-inch cubes. Add ham to the bowl with the prepared vegetables.
- Whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and combined.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the cabbage mixture. Toss everything together until evenly coated throughout the salad.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving. This lets flavors develop and blend together.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if you want. Serve chilled as a side dish or light meal.
- Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It keeps for up to 4 days.
Notes
- Slice cabbage super thin for the best texture. It makes eating easier and tastes better, too.
- You can swap turkey, chicken, or bacon for the ham. Use whatever you like best!
- Want a lighter version? Replace half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for extra tang.
- The salad tastes better after chilling. The flavors mix together, and the cabbage softens slightly.
- Add dressing slowly if making ahead. Save some to add fresh just before serving time.
