Salads That Go With Ham: BEST Ideas!

Looking for ideas for salads that go with ham? 

You’re in the right place! 

Whether you’re creating a light lunch to take to work with you, or a festive spread to feed a crowd, there are plenty of delicious choices that perfectly complement this cut of meat. 

 

Here are a few quick ideas to get you started with your ham and salad pairings:

• Classic Ham and Potato Salad: Toss tender new potatoes with diced ham, snappy spring onions, and a creamy mustard dressing for a traditional, scrumptious side dish.
• Tropical Ham and Fruit Salad: Combine strips of ham with pineapple, mango, and kiwi, then drizzle with a citrusy vinaigrette for a refreshing, exotic twist.
• Ham and Mixed Greens Salad: Arrange slices of ham over a bed of mixed greens, and add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a sprinkle of crumbled feta for a simple yet flavoursome salad that enhances the ham’s savouriness.

Want to explore some more ideas? 

Keep reading… 

Types of Salads That Go With Ham

In this section, we’ll explore some of the most popular salads that go well with ham, including green salads, pasta salads, vegetable salads, and potato salads.

Green Salads

A fresh green salad is always a welcome addition to any meal. For a ham-centric meal, try pairing:

• Caesar salad: This classic Romaine lettuce-based salad, dressed with a tangy Caesar dressing, provides a crisp and refreshing contrast to the richness of ham. Add some extra sides for caesar salad for a real feast! 
• Mixed greens salad: A variety of mixed greens, like arugula and baby spinach, will add a light, peppery kick to your salad.

Pasta Salads

Pasta salads offer a nice balance of flavours that pair especially well with ham. They include:

• Macaroni salad: A creamy, mayonnaise-based macaroni salad adds a satisfying, smooth texture to your meal, with added vegetables like carrots and peas for colour and crunch.
• Antipasto salad: This Italian-inspired salad with pasta, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette is a mouth-watering combination with ham.

Vegetable Salads

These colourful, nutrient-rich salads bring a taste of freshness to your ham meal:

• Broccoli salad: This crunchy, flavourful salad with raw or lightly blanched broccoli florets, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds offers a delightful mix of textures and flavours.
• Coleslaw: This classic side dish, made from cabbage and carrots and dressed with a creamy or vinegar-based dressing, brings an enjoyable tanginess that complements ham perfectly.

Potato Salads

Potato salads are always a popular choice to pair with ham, as they offer a delicious combination of starchy and rich flavours.

Some great options include:

• Classic potato salad: Made with boiled potatoes, chopped vegetables, and creamy mayo-based dressing. This traditional potato salad is a surefire hit with ham.
• German potato salad: Prepared with warm potatoes, crispy bacon, and a tangy vinegar dressing, this salad is perfect for those who enjoy a less creamy option.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

Vegetables

Selecting fresh and colourful vegetables can enhance the taste and appearance of your salad.

Keep the base simple with some mixed greens, then add vegetables like sliced cucumbers, crunchy celery, and sweet corn for a burst of flavour.

Don’t forget to include bite-sized cauliflower, chopped peppers, and grated carrots for even more textures and taste.

(By the way, if you love ham, take a look at what to serve with Coca-Cola ham too!) 

Fruits

Incorporating fruits can add a touch of sweetness to balance the saltiness of the ham.

Apples and grapes are classic choices, with their contrasting flavours and textures.

For a festive touch, dried cranberries and raisins bring a vibrant colour and a slightly tart flavour, while a drizzle of honey can add just the right amount of sweetness.

Cheeses

Finally, cheese can elevate your salad by adding a rich and creamy component.

Classic cheddar, grated or cubed, works wonderfully with ham, while more adventurous options like a sharp blue cheese can bring an interesting contrast.

Consider your personal taste preferences when choosing the perfect cheese to complement your salad.

Designing Your Dressing

Sweet Dressings

For a delightful twist to your salad, try incorporating sweet dressings.

A simple combination of olive oil, salt, and sugar creates a sweet and delightful dressing that pairs well with ham.

Another option is a honey mustard dressing, which combines mustard, honey, and a touch of mayonnaise. This sweet dressing accents the saltiness of the ham and provides a delicious contrast.

Tangy Dressings

To add a zesty kick to your salad, tangy dressings are the way to go.

A classic vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper complements the flavours of ham. Also, consider experimenting with flavours by adding a hint of garlic or Dijon mustard.

A citrus-based vinaigrette with lemon or lime juice is another great tangy option, and it pairs nicely with the richness of the ham.

Savoury Dressings

Savoury dressings are sure to enhance the flavours of your salad.

A creamy ranch dressing is a popular favourite, combining mayonnaise, buttermilk, garlic, salt, and pepper.

This smooth, savoury dressing complements the taste of ham and adds a satisfying creaminess to your salad.

Alternatively, you can create a delicious savoury dressing by combining mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper for a classic, yet irresistible dressing option.

With a little creativity, it’s super simple to create a salad that pairs perfectly with ham!