Ham Potato Salad

What Ingredients are in Ham Potato Salad?

In order to serve up this tangy and savory ham potato salad at your next gathering, you’ll need to round up the following ingredients:

• Potatoes: The base of the salad, they provide a soft texture and a neutral canvas for the other flavors.
• Carrots: They add a slight sweetness and bright color to the potato salad.
• Mayonnaise: Acts as a creamy binder that holds all the ingredients together.
• Hard-Boiled Eggs: Offer a rich, savory element and additional protein.
• Cooked Ham or Summer Sausage: Brings a smoky, salty flavor that pairs well with the creamy potatoes.
• Dill Pickles: Introduce a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise and eggs.
• Sweet Peas: Contribute a pop of sweetness and color, enhancing the overall taste and presentation.
• Fresh Dill: Provides a herby freshness that complements the creamy and savory components.
• Salt and Black Pepper: These seasonings are essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors within the salad.

What Type of Potatoes Should You Use?

When it comes to potato salad, all-purpose or “waxy” potatoes work the best. “Waxy” potatoes refer to a variety of potatoes that have a low starch content and high moisture and sugar levels compared to their starchy counterparts like Russets. Their composition gives them a firm and creamy texture, which helps them hold their shape after cooking. Plus, in most cases, peeling them is optional.

As for options, your best bet is to go with:

• Red Potatoes: Known for their waxy texture, red potatoes maintain their form and firmness throughout the cooking process. Their ability to absorb dressings without falling apart makes them a reliable choice for a well-mixed salad. They have thin skins that are often left on for added color and texture.
• Yukon Gold Potatoes: These potatoes are prized for their golden, buttery flesh that enriches the salad with subtle richness. Their balanced texture ensures they keep their shape, providing a satisfying mouthfeel in every bite. Their skins are also relatively thin and can be left on to contribute to the salad’s rustic look and additional nutrients.
• Fingerling Potatoes: With their slender shape and firm texture, fingerlings bring an elegant look and feel to your dish. They cook evenly and contribute a delightful nutty taste that’s sure to impress. Due to their small size and the difficulty of peeling, their skins are typically left on.
• New Potatoes: Harvested early in the season, these potatoes are less starchy and exceptionally tender. They offer a pleasant, gentle crunch and are perfect for those who enjoy a lighter, more delicate potato salad. They have very tender skins due to their youth, which are commonly left on for texture and aesthetics.

Can You Use Miracle Whip?

Yes, you can use Miracle Whip. It will give a tangier and sweeter flavor compared to mayonnaise.

Can You Use Leftover Ham?

Yes! Because this recipe uses precooked ham, most leftovers should be a good fit – so long as the flavoring on the ham can complement the sharp and tangy mayonnaise and dill pickles in the potato salad.

Should You Peel the Potatoes or Carrots?

Peeling potatoes and carrots is a personal preference. Peeling can provide a smoother texture, but leaving the skin on offers additional nutrients and texture. For a more rustic salad, you can leave the skins on.

Should You Serve Potato Salad Warm or Cold?

Potato salad can be served warm or cold; it all depends on what your personal preferences are. If you need to reheat potato salad, a quick zap in the microwave, stirring midway through, should do the trick.

What Else Can You Add to Potato Salad?

If you’re looking to get more creative with flavors, try some of these mix-ins, adding at the same time as you do the mayonnaise:

• Chopped Celery: 1/2 cup for crunch.
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons for color and freshness.
• Bacon Bits: 1/2 cup for a smoky flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese: 1/2 cup shredded for a creamy texture.
• Red Onion: 1/4 cup finely diced for a sharp bite.

Can You Make It In Advance?

Yes, making ham potato salad in advance allows flavors to meld. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

How Long Is Potato Salad Good for?

Potato salad is good for 3-5 days when stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Can You Freeze It?

Freezing is not recommended as it can significantly alter the texture of this dish, especially the mayonnaise and potatoes. Plan on enjoying this ham potato salad while it’s still fresh.

How Long Can You Leave Out Potato Salad?

Whenever you leave out a “serve yourself” dish like ham potato salad, it’s important to keep track of how long it’s been sitting out.

For most foods, the general rule of thumb is that a perishable item should not be in the “danger zone” for more than two hours. And by “danger zone,” this is usually at or just above room temperature.

As the party goes on, you can return the potato salad to the refrigerator once you get near the two-hour mark. If there’s still more potato salad to enjoy, let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before bringing it back out again.

Want to dig deeper into food safety? Take a look at the USDA’s Food Safety Basics, especially the part about the abovementioned “danger zone.”

Notes & Tips for Ham Potato Salad

• You can either cube the potatoes and carrots before boiling or you can boil them whole and cut them after cooking. If you boil the vegetables whole, you’ll likely need to increase the boiling time by 5-10 minutes.
• When serving this ham potato salad, serve it up with some Ritz crackers or toasted bread for a new way to enjoy an old classic!

Step 1 – Start by placing potatoes and carrots in a large saucepan. Cover them with water and heat until it boils, then lower to a simmer. Let them cook for 15-20 minutes, just until they’re tender when poked with a fork.

Step 2 – After draining the water, it’s time to mix in the other ingredients. Add mayonnaise, chopped boiled eggs, diced ham, dill pickles, and sweet peas. Sprinkle in some fresh dill, salt, and pepper. With a spatula, gently stir everything until it’s evenly mixed.

Step 3 – If desired, chill the potato salad in the refrigerator for about 2-3 hours.

Step 4 – Serve and enjoy!