National Ham Salad Day

An economical and frugal American comfort food, ham salad is eaten and enjoyed today on National Ham Salad Day. Closely related to chicken or tuna salad, ham salad gained in popularity during the Great Depression as a favorite of hard-strapped consumers, and during World War II, when there was rationing. Ground leftover ham and other leftovers that didn't amount to much on their own were used to create something new that could function as a full meal. Then, in the mid-twentieth century, it became a staple on American deli counters as a low-cost sandwich filler, often made with mayonnaise, mustard, and relish.

Ham salad has traditionally been an important dish in the South, Upper Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic. It is often eaten at gatherings. In some areas, such as in Western Pennsylvania, it has been given the name funeral salad because of its common use at post-funeral luncheons as well as at community potlucks. It is a nostalgic food, evoking simpler times and diners, church basements, and picnics. It also showcases a way to use up leftovers and value food, and illustrates how previous generations did so in the past.

Cured ham is usually used to make it, although uncured ham works too. It is cubed, ground, or minced using a food processor or hand-crank meat grinder. Ham makes up the largest portion of the salad and is mixed with smaller amounts of chopped vegetables and relishes. The mixture is bound together with a large amount of salad dressing. Most commonly, the ham is mixed with pickle relish, celery, and onions, and the salad dressing consists of mayonnaise or Miracle Whip. Sometimes a bit of hard-boiled egg, mustard, or black pepper is added. Generally these are all that are used, but on occasion and with some recipes, diced pickles, green pepper, shredded carrot, raw cucumber, sweet corn kernels, pimento, peas, potato, grated cheese, and hot sauce are called for. Recipes vary because there are countless regional and family variations of ham salad.

Ham salad is served cold, being used in ham sliders or sandwiches, spread on crackers, and dipped into with celery and other vegetable sticks. It is celebrated and eaten in these ways on National Ham Salad. National Ham Salad Day also evokes nostalgia and highlights the importance of food sustainability and repurposing leftovers. Some establishments that sell it participate in the day by offering specials on ham salad.

How to Observe National Ham Salad Day

Make ham salad from scratch, using leftover ham if you have any. Or pick up ham salad from a deli or diner. Check if the location you purchase it from is offering specials on it in honor of the day. Use the ham salad to make sliders or sandwiches, spread it on crackers, or eat it with vegetable sticks. Since ham salad is commonly eaten at gatherings, you could host a gathering and serve ham salad. Share pictures of your ham salad and how you are celebrating along with the hashtag #NationalHamSaladDay.

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