Mom’s Ham Salad

A nostalgic family recipe from Natalie’s kitchen — creamy ham salad made with cleaner ingredients, crunchy pickles, fresh herbs, and all the comforting flavors of home.

Some recipes carry more than flavor.

They carry memories.

This ham salad is one of those recipes for me.

Growing up, my mom made versions of this constantly — simple lunches, summer picnics, quick dinners at the kitchen counter. It was one of those foods that always seemed to quietly appear in the fridge waiting for us.

Creamy. Tangy. Comforting. Familiar.

Over the years, I started updating it with ingredients that felt more aligned with the way we eat now — uncured ham, avocado oil mayo, better-quality mustard, fermented pickles.

Still nostalgic. Just a little fresher and cleaner.

And somehow my family still requests it constantly.

Which honestly feels like the best compliment.

Why We Love It

Protein-Rich + Satisfying

Ham and eggs make this incredibly filling while still feeling light enough for easy lunches and quick meals.

Cleaner Ingredients

Simple swaps like avocado oil mayo and uncured ham help modernize a nostalgic classic without losing the comforting flavor.

Easy Meal Prep

One of those recipes that tastes even better after sitting in the fridge awhile, making it perfect for busy weeks.

Nostalgic Comfort

The kind of familiar homemade food that reminds you simple meals are often the ones everyone remembers most.

Ingredients

• 2 cups chopped uncured ham
• 2 ribs organic celery
• 1 small organic shallot
• 1/2 cup chopped dill pickles
• 2 pastured hard-boiled eggs
• 1/2 cup avocado oil mayo
• 1 heaping tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• splash pickle juice

Natalie’s favorites:

• Bubbies pickles
• Chosen Foods avocado oil mayo
• Birdy’s Dijon mustard

Directions

Hard boil the eggs and allow them to cool completely.

Roughly chop the ham, celery, shallot, pickles, and eggs.

Add everything to a mini food processor and pulse until finely chopped but still slightly textured.

Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the mayo, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and a splash of pickle juice.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving so the flavors can settle together beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

• spooned into lettuce wraps
• layered onto toasted sourdough
• served with gluten-free crackers
• scooped over fresh greens
• paired with crunchy raw vegetables

Glow Note

I love recipes like this because they remind me nourishment does not need to feel complicated or trendy.

Sometimes the best meals are simply updated versions of the foods we grew up loving most.

Comforting. Familiar. Made with care.

That’s always the kind of food I want to pass down.

Love + Eat Well,
Natalie