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Depression Era Old Fashion Ham Salad Sandwich

This Classic Ham Salad Sandwich Recipe is a nostalgic take on a vintage favorite, blending finely minced ham with creamy mayonnaise, tangy mustard, and sweet pickle relish for a perfectly balanced flavor. Perfect for those seeking easy sandwich recipes or craving the charm of old-fashioned sandwich recipes, this dish is budget-friendly, delicious, and ideal for lunches or light dinners. Whether you're exploring homemade sandwich recipes, vintage ham salad ideas, or simply searching for a traditional ham salad sandwich, this recipe delivers timeless taste. Pair it with chips or a pickle spear for the ultimate retro meal experience.

Depression-Era Ham Salad Sandwich Recipe
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Depression-Era Ham Salad Sandwich Recipe

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Ingredients (Makes 4 sandwiches):

  • 2 cups finely minced or ground cooked ham

  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise (add more if needed for a creamy consistency)

  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard

  • 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish (or finely chopped pickles)

  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar or pickle juice (optional, for tanginess)

  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for added flavor)

  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • 8 slices white sandwich bread

  • 4 lettuce leaves (optional)

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Sandwich Recipes

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Depression-Era Ham Salad Sandwich Recipe

Prepare the Ham:

Use a sharp knife, food processor, or meat grinder to finely mince or grind the cooked ham until it reaches a smooth, crumbly texture.
Mix the Salad:

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the minced ham, mayonnaise, mustard, sweet pickle relish, vinegar or pickle juice, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Stir well until all ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is creamy and cohesive. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Assemble the Sandwiches:

Lay out 8 slices of white sandwich bread.

Spread a generous amount of the ham salad mixture on 4 slices of bread.

Place a crisp lettuce leaf on top of the ham salad, if desired, for added texture.

Complete the Sandwich:

Top with the remaining 4 slices of bread to create sandwiches.

Press down gently to ensure the filling is evenly distributed.

Serve:

Serve the sandwiches as-is or cut them diagonally for a classic presentation.

Pair with potato chips and a pickle spear for a nostalgic, comforting meal.

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Depression-era ham salad sandwich recipe Variations:

Southern Pimento Ham Salad

  • Add 1/4 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese and 2 tablespoons of diced pimentos to the ham salad mixture. Serve on toasted bread for a Southern twist.

Ham and Egg Salad Sandwich

  • Combine equal parts ham salad and classic egg salad. Spread between slices of white bread or croissants for added richness.

Sweet and Tangy Ham Salad

  • Add 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to the ham salad mixture. The sweetness pairs well with tangy pickles.

Herb and Garlic Ham Salad

  • Mix in 1 teaspoon of minced fresh parsley, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing flavor boost.

Spicy Jalapeño Ham Salad

  • Stir in 1 tablespoon of finely chopped jalapeños and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Serve with pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.

Ham Salad with Cream Cheese

  • Substitute half of the mayonnaise with softened cream cheese for a thicker, creamier texture. Add chives for a savory touch.

Ham Salad with Cranberries and Pecans

  • Add 2 tablespoons of chopped dried cranberries and 2 tablespoons of finely chopped pecans to the mixture for a sweet and nutty variation.

Avocado Ham Salad

  • Replace half the mayonnaise with mashed avocado. The creamy avocado adds a rich, healthy twist to the traditional recipe.

Ham Salad with Dill

  • Stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh dill and use dill pickle relish for extra flavor. Serve on rye bread or with crackers for a different texture.

Ham Salad Wraps

  • Wrap the ham salad mixture in flour tortillas with shredded lettuce and sliced tomatoes for a portable and fresh variation.

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How to Store Ham Salad:

Refrigeration:

Transfer the ham salad into an airtight container or tightly cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap.

Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days.

Make sure the container is sealed properly to prevent the ham salad from absorbing other odors in the fridge.

Freezing (Optional):

If you'd like to store it longer, ham salad can be frozen. However, freezing may slightly alter the texture.

Place the ham salad in a freezer-safe, airtight container, leaving a small amount of space at the top for expansion.

Label the container with the date and store it in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Stir well after thawing to restore consistency.

Serving Tip:

Always use a clean spoon to scoop out portions to avoid contamination and extend shelf life.

If the ham salad develops an off smell, flavor, or appearance, discard it immediately.

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