Ham salad sandwiches are a staple for many households. Whether you’re packing one for lunch, having a picnic in the park, or simply searching for a quick weeknight meal, it’s always a great go-to dish.
But what about the sides?
Plain old chips can get boring after a while. Let’s take a look at some creative side dishes you can serve with your ham salad sandwich that will give it an extra boost of flavor!
So, let’s get started!
A quick solution on what to serve with ham salad sandwiches - Fruit Salad, Freshly Baked Bread, Grilled Veggies, Coleslaw, Potato Chips, Potato chips, Pickles, Tomatoes, Lettuce, Sliced onions, Mustard, Avocado, Olives, Cheese slices, Cranberry sauce, Dried fruit pieces, Apple slices, Nuts, Hot sauce, Potato Salad, Kale Chips, Caprese Salad, Pickle Spears, Baked Beans, Cucumber Salad, Tuna Salad Plate, Artichoke Hearts & Olives Platter, Soup & Crackers Combo, Fried Green Tomatoes & Onions Plate, Chicken Caesar Wrap, Three Bean Salad Bowl.
What’s a ham sandwich and what does a ham salad sandwich taste like?
A classic ham sandwich is an old favorite that never goes out of style. It’s composed of thin-sliced deli ham paired with either cheese or mayonnaise between two slices of crispy toasted bread.
The savory flavors of the meat and creamy condiments come together to form a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner or any time in between.
For something different, a Ham Salad Sandwich is also worth trying.
Instead of thinly sliced deli ham, this type of sandwich utilizes chopped cooked ham mixed with mayonnaise and seasonings to form a delicious salad spread onto your favorite bread.
The richness of the creamy salad dressing compliments the succulent flavor of the briny cured ham beautifully, making it truly irresistible!
What side dish goes with ham sandwiches?
A classic ham sandwich can never go wrong, but it can always use a side dish that complements it. Here are 34 delicious food items that pair perfectly with the traditional ham salad sandwich:
1. Fruit Salad
Fruit salads are always refreshing and healthy, but they don’t have to be boring. You can mix up different fruit combinations, such as apples and oranges, melons and berries, or whatever is in season.
You can even add dried fruits like cranberries or cherries for an added kick of sweetness.
Plus, if you want to make your own dressing, you can use simple ingredients like citrus juice or honey-based dressings that won’t overpower the natural flavors of the fruit.
2. Freshly Baked Bread
A great accompaniment to any sandwich is freshly baked bread! You can bake up some delicious homemade buns or rolls from scratch with just flour, yeast, sugar, salt, butter and water.
Or, if you don’t have time for that, you can buy pre-made dough from the store and shape it into rolls or buns before baking them up golden brown.
There’s nothing quite like biting into a warm bun fresh from the oven!
3. Grilled Veggies
If you’re looking for something savory to go along with your ham salad sandwich, try grilling some vegetables on skewers! All you need is some oil and spices of your choice (garlic powder works nicely).
Then just skewer your veggies – bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms – and place them over medium heat on the grill until they reach your desired tenderness.
The smoky grilled flavor pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of the ham salad sandwich.
4. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is another great option for pairing with ham salad sandwiches. The crunchy cabbage and tangy dressing complement the creamy texture of the sandwich perfectly.
To give your coleslaw an extra kick, add some diced jalapeno peppers or scallions.
For added convenience, most grocery stores carry pre-made coleslaw salads that you can simply pour into a bowl and enjoy!
5. Potato Chips
Potato chips are always a popular choice for sides when it comes to sandwiches. The salty crunch of the chips pairs nicely with the creamy texture of the ham salad sandwich.
To make things even better, try adding some freshly chopped herbs like chives or parsley for an extra burst of flavor!
6. Pickles
Adding sourness and spice to each bite, pickles in various shapes and sizes bring out the best in classic ham salad sandwiches.
7. Tomatoes
Juicy slices of tomato add your dish an earthy sweetness that complements the salty flavors in a ham salad sandwich beautifully.
8. Lettuce
Crisp lettuce adds freshness and fiber to each bite, making it more nutritious as well as flavorful.
9. Sliced onions
An optional topping or side dish, thinly sliced onions bring out the tartness in any ham salad sandwich recipe.
10. Mustard
A popular alternative to mayonnaise when it comes to dressing up a classic ham salad sandwich, mustard provides your dish an additional pungent kick of flavor.
11. Avocado
Rich and creamy avocado is an excellent addition to a traditional ham salad sandwich, adding your dish to heart-healthy fats as well as flavor complexity.
12. Bacon bits
Salty bacon bits sprinkled on top of a freshly prepared ham salad sandwich will make for an even more delicious treat!
13. Olives
Green or black olives can be added to your sandwich for extra zing, providing plenty of antioxidants too!
14. Cheese slices
From sharp cheddar to swiss cheese slices, adding some cheese on top will melt nicely into your meal and add extra richness to every bite!
15. Cranberry sauce
Sweet cranberry sauce adds your dish a tart edge that pairs wonderfully with the saltiness of ham salad sandwiches—an interesting twist on the classic favorite!
16. Dried fruit pieces
If you’re looking for something sweet yet subtle with your meal, sprinkle some dried cranberries or apricots onto your sandwich for added flavor!
17. Apple slices
Thinly sliced apples provide you tanginess along with crunchiness—a great way to break through the monotony of plain old ham salads!
18. Nuts
Walnuts, cashews or almonds can all be thrown into your mix for a nutty crunch and healthy protein boost too!
19. Hot sauce
Not only does hot sauce give your sandwiches added spiciness, but it also provides plenty of Vitamin C too—it’s a win-win situation all around!
20. Potato Salad
A creamy potato salad is a perfect sidekick for a hearty ham salad sandwich. Add crunchy celery and diced dill pickles for extra flavor and texture.
21. Kale Chips
These tasty chips are light and crispy, providing a nice contrast to the creaminess of a ham salad sandwich. Sprinkle them with salt and pepper for added flavor!
22. Caprese Salad
The classic combination of mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic dressing makes this Italian favorite the perfect side dish for your sandwich.
23. Pickle Spears
Tangy pickles are an ideal companion to salty ham sandwiches – you just be sure not to overdo it on the relish!
24. Baked Beans
Sweet baked beans make a great side item as they add warmth and sweetness to any meal without being too heavy or filling
25. Macaroni & Cheese
Everyone loves macaroni and cheese – what’s not to love?
This classic comfort food is sure to please when paired with a ham salad sandwich, as it helps mellow out any sharp flavors from stronger condiments like mustard or mayo.
26. Cucumber Salad
Cool down your plate with thinly sliced cucumbers dressed in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic cloves, fresh oregano and feta cheese crumbles – delicious!
27. Tuna Salad Plate
Another classic deli-style pairing that’s delicious but lighter than traditional tuna casseroles – mix it up by adding in some diced red onions or celery for added crunch!
28. Artichoke Hearts & Olives Platter
Enjoy fresh marinated artichoke hearts and briny olives alongside your sandwich as they add more complexity to every bite!
29. Soup & Crackers Combo
A piping hot bowl of soup (such as tomato basil soup) will warm up your plate while crackers provide your dish another layer of texture when paired with your sandwich – just don’t forget a chunk of buttery bread on the side too!
30. Fried Green Tomatoes & Onions Plate
For those who want something fried but still light – these two veggies bring tangy sweetness along with crunchy texture when dipped into ranch dressing or other condiment dip sauces!
31. Chicken Caesar Wrap
Use leftover chicken from last night’s dinner (or grab some at your local fast food joint!)and wrap it up in lettuce leaves along with Parmesan cheese shavings & Caesar dressing – yum!
32. Three Bean Salad Bowl
Mix together black beans, chickpeas, and kidney beans along with chopped bell peppers, then dress everything in olive oil, lime juice, herbs de Provence, and garlic cloves – simple yet flavorful!
What soup goes with ham sandwiches?
A traditional favorite to accompany a ham sandwich is split pea soup. Not only does this delightful combination easily make a full meal, but the flavor pairing of salty, smoky ham and rich, creamy split peas creates an unbeatable duo.
Split pea soup also adds texture and color to brighten up the plate, along with some added vegetables for color and nutrition.
If you’d like a lighter option or something more creative than the classic ham sandwich and split pea soup combo, consider adding some cream of mushroom or chicken and wild rice soups to your spread. Any way you slice it, this timeless lunch is sure to satisfy!
What to put on a ham salad sandwich?
A delicious ham salad sandwich is a great way to enjoy the flavors of freshly cooked ham in a different format.
Start by creating your own special homemade ham salad by mixing cooked and diced ham with mayonnaise, celery, mustard, and hard-boiled eggs for texture.
Add your favorite seasonings for an extra kick!
Spread generous layers of the delicious concoction onto two slices of thickly sliced wheat or white bread.
Top it off with crispy lettuce leaves and red tomatoes for some extra color and crunch. You now have a delicious ham salad sandwich that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters!
Best breads for ham salad sandwiches
Making ham salad sandwiches is a summertime classic. If you’re looking for the perfect bread to pair your delicious ham salad with, nothing beats a fresh loaf of sourdough.
The combination of the tart yet buttery flavor and chewy texture make it ideal for making soul-satisfying sandwiches that have become a favorite part of hot summer days.
Sourdough is also more nutrient dense than many other bread options, providing added energy and essential vitamins and minerals that can help benefit your overall health.
For those who need more time or the ingredients to make homemade sourdough at home, there are plenty of local bakeries that offer freshly baked sourdough bread that will take your ham salad sandwich to the next level.
What are the best flavors to go with ham salad sandwiches?
Ham salad sandwiches can be an incredibly delicious meal, especially when you choose the right flavors to go with it.
The sweet and salty combination of creamy mayonnaise and freshly-ground mustard is always a winner.
Adding some diced celery – or pickles if you prefer – helps give your sandwich a slight crunch and tangy zing.
The subtle taste of red onion really elevates the flavor profile, while dill adds a hint of herby freshness that pairs perfectly with the richness of ham.
I am sure you can’t go wrong with a few slices of tomato for a good dose of juiciness! With all these delicious flavors, ham salad sandwiches are sure to be an enjoyable treat.
How do you jazz up ham salad sandwiches?
Creating a tasty and unique ham salad sandwich doesn’t have to be difficult. Start with something as simple as swapping out mayonnaise for an avocado spread.
This alone helps to add flavor and nutrition to the sandwich.
For an even more creative spin, try adding diced fruit like grapes or apples for a sweet-and-salty contrast, or mix in some crunchy nuts like pecans or walnuts to give each bite new texture and flavor.
Other additions, such as pickles, cucumbers, onions, relish – even hard-boiled eggs – can also be used to make your ham salad sandwich that much more interesting.
Try testing with different combinations of toppings to discover your favorite way of jazzing up this classic lunchtime staple.
How should ham salad sandwiches be served?
Ham salad sandwiches should be enjoyed with all the trimmings. Traditional accompaniments include lettuce and tomato slices, pickles or relish, and a slathering of mayonnaise or mustard.
However, to add a twist to the classic sandwich, try topping it with sliced hard-boiled eggs, crisp bacon strips, softened cream cheese, cranberry sauce or red onions for a delightful contrast in flavors and textures.
Serve these delicious sandwiches on lightly toasted fluffy white bread slices for an even more tempting presentation.
For added flair, insert frilly toothpicks into each sandwich before serving – your guests will love them!
FAQs on what to serve with ham salad sandwiches
Q1. What is the best condiment for a ham sandwich?
A ham sandwich is a classic sandwich for lunch or dinner, but it can be elevated to perfectly acceptable status when the right condiment is added. Mustard is often considered the go-to for a ham sandwich; however, there are other flavorful options out there that can take your sandwich further.
A creamy and smooth mayonnaise provides creaminess to the otherwise dry ingredients of the sandwich, while a light horseradish spread or even relish will give it an extra kick. For those who like spicy food, a dab of hot sauce will amp up the flavor without making it too overpowering.
Ultimately, selecting your favorite condiment to complement your favorite type of ham will result in a delicious and memorable sandwich experience.
Q2. How long is ham salad good in the refrigerator?
Ham salad is a versatile and delicious condiment that can be used to make sandwiches and wraps or served alongside cold dishes such as hard-boiled eggs. Unfortunately, it’s imperative to enjoy this savory spread within a few days once made.
The USDA recommends that any leftovers of ham salad stored in the refrigerator should be thrown out after three to four days. To ensure the salad stays fresh, store it in an air-tight container and place it on the bottom shelf of the fridge.
When eating leftovers, always pay attention to their color, texture, odor, and taste before consuming them; if not satisfactory, discard the dish immediately. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure – so don’t forget about those expiration dates!
Q3. What soup goes good with a ham and cheese sandwich?
A classic ham and cheese sandwich is a simple yet tasty dish. To make it even more satisfying, pair it with a hearty bowl of soup! Tomato soup is one of the most natural choices to accompany this sandwich.
The creamy tomato flavor brings out the best in the salty ham and rich cheese, providing an irresistible combination of tastes.
For a fun twist, try a spicy chili or black bean soup for some added kick. Regardless of what you choose, you’re sure to find that bringing together the smoky elements from the sandwich with your favorite savory soup makes for an unbeatable lunch!
