Cabbage and ham salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish that combines the crunch of fresh vegetables with the savory taste of ham. This salad is perfect for a light lunch, a side dish, or a potluck favorite. It’s easy to prepare and packed with flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds. Follow this guide to create a delicious cabbage and ham salad that is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
- 1 small head of cabbage (approximately 1 lb.)
- 4 small cucumbers
- 1 can (14 oz.) sweet corn (liquid discarded)
- 8 oz. ham
- ⅓ cup chopped scallion
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp. lemon juice
- ½ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. pepper
Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables
- Shred the Cabbage: Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage, then shred the cabbage finely using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer. Transfer the shredded cabbage into a big mixing bowl.
- Slice the Cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers and slice them thinly. Incorporate the sliced cucumbers into the bowl containing the shredded cabbage.
- Drain the Corn: Open the can of sweet corn and discard the liquid. Toss in the drained corn.
Prepare the Ham and Scallions
- Dice the Ham: Cut the ham into small, bite-sized cubes or strips. Add the diced ham to the bowl with the vegetables.
- Chop the Scallions: Finely chop the scallions and add them to the bowl. The scallions add a nice burst of flavor and color to the salad.
Make the Dressing
- Combine Mayonnaise and Lemon Juice: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and lemon juice. Stir well to create a smooth, creamy dressing.
- Season the Dressing: Add the salt and pepper to the mayonnaise mixture, adjusting the seasoning to taste. Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasoning uniformly.
Assemble the Salad
- Add Dressing to Salad: Pour the dressing over the cabbage, cucumber, corn, ham, and scallions in the large mixing bowl.
- Mix Well: Using a large spoon or spatula, toss the ingredients together until the salad is well coated with the dressing. Make sure the dressing is evenly distributed throughout the salad.
Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate the Salad: Seal the bowl with cling film or move the salad into a container with a tight-fitting lid. Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes before serving. This cooling period lets the flavors fuse, improving the salad’s taste.
- Serve: Once chilled, give the salad a final toss and serve it as a light lunch, a side dish, or a part of your meal spread. This salad complements grilled meats and sandwiches well, or it can be savored by itself.
Conclusion
This refreshing cabbage and ham salad is a delightful blend of crisp vegetables, savory ham, and a creamy, tangy dressing. Easy to prepare and versatile, it’s perfect for a quick lunch, a side dish for dinner, or a dish to bring to gatherings. Enjoy the crunchy texture and delicious flavors of this simple yet satisfying salad. Happy cooking!