My Cuban ham salad captures the bright, savory flavors of a classic Cuban sandwich: chopped ham combined with mayonnaise, spicy brown deli mustard, chopped dill pickles, and shredded Swiss cheese. It’s a straightforward mix of familiar ingredients that come together into a creamy, tangy spread perfect for sliders, sandwiches, or wraps.
Sometimes the simplest recipes become family favorites. My kids surprised me by falling in love with this ham salad the first time I tossed it together when I needed dinner on the table in ten minutes. They asked for it again immediately, and now it’s a regular request. It’s that kind of recipe — fast to prepare, flexible, and consistently satisfying.
The combination of salty ham, creamy mayo, piquant mustard, crunchy dill pickles, and nutty Swiss cheese balances texture and flavor. You can make this recipe with leftover ham or deli-sliced ham from the store. It’s perfect when you want to use up extra ham and transform it into something new. The salad spreads easily on slider buns or sandwich bread and also works well as a filling for wraps, pita pockets, or stuffed tomatoes.
For soft, slightly sweet sandwiches, I like serving the ham salad on homemade Hawaiian rolls. The rolls are pillowy and mild, which complements the tangy spread without overpowering it. If you prefer a lighter option, serve the salad atop a bed of mixed greens for a quick ham-salad salad bowl. This recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners, picnic fare, potlucks, or any time you need a quick, crowd-pleasing option.
Below you’ll find the simple ingredient list and instructions. The recipe makes enough for about a dozen sliders, or six sandwich servings. It comes together in minutes — simply mix the components, taste and adjust, and it’s ready to serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for two to three days.
Cuban Ham Salad
This quick, creamy ham salad has the bright, savory flavors of a Cuban sandwich and comes together in minutes.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 150 kcal per serving
Author: Amy D
Ingredients
- 8 ounces minced ham
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup coarsely chopped dill pickles
- 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 2 tablespoons deli mustard (spicy brown preferred)
Instructions
- Combine the minced ham, mayonnaise, chopped dill pickles, shredded Swiss cheese, and deli mustard in a mixing bowl.
- Stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired (a pinch of salt or a little extra mustard can be added to taste).
- Spread the ham salad on slider buns, sandwich bread, or wraps. Serve immediately, or chill briefly if you prefer a cooler spread.
Notes
Makes enough for about one dozen sliders or six sandwich servings. Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for two to three days in an airtight container. If serving for a picnic, pack refrigeration or a cooler to keep the salad safe and fresh.
Nutrition
Serving: 1/6 of recipe — Calories: 150 kcal
