Ham Cole Slaw
Ham Cole Slaw is a crisp, flavorful salad combining diced ham, shredded cabbage, and green peppers, dressed with a tangy vinaigrette. Its balance of smoky, crunchy, and fresh flavors makes it perfect for casual gatherings, picnics, or as a hearty side dish for sandwiches and barbecues.
Ingredients
- 1 cup slivered or diced cooked ham ⓘ
- 2 cups finely shredded cabbage ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons pimento ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon celery seed ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup salad oil ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons vinegar ⓘ
Instructions
- Place ham, cabbage, green pepper, and pimento in a serving bowl.
- Combine sugar, dry mustard, celery seed, salt, paprika, and pepper with salad oil and vinegar.
- Just before serving, pour the dressing over the mixture and toss lightly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of mayonnaise to the dressing. If you don't have pimento, roasted red peppers are a great substitute. Opt for red cabbage for added color and nutrients. You can also enhance flavor by adding a splash of lemon juice or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the dressing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Ham Cole Slaw as a refreshing side dish at barbecues, picnics, or family gatherings. It pairs beautifully with Cheesy Pork Chops And Potatoes or Country Ribs And Beans. For a complete meal, consider adding a slice of Black-Eyed Pea Corn Bread to round out the plate.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld over time, making it even tastier. If you need to reheat, warm it gently in a skillet on low heat, but it’s best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham Cole Slaw contains roughly 144 calories, with 2g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1960mg per serving (85% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the ham with cooked chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust the seasoning as needed to complement the different flavors.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the slaw mixture a day in advance, but wait to add the dressing until just before serving. This prevents the cabbage from getting soggy and keeps the salad fresh.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Ham Cole Slaw is gluten-free as all the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. However, always check specific brands of vinegar and any packaged ingredients for gluten content.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).