Lima And Ham Salad
Lima and ham salad combines tender cooked beans, sliced new potatoes, crunchy vegetables, and savory ham, all coated in a creamy ranch dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side, this salad offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors that appeal to both quick meal lovers and entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup buttermilk Ranch salad dressing ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) package frozen lima or baby beans, cooked and drained
- 3/4 pound tiny new potatoes, cooked and sliced ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sliced celery ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sliced green onion
- 2 tablespoons snipped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon snipped garlic chives ⓘ
- 2 cups snow peas or sugar snap peas, cut into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped cooked ham ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine the dressing, beans, potatoes, ham, celery, green onion, parsley, and chives in a large salad bowl.
- Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, stir in the snow peas or sugar snap peas.
- Optional: Place halved tomato slices on a platter.
- Serve the salad by topping with the vegetable mixture or mounding portions on lettuce-lined plates.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat buttermilk Ranch dressing or swapping in Greek yogurt for the dressing. Fresh herbs like dill or basil can add a nice twist to the flavor profile. Ensure the beans are fully drained to avoid excess moisture. If baby potatoes are unavailable, you can substitute with regular potatoes cut into small pieces. This salad serves as a great side dish for Pork recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is perfect for summer gatherings and pairs beautifully with grilled meats or as a side for a picnic. For an elegant presentation, serve it on a bed of mixed greens or lettuce-lined plates. You could also serve it with crusty bread or as part of a buffet alongside dishes like Potato Hamburger Casserole for a well-rounded meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, but be cautious with the snow peas; they are best added fresh. To refresh the salad before serving, you can stir in a little extra dressing if it seems dry. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the vegetables will suffer.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lima And Ham Salad contains roughly 425 calories, with 32g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (140% of the Daily Value), and potassium (106% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 613mg per serving (27% 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 fresh lima beans instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh lima beans, but they will require cooking until tender before adding them to the salad. This could enhance the fresh flavor of the dish, but ensure they are fully cooled before mixing with the other ingredients.
What can I substitute for ham if I want a vegetarian option?
For a vegetarian version, consider using chickpeas or diced tofu marinated in soy sauce for added flavor. You could also add smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor of ham, creating a satisfying alternative without the meat.
How can I make this salad spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the salad. Alternatively, mixing in some sliced radishes can provide a peppery kick, complementing the creamy dressing while maintaining the salad's overall freshness.
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).