Rice And Ham Salad
A refreshing, savory salad combining tender rice, ham, and crisp vegetables, perfect for picnics or light lunches, with a creamy, tangy dressing for vibrant flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cups long grain rice ⓘ
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced raw cauliflower ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/4 cup French dressing ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onion ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/2 pound fully cooked ham ⓘ
- 5 ounces frozen peas
- 1/2 cup sliced radishes ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the rice, then toss it with French dressing and chill for several hours.
- In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, chopped green onion, salt, dry mustard, and pepper.
- Add the mayonnaise mixture to the chilled rice and toss well.
- Stir in chopped ham, cauliflower, cooked peas, chopped celery, and sliced radishes.
- Toss again to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Optionally, serve in a scooped melon shell for presentation.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using jasmine or basmati rice for a fragrant twist. If you're looking to lighten the salad, Greek yogurt can be a great substitute for mayonnaise. You can also mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or swap in cooked chicken for a different protein. For a touch of sweetness, try adding diced apples or grapes.
Serving Suggestions
This Rice and Ham Salad is perfect for picnics or potlucks and pairs beautifully with Chips And Dip or a fresh garden salad. Serve it in a scooped melon shell for an impressive presentation. It's also delightful alongside grilled meats, like Honey Bourbon Grilled Pork Tenderloin, as a refreshing side.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave small portions until warm, but be careful not to overheat as it may dry out. Alternatively, serve it cold straight from the fridge for a refreshing dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice And Ham Salad contains roughly 617 calories, with 7g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (72% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2654mg per serving (115% 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 brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice for a nuttier flavor and added fiber. Just be aware that brown rice takes longer to cook, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. It may also change the texture slightly, making the salad a bit heartier.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad is great for meal prep, as the flavors meld beautifully after chilling. Just keep the salad in a sealed container in the fridge. It's perfect for quick lunches throughout the week, providing a balanced meal option that’s easy to grab.
How can I make this salad vegetarian?
To make this Rice and Ham Salad vegetarian, simply omit the ham and replace it with extra vegetables or a plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu. You could also add more flavor with herbs or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without dairy.
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).