Coleslaw Ham Salad: The Perfect Summer Salad!

Coleslaw Ham Salad is Delicious!

Do you like coleslaw? Occasionally, I get hungry for something different. When this happened recently, I searched my fridge and kitchen cabinets until I found the ingredients for the following salad.

My family loves it, and it has become one of our favorite quick and easy meals. In winter, a crusty, hot garlic bread is wonderful with this salad. In summer, we have the crackers to keep from heating up the kitchen.

Because cabbage is available year round, this delicious salad can be enjoyed any time of the year.

To save time, I use a prepared coleslaw mix produced by Del Monte. To make sure the salad is safe, I wash it well and spin it dry before use. However, if you prefer not to use a prepared package of salad, you can use 1/2 a head of cabbage, shredded, with 1 to 2 shredded carrots instead. When I don't have ham, I use deli sliced ham sandwich slices, as in the photo here.

Coleslaw Ham Salad Recipe

1 package Del Monte prepared coleslaw
1 cup chopped Black Forest Ham
1/2 cup coarsely chopped bell pepper
1/2 cup coarsely chopped Vidalia onion
salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp. sesame seeds
1/4 to 1/2 cup Brianna's Poppy Seed Dressing, depending on taste
Ritz crackers or crusty garlic bread (optional)

Wash and spin dry the coleslaw salad. Pour prepared salad into a large bowl. Add all ingredients, with salad dressing added last. Mix well. Chill in refrigerator for 1/2 to 1 hour. Serve cold.

If you eat this as a meal, as my family does, this is 2 to 4 servings. If served as a side dish, it is 6 to 8 servings.

My husband prefers this salad with buttermilk ranch dressing and likes to add a little shredded cheese!

Salad Spinners

Tired of soggy, wet salads? You don't have to let salad greens drain forever after washing them. Just use a salad spinner. It is the one essential tool in my kitchen for making salads and washing any veggies or fruits.

More Coleslaw Recipes

Cole slaw is a favorite for many people, and it is good to take to covered-dish dinners, since it is best when prepared in advance. Here are a few links to more great coleslaw recipes:

• Coleslaw
• Slaw
• 12 Easy Coleslaw Recipes
• Carolina Slaw

Whichever recipe you choose to use, slaw is a nutritional addition to any meal. To see the nutritional value of cabbage, visit Nutrition Facts and Analysis.

Do you like coleslaw? Do you like it better with or without ham, chicken, or other meat?

Photo by Linda Pogue