A ham salad sandwich makes for a quick, tasty lunch or light dinner. The salty, smoky flavor of the ham pairs perfectly with a slathering of creamy mayonnaise or mustard and crisp lettuce between two slices of bread. But what sides should you serve alongside this classic sandwich?
Complement your ham salad sandwiches with a variety of delicious side dishes Savory, tangy, crunchy, or refreshing – these 34 options add flavor, texture, and nutrition to complete your meal
1. Fruit Salad
A fresh fruit salad is a light and healthy way to round out your ham salad sandwich meal. Mix up whatever fruits are in season, like juicy grapes, sweet pineapple, tart apples, melons, or berries. Top it off with a drizzle of citrus vinaigrette rather than heavy cream for a tangy twist. The sweetness pairs perfectly with the saltiness of the ham.
2. Tomato Soup
For the ultimate comfort food pairing, serve your ham salad sandwich with a bowl of creamy tomato soup. The rich, tangy tomato flavor plays off the smoky ham and mayo wonderfully. Garnish with croutons or parmesan for extra flair.
3. Coleslaw
Cool, crunchy coleslaw is a classic pairing with any type of sandwich. The crisp cabbage adds texture that contrasts delightfully with the creamy ham salad Jazz it up by adding apples, raisins, or other mix-ins
4. Potato Chips
It’s hard to beat salty, crispy potato chips alongside a sandwich. They provide a satisfying crunch to complement the soft bread and creamy ham salad filling. For variety, try barbecue flavor or homemade parmesan chips.
5. Pickles
Pickles are practically made for ham sandwiches! The sour, briny flavor cuts through the richness of the mayo nicely. Spears are great for serving on the side, while chips work well in the sandwich itself.
6. Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is perfect for taking ham salad sandwiches on picnics or packing in lunches. The creamy mayo-based dressing soaks into macaroni or rotini, allowing it to absorb the ham’s smoky flavor. Toss in veggies for extra nutrition.
7. Potato Salad
Along the same lines, potato salad is a classic side for sandwiches. Cubed potatoes and a creamy mustard dressing complement the ham salad wonderfully. Add hard-boiled eggs, pickles, and celery for the full experience.
8. Greek Salad
For a lighter, fresher take, a Greek salad pairs nicely with your ham sandwich. Crisp romaine, juicy tomatoes, tangy feta, and a red wine vinaigrette cut through the heaviness of the ham.
9. Baked Beans
Sweet, smoky baked beans are practically made to go with salty deli ham. Their sticky, molasses-like flavor combines wonderfully with the creaminess of the ham salad in each bite.
10. Cucumber Salad
Cool, sliced cucumbers drizzled with a light dill yogurt dressing provide a refreshing contrast to a ham salad sandwich. The crunch also adds a nice textural component.
11. Fruit and Cheese
For an easy appetizer-style pairing, serve sliced fruit alongside cubed cheeses. The sweetness of grapes, berries, and melons balances the salty savoriness of the ham and cheese.
12. Veggies and Dip
Dip crisp, fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, bell peppers, and broccoli florets in a creamy ranch or hummus. The cool crunch pairs nicely with a ham salad sandwich for some veggie nutrition.
13. Chips and Guacamole
Everyone loves the combination of salty tortilla chips and cool, creamy guacamole. The richness cuts through the mayo in your ham sandwich for delicious contrast.
14. Mac and Cheese
Ooey, gooey mac and cheese is a side dish match made in heaven for a ham salad sandwich. The saltiness of the ham pairs perfectly with the cheesy comfort of the macaroni.
15. Corn on the Cob
In summer, pick up some fresh corn on the cob to grill, slather in butter, and sprinkle with chili powder. The natural sweetness balances the salty ham salad.
16. Caprese Salad
For an easy no-cook side, alternate juicy tomato and mozzarella slices on a platter. Top with fresh basil, a drizzle of balsamic reduction, and olive oil. Freshens up any sandwich.
17. Grilled Vegetables
Get your veggies by grilling up mushrooms, zucchini, eggplant, peppers, or other fresh produce. Brush with olive oil and season however you like. Smoky grilled veggies pair wonderfully.
18. Potato Wedges
Crispy, oven-baked potato wedges are simple but so satisfying alongside sandwiches. Season them aggressively with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper before baking until caramelized.
19. Pasta Salad Primavera
A pasta salad studded with fresh spring veggies adds a delicious pop of color and nutrition. Try spiralized zucchini instead of pasta for a lighter take.
20. Bean Salad
Marinate canned beans with fresh herbs, garlic, and red wine vinegar for an easy and protein-packed salad. Great for picnics or on-the-go meals with your ham sandwiches.
21. Leafy Green Salad
A fresh, simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing adds brightness and acidity to complement a creamy ham salad sandwich. Top with avocados, nuts, or shredded cheese for more substance.
22. Quinoa Tabouli Salad
For a nutty, protein-packed side salad, tabouli made with quinoa instead of bulgur wheat is tasty, lighter, and gluten-free. The fresh herbs pair wonderfully with ham’s richness.
23. Tomato and Cucumber Salad
A simple salad of juicy sliced tomatoes and cucumbers dressed with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper is light and refreshing alongside your sandwich.
24. Cauliflower Rice
For a low-carb option, riced cauliflower makes a quick, easy side. Saute it with garlic and seasonings of choice for fluffy “grains” to accompany your ham salad sandwich.
25. Roasted Vegetables
Roast vegetables like cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or root veggies drizzled in olive oil until caramelized and tender. Theirinherent sweetness balances salty meats.
26. Onion Rings
Crispy batter-fried onion rings may not be the healthiest option, but they sure are tasty! Their strong flavor and crunchy texture pairs wonderfully with deli ham.
27. French Fries
Similarly, crispy oven-baked fries are hard to resist with any sandwich. Double-fry for the crispiest exterior to contrast the soft ham salad filling.
28. Fried Green Tomatoes
For a Southern twist, dredge sliced green tomatoes in flour and cornmeal before pan-frying. The tangy flavor and crisp coating complements ham’s saltiness.
29. Potato Pancakes
Delicious latkes or potato pancakes fried up crispy brown make a fun change of pace from fries or chips with your sandwich. Top with applesauce or sour cream.
30. Deviled Eggs
Hard boiled eggs mixed with creamy mayo and mustard make a protein-packed picnic side for your ham sandwiches. Garnish with paprika and fresh chives.
31. Fruit Skewers
Alternate juicy berries and melons on skewers for a hand-held fruit kabob snack alongside sandwiches. They look festive but require minimal work.
32. Hummus and Pita
Nutty, garlicky hummus served with warm pita triangles offers a lighter, Mediterranean change of pace to enjoy with your ham sandwich.
33. Gazpacho
Chilled tomato gazpacho soup shooter drinks are refreshing in hot weather yet still pack savory flavor to complement ham salad sandwiches.
34. Cheese and Crackers
You can never go wrong with a platter of cubed cheeses, meat, and crackers to nibble on. Pepperjack, cheddar, grapes, and grainy crackers are foolproof.
With so many diverse flavors, textures, colors, and nutrition profiles, these tasty sides can keep your ham salad sandwiches exciting meal after meal. Mix and match different pairings to create your perfect meal!
Old Fashioned Ham Salad Spread
FAQ
What goes with sandwiches instead of chips?
