Woolworths Ham Salad is a classic Australian favorite that combines fresh, crisp vegetables with savory ham for a satisfying and healthy meal. This recipe captures the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it ideal for a quick lunch or light dinner. We love how simple ingredients come together to create something so delicious and refreshing.
What sets this ham salad apart is its versatility and ease of preparation. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a last-minute dish, this recipe delivers on taste without any fuss. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy Woolworths’ quality ham paired with vibrant greens and a tangy dressing that ties everything together beautifully.
Ingredients
To craft the perfect Woolworths Ham Salad, we rely on fresh, high-quality ingredients that bring every bite to life. Below, you’ll find a complete list of what we need for both the vibrant salad and the tangy dressing that makes this dish unforgettable.
Salad Ingredients
- 200g Woolworths premium ham, sliced or diced
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (baby spinach, rocket, and cos lettuce)
- 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red capsicum (bell pepper), thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, finely sliced
- 1/2 cup grated carrot
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional for a salty kick)
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
| Ingredient | Quantity | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Woolworths premium ham | 200g | Sliced or diced |
| Mixed salad greens | 4 cups | Washed and dried |
| Cucumber | 1 large | Thinly sliced |
| Cherry tomatoes | 1 cup | Halved |
| Red capsicum | 1 | Thinly sliced |
| Red onion | 1 small | Finely sliced |
| Grated carrot | 1/2 cup | Freshly grated |
| Fresh parsley | 1/4 cup | Chopped |
| Sliced black olives | 1/4 cup (optional) | |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 3 tablespoons | |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1 tablespoon | |
| Dijon mustard | 1 teaspoon | |
| Honey | 1 teaspoon | |
| Garlic | 1 clove | Minced |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Equipment Needed
To prepare our Woolworths Ham Salad efficiently and with ease, we will need the following essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment ensures precise chopping, mixing, and serving, which helps preserve the fresh flavors and textures in the salad.
Essential Tools for Preparation
- Cutting board: Choose a sturdy cutting board to safely chop vegetables and ham.
- Sharp chef’s knife: A sharp knife provides clean cuts for crisp salad ingredients.
- Large mixing bowl: We need this to combine all salad components without spilling.
- Small bowl: Perfect for whisking together the tangy dressing ingredients.
- Whisk or fork: For blending the dressing smoothly.
- Measuring spoons: To accurately measure ingredients like olive oil, vinegar, and honey.
- Grater: Required for finely grating the carrot to add subtle sweetness.
- Salad tongs or serving utensils: For tossing and serving the finished salad with ease.
Optional Tools That Enhance Convenience
- Salad spinner: To thoroughly wash and dry the salad greens, ensuring crispness.
- Mandoline slicer: If you want perfectly even slices of cucumber or capsicum.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Cutting board | Safe and stable surface for chopping |
| Sharp chef’s knife | Precise cutting of ham and vegetables |
| Large mixing bowl | Mixing salad ingredients thoroughly |
| Small bowl | Preparing and blending the dressing |
| Whisk or fork | Smooth emulsification of dressing ingredients |
| Measuring spoons | Accurate ingredient measurement |
| Grater | Grating carrot finely for texture and flavor |
| Salad tongs/serving utensils | Tossing and serving the salad |
| Salad spinner (optional) | Drying salad greens for optimal crispness |
| Mandoline slicer (optional) | Uniform slicing of vegetables |
Instructions
Follow these clear steps to create our vibrant Woolworths Ham Salad that combines fresh ingredients and a tangy dressing for a delicious meal.
Prep the Ingredients
- Wash all fresh vegetables thoroughly under cold running water.
- Slice 1 cup of cherry tomatoes in halves for juicy bursts of flavor.
- Dice half a medium cucumber into bite-sized pieces for crispness.
- Thinly slice 1 small red onion into rings to add a mild sharpness.
- Cut 1 red capsicum into thin strips for a sweet crunch.
- Grate 1 medium carrot finely to add a subtle sweetness.
- Chop 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley finely for a herbaceous finish.
- Slice 200g premium Woolworths ham into strips or bite-sized chunks.
- If using, pit and halve 10 black olives for briny contrast.
- Place all prepared vegetables and ham into a large mixing bowl and toss gently.
Make the Dressing
We create a zesty dressing that perfectly complements the Woolworths Ham Salad with these measured ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Extra virgin olive oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Apple cider vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
| Dijon mustard | 1 teaspoon |
| Honey | 1 teaspoon |
| Minced garlic | 1 small clove (minced) |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Freshly ground black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
- In a small bowl, combine all dressing ingredients.
- Use a whisk or fork to whisk vigorously until the dressing emulsifies and becomes silky.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed for balance between sweet, tangy, and savory.
Assemble the Salad
- Pour the freshly made dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl.
- Use salad tongs to toss everything evenly ensuring each bite is coated with the dressing.
- Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
- Serve immediately or chill for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate our Woolworths Ham Salad experience, we can explore a variety of serving options that complement its fresh and savory profile. Here are several impressive ways to enjoy this vibrant salad:
- Serve on a Bed of Toasted Sourdough Bread
Layering the salad over toasted sourdough adds a crunchy texture and a slight tang that balances the ham’s saltiness. The bread soaks up the zesty dressing, creating a satisfying bite.
- Wrap in a Soft Tortilla or Flatbread
For a portable meal, spread the salad mixture inside a soft tortilla or flatbread. Roll it tightly to keep all the flavors intact, making it ideal for lunch or a picnic.
- Pair with Freshly Baked Crackers
Scoop portions of the Woolworths Ham Salad onto your favorite crackers. The crispiness contrasts perfectly with the tender ham and crisp vegetables, making them great appetizers or snacks.
- Top with a Poached Egg
Adding a perfectly poached egg enriches the salad with creamy, runny yolk that ties the ingredients together. This option is excellent for brunch or a more filling dinner.
- Accompany with a Light Soup
To create a balanced meal, serve the ham salad alongside a warm bowl of vegetable or pumpkin soup. The cool freshness of the salad contrasts delightfully with the warm, comforting soup.
Suggested Beverage Pairings
To enhance the meal further, here are ideal drinks to serve with our Woolworths Ham Salad:
| Beverage | Flavor Profile | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Sauvignon Blanc | Crisp, citrusy, and herbaceous | Cuts through the richness of ham |
| Sparkling Water | Clean and refreshing with bubbles | Cleanses the palate |
| Light Lager | Mild malt flavor with slight bitterness | Complements the savory and fresh salad components |
| Iced Green Tea | Earthy and slightly sweet | Refreshes and balances salad flavors |
Tip: For a family-style presentation, serve the salad in a large, colorful bowl with wooden salad tongs to encourage sharing and casual dining.
By exploring these Serving Suggestions, we can transform our Woolworths Ham Salad into versatile meals perfect for any occasion without compromising on its vibrant flavors and fresh appeal.
Storage Tips
To keep our Woolworths Ham Salad fresh and flavorful longer, we follow precise storage steps:
- Separate the dressing from the salad when storing leftovers. This prevents the greens and vegetables from becoming soggy.
- Use an airtight container to maintain crispness and avoid absorbing other fridge odors.
- Store the salad ingredients and dressing in the fridge at or below 40°F (4°C) for optimal freshness.
- For longer storage, wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap or foil to preserve its juiciness and aroma.
| Item | Storage Method | Storage Duration | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chopped Salad Greens | Airtight container | Up to 2 days | ≤ 40°F (4°C) |
| Cooked Woolworths Ham | Wrapped tightly in foil/plastic wrap | Up to 3-5 days | ≤ 40°F (4°C) |
| Dressing | Separate airtight container | Up to 1 week | ≤ 40°F (4°C) |
Pro Tip: “If we plan to prepare the salad in advance for meal prepping, we keep the components separate — ham, veggies, and dressing — and combine them just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.”
To serve chilled salad, we refrigerate it for no more than 30 minutes after dressing to maintain that vibrant crunch and tangy dressing balance.
By following these storage guidelines, our Woolworths Ham Salad stays deliciously fresh whether for a quick lunch or a fulfilling dinner.
Conclusion
Woolworths Ham Salad offers a perfect blend of fresh ingredients and savory ham that fits effortlessly into our busy lives. Its versatility makes it ideal for quick meals, meal prepping, or casual gatherings. By following simple preparation and storage tips, we can enjoy this vibrant salad anytime without sacrificing flavor or freshness. Whether served on its own or paired with complementary sides and drinks, it’s a delicious, satisfying option that always hits the mark.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Woolworths Ham Salad?
Woolworths Ham Salad is a popular Australian dish featuring premium ham mixed with fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing. It’s known for its balance of flavors, texture, and simplicity, making it perfect for quick meals or meal prep.
What ingredients are needed for Woolworths Ham Salad?
Key ingredients include 200g premium ham, mixed salad greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red capsicum, red onion, grated carrot, fresh parsley, and optional black olives. The dressing requires olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, and seasoning.
What tools do I need to prepare the salad?
Essential tools are a sturdy cutting board, sharp chef’s knife, large mixing bowl, small bowl for dressing, whisk or fork, measuring spoons, grater, and salad tongs. Optional tools: salad spinner and mandoline slicer.
How do I make the dressing for Woolworths Ham Salad?
Whisk together extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, and seasoning until fully emulsified and smooth. This adds a zesty, tangy flavor that complements the salad.
Can Woolworths Ham Salad be made ahead?
Yes, but store the dressing separately from the salad to avoid sogginess. Keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge at or below 40°F (4°C) for optimal freshness.
What are some serving suggestions for this salad?
Try it on toasted sourdough, inside a tortilla wrap, with crackers, topped with a poached egg, or paired with a light soup. It’s versatile and complements many meal styles.
What drinks pair well with Woolworths Ham Salad?
Ideal beverage pairings include Sauvignon Blanc, sparkling water, light lager, or iced green tea. These drinks complement the salad’s fresh and tangy flavors.
How should leftovers be stored?
Separate the dressing from the salad, store each in airtight containers, and refrigerate at or below 40°F (4°C). Use leftovers within 2-3 days for best taste and freshness.
Is Woolworths Ham Salad healthy?
Yes, it combines lean ham with fresh vegetables and a light dressing, making it a nutritious, balanced option suitable for lunch or dinner.
Can I customize the salad ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to add or omit vegetables, switch dressings, or include extras like olives or herbs based on your taste preferences.