Start by trimming away any large pieces of fat from the Honey Baked Ham. Finely chop the ham into small, uniform pieces using a sharp knife. If you enjoy a smoother texture similar to what you’d find at a deli, pulse the ham a few times in a food processor. Be careful not to over-process it, as the goal is to keep some texture rather than creating a puree.

Having evenly chopped ham helps the dressing coat every piece, resulting in a salad that’s creamy and balanced in every bite.

Wash the celery and parsley thoroughly before preparing them. Dice the celery and red onion into very small pieces so they blend naturally into the salad instead of overpowering it. Finely chop the parsley as well.

Taking a few extra minutes to chop everything evenly makes a noticeable difference in both the appearance and texture of the finished dish. Small pieces ensure that every forkful contains a little bit of everything.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, sweet pickle relish, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until the dressing becomes smooth and fully combined.

Mixing the dressing first ensures that the seasonings are evenly distributed before adding the ham and vegetables. This simple step creates a more consistent flavor throughout the salad.

Add the chopped Honey Baked Ham, celery, onion, and parsley to the prepared dressing. Using a rubber spatula or large spoon, gently fold everything together until each piece of ham is evenly coated.

Avoid stirring too aggressively because that can break the ham into overly small pieces. Once everything is mixed, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Most of the time, the ham provides enough salt on its own.

Although the salad can be served immediately, chilling it for at least 30 minutes produces even better flavor. During this time, the dressing has a chance to absorb into the ham while the vegetables soften slightly without losing their crunch.

Once chilled, give the salad one final stir before serving. If it has thickened a little in the refrigerator, simply mix in a teaspoon of mayonnaise to restore its creamy consistency.