Mexican-Inspired Salad with Ham and Cheese

This colorful and vibrant “Mexico” Salad is a delicious and hearty dish that brings together a variety of fresh vegetables, savory ham, and rich cheese for a perfect balance of flavors. Packed with bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and canned corn, it offers a refreshing crunch in every bite. The addition of ham and cheese makes it a filling salad, while the creamy mayonnaise dressing ties everything together. Seasoned with black pepper, salt, and a touch of hot pepper for some heat, this salad is a great option for lunch, dinner, or a side dish at your next gathering.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 200 g ham, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2-3 cucumbers, chopped
  • 2-3 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/2 onion, finely diced
  • 120 g cheese, shredded (cheddar, gouda, or your choice)
  • 1 can canned corn, drained
  • Mayonnaise, for dressing (about 3-4 tablespoons)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Hot pepper (optional), to taste

Steps to Make Mexican-Inspired Salad with Ham and Cheese:

  1. Prepare the Vegetables
    Start by washing all of your vegetables. Dice the red and green bell peppers into small cubes, chop the cucumbers and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces, and finely dice half an onion. Place all the chopped vegetables into a large mixing bowl.
  2. Dice the Ham
    Cut the ham into small, bite-sized cubes. The ham adds a savory and salty flavor to the salad, balancing out the freshness of the vegetables. Add the diced ham to the bowl with the vegetables.
  3. Shred the Cheese
    Shred the cheese using a grater. You can use cheddar, gouda, or any cheese you prefer that melts well and adds a rich flavor to the salad. Once shredded, add the cheese to the bowl with the vegetables and ham.
  4. Add the Canned Corn
    Drain the canned corn thoroughly before adding it to the salad. The corn adds a lovely sweetness and extra crunch to the mix, making the salad even more colorful and flavorful.
  5. Season the Salad
    Season the salad with salt and black pepper to taste. If you like a bit of heat, you can add chopped hot pepper or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. This gives the salad a slight kick that pairs well with the sweet corn and creamy dressing.
  6. Add the Mayonnaise
    Add 3-4 tablespoons of mayonnaise to the salad and gently mix everything together until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing. The mayonnaise adds creaminess and ties all the flavors together, making the salad rich and satisfying.
  7. Chill and Serve
    After mixing, cover the salad and refrigerate it for about 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve the salad chilled for the best taste and texture.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving, based on 4 servings):

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg

Note: These values are estimates and may vary based on portion size and specific ingredient brands.

FAQs:

1. Can I use a different dressing instead of mayonnaise?
Yes! If you prefer a lighter dressing, you can use Greek yogurt, sour cream, or a vinaigrette made with olive oil and lime juice. These alternatives will give the salad a different flavor but will still complement the ingredients well.

2. What type of ham should I use?
You can use any type of ham for this recipe, whether it’s baked ham, smoked ham, or deli ham. If you prefer, you can also substitute the ham with cooked chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a few hours in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to avoid the vegetables becoming too soggy.

4. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! This salad is versatile, and you can add other vegetables like avocado, radishes, or carrots for extra texture and nutrition. Black beans or cooked quinoa can also be added for more protein and fiber.

Tips for Making the Perfect Mexican-Inspired Salad:

  1. Use Fresh, Crisp Vegetables
    For the best results, use fresh, firm vegetables, especially the bell peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes. The freshness of the vegetables will give the salad a nice crunch and elevate its flavor.
  2. Adjust the Heat to Your Preference
    If you’re not a fan of spicy food, you can skip the hot pepper. However, if you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up.
  3. Mix the Salad Gently
    When combining the ingredients, mix the salad gently to avoid breaking up the vegetables and keeping the cheese evenly distributed. This ensures that every bite is full of flavor and texture.
  4. Serve with Tortilla Chips
    For an extra Mexican touch, serve the salad with tortilla chips on the side. The chips add a crunchy element and are great for scooping up the creamy salad.

Storage Tips:

Refrigerating:
This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The vegetables may release some liquid over time, so give the salad a quick stir before serving. If the salad becomes too watery, you can drain off the excess liquid or add a little more mayonnaise to refresh the texture.

Freezing:
It’s not recommended to freeze this salad as the fresh vegetables, mayonnaise, and cheese won’t retain their texture after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days.

Conclusion:

This Mexican-Inspired Salad with Ham and Cheese is a colorful, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy lunch, a side dish for a barbecue, or a fun potluck offering, this salad has you covered. With the combination of crunchy vegetables, savory ham, creamy cheese, and sweet corn, it offers a balance of flavors and textures that’s sure to satisfy. The creamy mayonnaise dressing adds a rich touch, while the optional hot pepper gives a little kick for those who love some spice. This salad is not only delicious but also easy to make and adaptable to your preferences. Give it a try and enjoy a fresh, vibrant meal!

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Mexican-Inspired Salad with Ham and Cheese


  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 15mins

Description

This colorful and vibrant “Mexico” Salad is a delicious and hearty dish that brings together a variety of fresh vegetables, savory ham, and rich cheese for a perfect balance of flavors. Packed with bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and canned corn, it offers a refreshing crunch in every bite. The addition of ham and cheese makes it a filling salad, while the creamy mayonnaise dressing ties everything together. Seasoned with black pepper, salt, and a touch of hot pepper for some heat, this salad is a great option for lunch, dinner, or a side dish at your next gathering.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 200 g ham, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 23 cucumbers, chopped
  • 23 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/2 onion, finely diced
  • 120 g cheese, shredded (cheddar, gouda, or your choice)
  • 1 can canned corn, drained
  • Mayonnaise, for dressing (about 3-4 tablespoons)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Hot pepper (optional), to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables
    Start by washing all of your vegetables. Dice the red and green bell peppers into small cubes, chop the cucumbers and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces, and finely dice half an onion. Place all the chopped vegetables into a large mixing bowl.
  2. Dice the Ham
    Cut the ham into small, bite-sized cubes. The ham adds a savory and salty flavor to the salad, balancing out the freshness of the vegetables. Add the diced ham to the bowl with the vegetables.
  3. Shred the Cheese
    Shred the cheese using a grater. You can use cheddar, gouda, or any cheese you prefer that melts well and adds a rich flavor to the salad. Once shredded, add the cheese to the bowl with the vegetables and ham.
  4. Add the Canned Corn
    Drain the canned corn thoroughly before adding it to the salad. The corn adds a lovely sweetness and extra crunch to the mix, making the salad even more colorful and flavorful.
  5. Season the Salad
    Season the salad with salt and black pepper to taste. If you like a bit of heat, you can add chopped hot pepper or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. This gives the salad a slight kick that pairs well with the sweet corn and creamy dressing.
  6. Add the Mayonnaise
    Add 3-4 tablespoons of mayonnaise to the salad and gently mix everything together until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing. The mayonnaise adds creaminess and ties all the flavors together, making the salad rich and satisfying.
  7. Chill and Serve
    After mixing, cover the salad and refrigerate it for about 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve the salad chilled for the best taste and texture.
  • Prep Time: 15mins