Description
A creamy and flavorful Chicken Ham and Pea Salad combining tender cooked ham, sweet peas, sharp cheddar cheese, and zesty ranch dressing infused with fresh dill. Perfect for a make-ahead side or light meal, this salad is chilled to enhance its refreshing taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad:
- 36 ounces frozen peas (thawed)
- 2 cups cubed cooked chicken ham
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese (cubed)
- ¼ cup diced red onion
Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, dry ranch seasoning, fresh dill, granulated sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine salad ingredients: To the bowl with the dressing, add the thawed peas, cubed cooked chicken ham, cubed cheddar cheese, and diced red onion. Gently stir everything until all ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 3 hours or overnight. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the salad to become thoroughly chilled before serving.
Notes
- Ensure peas are fully thawed and drained of excess water to avoid a watery salad.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced flavor contrast with the creamy dressing.
- The salad is best served chilled; refrigerate for at least 3 hours or preferably overnight.
- Feel free to substitute chicken ham with smoked turkey or cooked chicken breast for variation.
- This salad can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
