Creamy Chicken and Ham Salad with Peppers

This Creamy Chicken and Ham Salad with Peppers is a flavorful, protein-packed salad made with tender chicken, diced ham, tangy peppers, and a rich creamy dressing. It is hearty enough for lunch but easy enough to serve as a quick side dish, sandwich filling, or party salad.

The combination of savory chicken and ham with the bright flavor of peppers gives this salad plenty of texture and balance. It is especially convenient when you have leftover cooked chicken and want an easy make-ahead recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare
• Uses cooked chicken and ham
• Creamy and flavorful
• Great for sandwiches and wraps
• Perfect for meal prep
• Easy to customize
• No complicated cooking required

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
• 1 1/2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 1/2 cup banana peppers or pepperoncini, chopped
• 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
• 1/3 cup finely diced celery
• 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, optional

For the Creamy Dressing

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt, to taste

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Ham Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Chop or shred the cooked chicken into bite-size pieces.

Place it in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Add the Ham

Dice the cooked ham into small pieces and add it to the bowl with the chicken.

Step 3: Prepare the Peppers

Drain the banana peppers or pepperoncini well and chop them into small pieces.

Chop the roasted red peppers and add both to the mixing bowl.

Step 4: Add the Vegetables

Add the diced celery and red onion.

If using shredded cheddar cheese, add it at this stage.

Step 5: Make the Dressing

In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and a small amount of salt.

Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Combine the Salad

Pour the dressing over the chicken and ham mixture.

Gently stir until all ingredients are evenly coated.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust

Taste the salad and add more black pepper, salt, mustard, or lemon juice if needed.

Step 8: Chill

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

This allows the flavors to blend and gives the salad a better texture.

Step 9: Serve

Serve chilled in a bowl, on lettuce, in sandwiches, wraps, croissants, or with crackers.

Tips for the Best Chicken and Ham Salad

• Drain the peppers well: Excess liquid can make the dressing too thin.
• Use cooled chicken: Warm chicken can loosen the creamy dressing.
• Cut ingredients evenly: Small, similar-size pieces make the salad easier to eat.
• Chill before serving: The flavor improves after a short rest in the refrigerator.
• Adjust the tang: Add extra Dijon mustard or lemon juice for a sharper flavor.
• Do not over-salt: Ham and peppers can already contain plenty of salt.

Easy Variations

Cheesy Chicken and Ham Salad

Add 1 cup shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Swiss cheese.

Spicy Chicken and Ham Salad

Add chopped jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a few dashes of hot sauce.

Ranch Chicken and Ham Salad

Add 1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning to the dressing.

Chicken and Ham Pasta Salad

Fold in 2 to 3 cups cooled cooked pasta for a more filling side dish.

Low-Carb Chicken and Ham Salad

Serve the salad in lettuce cups instead of bread or wraps.

What to Serve with Chicken and Ham Salad

• Crackers
• Croissants
• Sandwich bread
• Tortilla wraps
• Fresh lettuce
• Tomato slices
• Potato chips
• Fresh fruit

Serving Ideas

As a Sandwich

Spoon the salad onto toasted sandwich bread, croissants, or rolls.

As a Wrap

Add the salad to a tortilla with lettuce and sliced tomato.

As a Salad Bowl

Serve over mixed greens with cucumber and tomatoes.

As an Appetizer

Serve smaller portions with crackers or toasted baguette slices.

Make-Ahead Instructions

This salad can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead.

Store it covered in the refrigerator and stir well before serving.

If the dressing thickens during chilling, stir in a small spoonful of mayonnaise or sour cream.

Storage

Refrigerator

Store leftover chicken and ham salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freezing is not recommended because mayonnaise and sour cream can separate after thawing and the vegetables may lose their texture.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: About 45 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Course: Salad, Lunch, Main Dish
• Cuisine: American
• Calories: Approximately 360 calories per serving, depending on portion size and dressing used

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes. Rotisserie chicken works very well and makes this recipe especially quick.

What kind of ham should I use?

Cooked deli ham, leftover baked ham, or diced ham steak all work well.

Can I use pepperoncini instead of banana peppers?

Yes. Pepperoncini and banana peppers both work well and add a bright tangy flavor.

Can I make this salad ahead?

Yes. It can be prepared up to one day ahead and refrigerated until ready to serve.

Can I add cheese?

Yes. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Swiss, or Colby Jack are all good choices.

Can I make it spicy?

Yes. Add jalapeños, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes. Plain Greek yogurt can replace the sour cream for a slightly tangier dressing.

How do I keep the salad from becoming watery?

Drain the peppers thoroughly, use cooled chicken, and avoid adding excess liquid from vegetables.

How long does chicken and ham salad last?

When refrigerated properly in an airtight container, it is best used within three days.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken and Ham Salad with Peppers combines tender chicken, savory ham, tangy peppers, crisp vegetables, and a creamy dressing in one easy recipe.

It is perfect for quick lunches, sandwiches, wraps, meal prep, potlucks, or an easy cold dinner.