Keto Holiday Ham & Dijon Salad Cups are festive low-carb lettuce cups filled with creamy Dijon ham salad, crunchy vegetables, and holiday herbs. These easy, refreshing keto cups make the perfect Christmas lunch, appetizer, or light meal while staying gluten-free and sugar-free.

About This Recipe

These Keto Holiday Ham & Dijon Salad Cups are a festive, refreshing, and ultra-versatile holiday-season recipe that works for lunch, appetizers, party trays, or a simple low-carb meal. Instead of sugary glazes or heavy casseroles, this recipe transforms leftover holiday ham into a creamy, tangy Dijon salad that’s full of flavor but still light and clean. Served inside crisp lettuce cups, the result is a bright, crunchy, satisfying dish that keeps carbs low while delivering big seasonal taste.

The base of the salad is diced ham, perfect for using leftovers after Christmas or Thanksgiving. It’s combined with a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of sweetener. This creates a balanced, slightly tangy sauce that pairs beautifully with salty ham. Celery and red onion add crunch and freshness, while parsley enhances the holiday character of the dish without overpowering it.

Lettuce cups make the perfect vehicle for this salad. They add crisp texture, keep the dish handheld and easy to serve, and eliminate the need for tortillas or bread. This makes the recipe fully keto-friendly and naturally gluten-free. These cups are also extremely easy to customize—add pickles for brightness, cheese for richness, or avocado for extra creaminess.

Because the ham salad stores well in the fridge, it’s ideal for meal prep or holiday entertaining. Make the mixture ahead and assemble the lettuce cups right before serving. Whether you want a fresh and festive lunch or a holiday appetizer that fits perfectly into a keto lifestyle, these ham and Dijon salad cups deliver flavor, convenience, and holiday cheer in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect use for holiday ham leftovers
Fresh, crisp, and satisfying
Great for lunches or party appetizers
Naturally gluten-free and keto
Creamy Dijon dressing with seasonal flavor
Ready in minutes
Easy to meal-prep
Light but filling

Ingredients

Ham Salad

1 cup diced cooked ham
1/4 cup diced celery
2 tbsp diced red onion
1 tbsp chopped parsley

Dijon Dressing

2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp granular sweetener
Pinch of salt
Pinch of black pepper

To Serve

6 large lettuce leaves (romaine or butter lettuce)

Optional Toppings

Extra parsley
Cracked black pepper
Chopped pickles

Instructions

Add diced ham, celery, red onion, and parsley to a bowl.
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon, vinegar, sweetener, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the ham mixture and stir to combine.
Spoon the ham salad into lettuce leaves.
Add optional toppings if desired.
Serve immediately or chill until ready to eat.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 280
Fat: 20g
Protein: 18g
Net Carbs: 3g

FAQ

Can I use turkey instead of ham?
Yes—works perfectly.
Can I make the salad ahead?
Yes, store the ham mixture separately and assemble cups when serving.
Can I add cheese?
Cheddar or Swiss works great.
Can I use sugar-free pickles?
Yes—adds a nice tang.
Do lettuce cups get soggy?
Only if pre-assembled far ahead; fill right before serving.

Variations & Substitutions

Add chopped pickles for extra brightness
Add diced avocado for creaminess
Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter dressing
Add a pinch of smoked paprika
Use shredded lettuce and make it a bowl instead

Serving Suggestions

Serve as holiday lunch
Use as keto appetizer cups
Pair with a warm winter soup

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