This dish features savory diced ham tossed in a creamy Dijon dressing and served inside crisp lettuce cups. The salad is mixed with finely diced celery and red onion for a fresh crunch, while chopped parsley adds a vibrant green contrast. With a smooth, glossy coating and a bright, handheld presentation, these cups offer a cool and savory low-carb meal with a tangy, mustard-forward aroma.

About This Recipe

The salad is prepared by combining diced cooked ham with crunchy celery and red onion in a large mixing bowl. A separate dressing is whisked together using mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar, which provides a velvety base that binds the ingredients together. Freshly chopped parsley is folded in at the end to ensure the herbal notes remain bright and integrated throughout the mixture.

The flavor profile is defined by the balance between the salty ham and the sharp, acidic lift of the Dijon mustard and vinegar. A small amount of keto-friendly sweetener is added to the dressing to soften the tanginess, creating a well-rounded savory taste. The use of raw lettuce as a vessel provides a neutral, watery crispness that cleanses the palate between the rich, creamy bites of the ham salad.

Typically served chilled, these lettuce cups are a practical choice for utilizing holiday leftovers or preparing a quick, no-cook lunch. The ham mixture can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld before being spooned into the leaves just before serving. The finished dish has a festive, colorful appearance that is often enhanced with optional toppings like cracked black pepper or chopped pickles for added texture.

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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

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What You’ll Need for These Holiday Ham & Dijon Salad Cups

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

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Step-by-Step Preparation

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

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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.

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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

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Serving Suggestions

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

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Did you make this recipe?

I’d love to hear from you — leave a comment below and tell me how it turned out, what you liked, or if you made any tweaks!

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• Turkey & Cheese Roll-Ups
• Chicken Pesto Salad with Mozzarella & Tomatoes

New keto recipes are added every week — check back often for more low-carb inspiration!