Discover the ultimate blend of convenience and flavor with this Creamy Low-Carb Ham and Cabbage Salad. Bursting with savory ham, crisp vegetables, and a tantalizingly zesty mustard dressing, this dish isn’t just a side; it’s a complete, satisfying meal that comes together in an astonishing 15 minutes. Perfectly tailored for those on a keto journey or anyone seeking a quick, healthy, and incredibly delicious lunch or light dinner, this salad promises a delightful culinary experience without compromising on your dietary goals. Its simplicity makes it an instant favorite, ensuring you can enjoy a wholesome, flavor-packed meal even on your busiest days.
The Perfect Harmony: Ham and Cabbage
Prepare to revolutionize your low-carb lunch routine with this incredibly easy, flavorful, and remarkably filling Keto Ham and Cabbage Salad. It stands out as an ideal solution for utilizing leftover ham, whether it’s a succulent keto glazed ham from a holiday meal or simple deli slices you have on hand. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability; feel free to swap in other protein sources like leftover roasted turkey or any variety of deli meat that awaits in your refrigerator. However, the distinct, slightly sweet, and salty notes of ham truly elevate this salad, creating a flavor profile that perfectly complements the tangy Dijon mustard dressing.
One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is the minimal preparation required. By opting for pre-shredded coleslaw mix, you bypass the need for extensive chopping, significantly cutting down on your kitchen time. The combination of tender ham and crunchy cabbage provides a satisfying textural contrast, making each bite an enjoyable experience. This dish isn’t just about convenience; it’s about delivering a balanced, nutrient-rich meal that keeps you feeling full and energized without the heavy carb load. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary.
Unveiling the Zesty Heart: Creamy Cabbage Salad Dressing
When it comes to the art of salad making, dressings play a pivotal role, defining the character of the dish. This Creamy Ham and Cabbage Salad distinguishes itself with an exceptionally tangy and rich dressing that transforms humble ingredients into a gourmet experience. Crafted from a harmonious blend of creamy mayonnaise, refreshing sour cream, bright lemon juice, and pungent Dijon mustard, this dressing is a masterpiece in itself. We highly recommend tasting the dressing on its own before incorporating it into the salad; you’ll be genuinely amazed by its vibrant and addictive flavor.
The versatility of this dressing extends far beyond this particular salad. Consider using it as a delectable spread to elevate your keto sandwiches, adding a burst of flavor that complements various fillings. It also serves as an outstanding special sauce for your favorite burgers, imparting a creamy, tangy kick. Furthermore, its robust profile makes it a fantastic general-purpose dressing for other low-carb salad recipes, offering a consistent and delightful flavor across a range of ingredients. This dressing is not just an accompaniment; it’s a culinary secret weapon that enhances almost any meal.
A Keto Dream: The Nutritional Power of Ham Salad
Despite being generously packed with both succulent ham and a colorful array of fresh vegetables—including crisp cabbage, tender zucchini, and juicy tomatoes—each serving of this Keto Ham Salad remarkably contains only 3 grams of net carbs. This impressive nutritional profile is precisely why it has become a staple in many low-carb and keto meal plans. It offers the freedom to enjoy a substantial, satisfying portion that truly fills you up, all while staying well within your carbohydrate limits. It’s a guilt-free indulgence that proves healthy eating can be both delicious and incredibly satiating.
Beyond its fantastic carb count, this salad is exceptionally easy to customize to your personal preferences or what you have available in your pantry. Not a fan of tomatoes? Simply omit them. If zucchini isn’t your preferred vegetable, feel free to substitute it with yellow squash, thinly sliced radishes, or even jicama for an added crunch. For those without sour cream, unsweetened plain Greek yogurt makes an excellent, tangy, and equally creamy alternative, adding a beneficial boost of protein. This flexibility ensures that the recipe remains accessible and enjoyable for everyone, making it a go-to choice for diverse tastes and dietary needs. Embrace the freedom to experiment and make this versatile salad truly your own.
Perfect Pairings: What to Eat With Your Ham and Cabbage Salad
While this Low-Carb Ham and Cabbage Salad is hearty and fulfilling enough to stand alone as a main course, pairing it with a complementary side can elevate your meal to a new level of culinary delight. Soups, in particular, offer a wonderful contrast and can create a truly comforting and complete dining experience. Given the richness of the salad, we recommend opting for lighter, yet still flavorful, soup options to maintain a balanced meal.
Consider serving your salad alongside a vibrant Keto Turmeric Zucchini Soup. Its light texture and bold, earthy notes from the turmeric will provide a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy salad. Another fantastic option is a Low-Carb Dill Pickle Soup with Bacon, which bursts with fresh, tangy dill flavor, adding an unexpected but delightful dimension to your meal. If you’re looking for something more substantial to satisfy a significant hunger, an indulgent Keto Bread Bowl with Cream of Chicken Soup makes an excellent pairing, offering a warm, hearty element that perfectly complements the cool, crisp salad. For a truly classic combination, a rich and savory Keto French Onion Soup can create an unforgettable dining experience, with its deep flavors and comforting warmth harmonizing beautifully with the zesty salad. These thoughtful pairings ensure that every meal is not just satisfying, but also a memorable culinary journey.
Meal Prep Made Easy: How To Store Your Creamy Ham and Cabbage Salad
Effective meal preparation is a cornerstone of maintaining a healthy, low-carb lifestyle, and this Creamy Low-Carb Ham and Cabbage Salad fits perfectly into that routine. To preserve its freshness and flavors, store any leftover salad in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated. When properly stored, it will maintain its quality for up to three days. Beyond this period, the dressing tends to penetrate the vegetables and cabbage more deeply, causing them to soften and lose some of their desirable crispness. While still edible, the texture will be less vibrant.
For the absolute best taste and textural experience, this salad truly shines when it’s freshly prepared. The crispness of the cabbage and vegetables, combined with the vibrant zest of the dressing, is at its peak immediately after mixing. However, for those who prioritize convenience, incorporating it into your weekly meal prep is still a fantastic option. We recommend consuming it within one to two days of preparation to enjoy it at its prime. This strategy allows you to benefit from having a healthy, ready-to-eat meal on hand while still maximizing the salad’s quality. When planning your meals, consider making a fresh batch every couple of days to always have that perfect, crisp salad experience.
Creamy Low-Carb Ham and Cabbage Salad Recipe
Ready to whip up this incredibly simple yet satisfying low-carb ham and cabbage salad? Below you’ll find a detailed list of ingredients, complete with step-by-step instructions. The exact measurements and a convenient printable recipe card are provided further down, ensuring you have everything you need to recreate this delicious dish with ease. Get ready to enjoy a healthy, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Servings: 6
Net Carbs: 3 net carbs per serving
Ingredients
- Ham (cubed, preferably leftover or deli)
- Coleslaw Mix (pre-shredded cabbage for convenience)
- Roma Tomatoes (diced)
- Green Onions (chopped)
- Zucchini (chopped)
- Mayonnaise (full-fat for keto)
- Sour Cream (full-fat)
- Fresh Lemon Juice
- Dijon Mustard
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Directions
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, cubed ham, chopped zucchini, diced Roma tomatoes, and most of the chopped green onions. Toss these ingredients gently to ensure they are well combined.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting for your preferred balance of flavors.
3. Pour the prepared creamy dressing mixture over the ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Toss everything thoroughly until all the ham and vegetables are evenly coated with the zesty dressing.
4. Serve the salad immediately, garnished with the remaining chopped green onions for a fresh finish. Alternatively, you can chill the salad in the refrigerator for a short period before serving if you prefer it colder.
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Creamy Low Carb Ham and Cabbage Salad
Filled with meat and veggies and smothered in a zesty mustard dressing, this low-carb ham and cabbage salad is a complete meal that’s ready in minutes.
lunch, Salad, Side Dish
ham and cabbage salad, keto ham salad, low carb salad
Ingredients
-
8
ounces
Cubed Ham -
10
ounces
Bag Coleslaw Mix
or shredded cabbage -
2
Roma Tomatoes
diced -
1/4
cup
Chopped Green Onions -
1
medium
Zucchini
chopped -
1/3
cup
Mayonnaise -
1/3
cup
Sour Cream -
1
tbsp
Lemon Juice -
1
tsp
Dijon Mustard -
Salt and Pepper
to taste
Instructions
Add the coleslaw, ham, tomatoes, zucchini, and most of the green onions to a large mixing bowl, and toss to combine well.
In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, dijon mustard and salt and pepper to taste.
Pour the dressing mixture into the large mixing bowl, and toss to coat and combine well.
Serve immediately garnished with the remaining green onions, or chill before serving if desired.
Recipe Notes
Calories: 245 kcal
Net Carbs: 3 Net Carbs Per Serving
The nutritional information for this recipe is calculated as a courtesy and is an approximate only. We cannot guarantee the absolute accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipes on this site, as it may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.
More Delicious Keto Salad Recipes to Explore
If you’ve thoroughly enjoyed creating and savoring this Keto Ham and Cabbage Salad, you’re in for a treat! The world of low-carb salads is vast and exciting, offering endless possibilities for delicious, healthy meals. We’ve curated a selection of some of our favorite keto-friendly salad recipes that we highly recommend you try next. Each one is designed to be flavorful, easy to make, and perfectly aligned with your low-carb lifestyle, ensuring variety and excitement in your meal plan. Expand your culinary horizons and discover your next go-to salad!
- Keto Cucumber Cauliflower Salad: A refreshing and crunchy salad, perfect for a light lunch or side dish.
- Keto Big Mac Salad: All the classic flavors of your favorite burger, reimagined as a healthy, low-carb salad.
- Keto Greek Cucumber Salad: A vibrant and tangy salad bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
- Low-Carb Thai Cucumber Salad: A unique and exotic twist on cucumber salad, with a delightful spicy kick.
- Keto Christmas Salad: A festive and colorful salad, perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion.