Kentucky Country Ham Salad Recipe

Name: Kentucky Country Ham Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3/4 cup pecan pieces; 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon Essence, recipe follows; 1 cup diced unpeeled Granny Smith apples, tossed with lemon juice to prevent discoloration; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 1 tablespoon chopped shallots; 1 teaspoon Kentucky bourbon; 1/2 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons sour cream; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 head Kentucky bibb lettuce, separated into leaves, washed and spun dry; 1 bunch watercress, stems removed, washed and spun dry; 1 cup julienned baked Kentucky country-cured ham; 6 ounces Kentucky Port Salut cheese, cubed; Chopped chives, garnish

Servings: persons

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3/4 cup pecan pieces
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon Essence, recipe follows
1 cup diced unpeeled Granny Smith apples, tossed with lemon juice to prevent discoloration
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon chopped shallots
1 teaspoon Kentucky bourbon
1/2 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons sour cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 head Kentucky bibb lettuce, separated into leaves, washed and spun dry
1 bunch watercress, stems removed, washed and spun dry
1 cup julienned baked Kentucky country-cured ham
6 ounces Kentucky Port Salut cheese, cubed
Chopped chives, garnish

1
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
2
Add the pecans, and cook, stirring, until lightly toasted and fragrant, 3 minutes.
3
Add the sugar and Essence, and cook, stirring, until the sugar is melted, 30 seconds.
4
Add the apples and cook until the sugar is caramelized and the apples are tender, about 3 minutes.
5
Remove from the heat and transfer to a baking sheet lined with waxed paper or aluminum foil, and separate with a fork.
6
In a bowl, whisk together the vinegar, shallots, and bourbon.
7
Add the oil, whisking, until smooth.
8
Add the sour cream, salt, and pepper, and whisk until smooth.
9
Adjust seasoning, to taste.
10
In a large bowl, place the whole lettuce leaves, watercress, ham, and cheese.
11
Add about 1/2 cup of dressing and toss to coat.
12
Divide among plates and top with the candied apples and pecans.
13
Drizzle with dressing and top with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
14
Sprinkle with chives and serve.
15
2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
16
2 tablespoons salt
17
2 tablespoons garlic powder
18
1 tablespoon black pepper
19
1 tablespoon onion powder
20
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
21
1 tablespoon dried oregano
22
1 tablespoon dried thyme
23
Combine all ingredients thoroughly.
24
Recipe from New New Orleans Cooking by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch, Published by William and Morrow, 1993

1024

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 17 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 3/4 cup pecan pieces, 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon Essence, recipe follows, and more.

Yes, Kentucky Country Ham Salad falls under the Salads category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoy within 1–2 days for the best freshness. Best served cold — no reheating needed.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Kentucky Country Ham Salad

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions