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Summer Dinner Ideas — Leftover Ham Recipes Use It Tonight - Easy, Fresh, and Fast

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Leftover ham: diced, sliced, or shredded
  • Fresh produce: cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, bell peppers, corn (fresh or canned), arugula, mixed greens, romaine, avocado
  • Herbs: basil, parsley, cilantro, chives, dill
  • Cheese: feta, fresh mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, goat cheese
  • Grains and carbs: pasta (short cuts like rotini or penne), quinoa, couscous, rice, naan or flatbread, tortillas, crusty bread
  • Pantry staples: olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon, Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, garlic, chili flakes
  • Add-ins: olives, capers, pickled jalapeños, canned chickpeas, pine nuts or almonds
  • Sauces and extras: pesto, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, hot sauce

Method
 

  1. Chopped Ham Summer Salad: Toss diced ham with chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and feta. Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and cracked pepper. Add fresh basil and parsley. Serve over greens or eat as is.
  2. Ham and Corn Pasta Salad: Cook short pasta until just tender, then rinse under cold water. Mix in ham, sweet corn, diced bell peppers, and chives. Dress with a blend of mayo, Greek yogurt, lemon zest, Dijon, and a touch of honey. Chill 20 minutes if you can.
  3. Summer Ham Flatbread: Warm naan or flatbread. Spread a thin layer of pesto, scatter sliced ham, cherry tomatoes, and torn mozzarella. Bake or toast until cheese melts. Finish with arugula and a drizzle of olive oil.
  4. Ham, Avocado, and Herb Wraps: Layer tortillas with hummus or ranch, add sliced ham, avocado, cucumbers, and lettuce. Sprinkle dill and chives. Roll tightly and slice in half.
  5. Citrus Ham Grain Bowl: Combine warm quinoa or rice with ham, roasted or fresh corn, diced tomatoes, and cilantro. Make a quick dressing with olive oil, lime juice, a pinch of chili flakes, and salt. Top with avocado and a spoon of yogurt.
  6. Skillet Ham and Zucchini: Sauté sliced zucchini in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden. Add diced ham and a bit of garlic for one minute. Toss with lemon juice, parsley, and grated Parmesan. Serve with crusty bread.
  7. Ham Caprese Toss: Mix ham with cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. Add basil, olive oil, and balsamic. Serve over baby arugula for a fast no-cook dinner.
  8. BBQ Ham Sliders: Warm shredded ham with a little barbecue sauce. Pile onto slider buns with crunchy slaw (bagged is fine) and pickles. Great for a crowd or a casual night.
  9. 15-Minute Ham Fried Rice: Sauté diced carrots and peas in oil. Add cooked, cooled rice and diced ham. Push to the side, scramble an egg, then mix. Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, and scallions.
  10. Ham and White Bean Toss: Rinse canned white beans, then mix with ham, chopped tomatoes, red onion, and parsley. Dress with olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and black pepper. Spoon over toasted bread.