Higbee’s Maurice Salad Recipe: Classic Creamy Dill and Ham Delight

This timeless salad brings together tender ham, crisp vegetables, and a creamy dill dressing that’s both comforting and refreshing. A staple in Midwestern kitchens, it’s the kind of dish that feels special yet effortless.

What makes this recipe stand out is its perfect balance—savory ham, crunchy celery, and a tangy dressing that ties everything together. It’s a classic worth keeping in your rotation for lunches or potlucks.

Ingredients for Higbee’s Maurice Salad

Tender ham, crisp celery, and a creamy dressing bring this classic dish to life.

The ham is key—opt for high-quality deli-style or a baked ham you dice yourself. Boar’s Head or HoneyBaked Ham are excellent choices if available. Fresh dill makes a noticeable difference, so grab a bunch from the produce section rather than the dried stuff. The celery should be bright green and snap when bent (a sign of freshness). For the best texture, dice it small and uniformly.

No fresh dill? Dried works at one-third the amount. Short on mayonnaise? Greek yogurt can substitute half, but the flavor will be tangier. Apple cider vinegar can replace white vinegar in a pinch. If you’re skipping the eggs, add an extra quarter-cup of diced ham to maintain the hearty feel. The Dijon mustard adds depth—don’t skip it.

Assemble just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp. Leftovers hold well for 2-3 days in the fridge, though the dressing may thicken slightly. Store dressing separately if prepping ahead (worth the extra minute).

Step-by-Step Instructions for Higbee’s Maurice Salad

This method ensures a perfectly balanced, creamy composition with authentic dill-forward flavor.

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetable Base

Finely dice the 0.5 whole sweet onion and 2 cups celery into uniform ¼-inch pieces. I recommend using a chef’s knife for precision—this ensures every bite contains an even distribution of texture and flavor.

Place the diced vegetables in a large mixing bowl. The celery should be crisp and fresh, contributing a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy dressing. If your celery strings are tough, remove them with a vegetable peeler before dicing.

Step 2: Incorporate the Protein Elements

Dice the 1 lb cooked ham into small, even cubes, roughly the same size as your vegetables. Add this to the bowl with the onion and celery. The ham should be fully cooked and of high quality—this provides the salty, savory backbone of the dish.

Chop the 4 whole hard-boiled eggs into similar-sized pieces and add them to the mixture. The eggs add richness and a subtle creaminess, complementing the ham’s saltiness. For best results, ensure the eggs are thoroughly chilled before chopping to maintain clean edges.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Dressing

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the 1 cup mayonnaise, 0.5 cup sour cream, 2 tbsp fresh dill, 1 tbsp white vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp granulated sugar, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp black pepper.

The dressing should be smooth and well emulsified, with the dill evenly distributed throughout. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—the vinegar and sugar balance each other, while the Dijon mustard adds a subtle depth without overpowering the fresh dill flavor.

Step 4: Combine and Chill for Optimal Flavor

Pour the dressing over the ham, celery, onion, and egg mixture. Gently fold everything together with a silicone spatula until all ingredients are evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix—you want to maintain the distinct pieces of each component.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling period allows the flavors to meld and the dressing to thicken slightly, enhancing the overall creaminess and cohesion of the salad.

Step 5: Serve on a Crisp Bed

Just before serving, chop the 1 whole iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces. The lettuce provides a refreshing, crisp base that contrasts with the rich, creamy salad. Arrange the lettuce on a serving platter or individual plates.

Spoon the chilled salad over the lettuce and serve immediately. Each serving should showcase the harmonious blend of creamy dressing, savory ham, fresh dill, and crisp vegetables, delivering the classic Maurice salad experience.

Serving Suggestions for This Recipe

Platter Presentation

For gatherings, serve this creation on a large wooden board lined with iceberg lettuce leaves. The natural texture of the wood complements the salad’s creamy appearance. I often add a dill sprig on top for a pop of color and freshness. 💛

Individual Servings

For lunches, portion the salad into butter lettuce cups for an elegant touch. Each cup holds about ½ cup of the mixture. This makes for a beautiful, handheld option that’s perfect for picnics or light meals.

Garnish Ideas

Sprinkle with chopped hard-boiled eggs or a dash of paprika for visual appeal. I also love adding a few extra dill fronds to reinforce the herb’s presence in the dish.

Bread Pairings

Serve with warm dinner rolls or croissants to soak up the creamy dressing. A basket of garlic bread adds a savory contrast that pairs beautifully with the salad’s tangy notes. 🔥

Side Dish Options

Add a side of pickled vegetables or fresh fruit to cut through the richness. I often serve it with sliced cucumbers or watermelon wedges for a refreshing balance.

Temperature Tip

Always serve this chilled but not ice-cold. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes after removing from the fridge to allow the flavors to fully wake up before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions