30-Minute Ham & Spinach Quiche Salad That Wows Every Time

By:

Christina R. Jones

June 23, 2025

This post may contain affiliate links learn more

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Let me tell you about my absolute favorite lazy Sunday trick – turning leftovers into something magical. One bleary-eyed morning, staring at leftover Easter ham and wilting spinach, inspiration struck. Why not combine the hearty flavors of quiche with the freshness of salad? That’s how my Ham & Spinach Quiche Salad was born. It’s become my go-to when I want something satisfying but don’t feel like cooking a big production. The best part? You get that rich, eggy quiche taste without fussing with a crust. Whether you need a quick brunch centerpiece or a protein-packed lunch, this dish delivers every time.

Why You’ll Love This Ham & Spinach Quiche Salad

This isn’t just another salad—it’s a game-changer for busy days when you want something hearty without the hassle. Here’s why it’s become my kitchen MVP:

Quick as a wink: From fridge to table in 30 minutes flat (perfect for those “I forgot to plan dinner” emergencies)
Protein powerhouse: Packed with eggs and ham to keep you full for hours
Brunch-worthy but weeknight-easy: Fancy enough for guests, simple enough for Tuesday nights
Cleans out the fridge: That leftover ham and wilting spinach finally have a delicious purpose
No crust drama: All the quiche flavor without wrestling with pastry dough

Trust me, once you try this combo of crispy edges and fresh greens, you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients for Ham & Spinach Quiche Salad

Gathering these simple ingredients is half the battle – and trust me, every single one plays a starring role in this dish. Here’s exactly what you’ll need:

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped – measure after chopping (pack it lightly into the measuring cup)
1 cup cooked ham, diced – I use thick-cut deli ham or leftovers from Sunday dinner
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – those sweet bursts make all the difference
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced – soak in cold water for 5 minutes if you want milder flavor
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese – sharp cheddar gives the best flavor pop
4 large eggs – room temperature eggs blend better
1/4 cup milk – whole milk makes it extra creamy
1 tbsp olive oil – for that perfect golden crust
Salt and pepper to taste – I’m generous with both!

See? Nothing fancy – just good, honest ingredients that work magic together.

How to Make Ham & Spinach Quiche Salad

Okay friends, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens – turning simple ingredients into something spectacular. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a gorgeous quiche salad ready before you know it.

Ham & Spinach Quiche Salad - detail 1

Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base

Grab your biggest bowl – I like to use my favorite wooden salad bowl for this. Toss in the chopped spinach, diced ham, those beautiful halved cherry tomatoes, and the red onion slices. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar over everything and give it all a gentle mix with your hands. You want everything evenly distributed – each bite should be a perfect little flavor explosion!

Step 2: Whisk the Egg Mixture

Now for the quiche part! Crack those eggs into a separate bowl – I always do this on the counter to avoid shell mishaps. Add the milk, a good pinch of salt (I use about 1/2 teaspoon), and several grinds of black pepper. Whisk like crazy until it’s completely smooth and slightly frothy – about 30 seconds of vigorous whisking does the trick. This is what gives our quiche that perfect fluffy texture.

Step 3: Cook and Bake

Here’s where you need to pay attention. Heat your oven-safe skillet over medium heat with that tablespoon of olive oil – wait until it shimmers slightly. Pour in the egg mixture and let it cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until the edges look set. Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven (don’t forget that potholder – that handle gets HOT!). Bake for 12-15 minutes until the center is just set – it should jiggle slightly when shaken. Let it cool for 2 minutes before slicing and serving over your beautiful salad base.

Tips for the Best Ham & Spinach Quiche Salad

After making this recipe more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that take it from good to “Oh my goodness, what IS this?” Here are my can’t-live-without tips:

Skillet smarts: That non-stick skillet isn’t just convenient – it’s your insurance against stuck-on eggs. If you only have cast iron, make sure it’s well-seasoned!
Spice it up: A tiny pinch of nutmeg in the egg mixture adds this mysterious depth that makes people ask “What’s your secret?”
Cheese choices: Swap cheddar for gruyère when you’re feeling fancy – it melts like a dream and pairs perfectly with ham.
Don’t overbake: Pull it from the oven when it’s just set – carryover cooking will finish the job while it rests.

These little touches make all the difference between “nice” and “I need this recipe NOW!”

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it adapts to what you’ve got on hand. Out of ham? No problem – turkey bacon or even cooked chicken works beautifully. Not a spinach fan? Try arugula for a peppery kick or kale for extra crunch. I’ve tossed in sautéed mushrooms when I’m feeling fancy, and my neighbor swears by adding roasted red peppers for color. The eggs and cheese hold everything together, so feel free to play with the mix-ins!

Serving Suggestions for Ham & Spinach Quiche Salad

This beauty shines brightest when served warm over the crisp salad – the contrast of temperatures is everything! For brunch, I love pairing it with crusty sourdough toast and fresh orange slices. At dinnertime, it’s perfect with a simple fruit salad or roasted potatoes. Pro tip: serve immediately so the greens stay bright and the quiche stays gloriously fluffy!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Leftovers? No problem! Store the quiche and salad separately in airtight containers – the quiche keeps beautifully for 3 days in the fridge. Reheat slices in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes (my preference) or microwave for 30-second bursts. Pro tip: add fresh spinach after reheating for that just-made crunch!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the scoop on what you’re eating – per serving, this Ham & Spinach Quiche Salad packs about 280 calories, 22g protein, and 6g carbs. Remember, these are estimates – your exact numbers will dance a bit depending on your cheese choice or ham thickness. But hey, with this much flavor, who’s counting?

Frequently Asked Questions

I get asked about this Ham & Spinach Quiche Salad all the time – here are the answers to the questions that pop up most often:

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw and squeeze out ALL the excess water (I press it between paper towels). Too much moisture will make your quiche soggy. Use about 1/2 cup of thawed spinach to replace the 2 cups fresh.

Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes! Since we’re skipping the crust, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your ham ingredients if you’re super sensitive – some brands add gluten-containing fillers.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Easy fix – just swap the ham for sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers. I sometimes add a handful of sun-dried tomatoes for that savory umami kick.

Why does my quiche stick to the pan?
Oh honey, I’ve been there! Either your skillet wasn’t hot enough before adding eggs, or it needed more oil. Next time, make sure your oil shimmers before pouring, and don’t skimp on that olive oil.

Share Your Creation

I’d love to see your quiche salad masterpiece! Snap a photo of your plate – those golden edges peeking through the greens always make my day.