How to Make Fleischsalat – A Traditional German Meat Salad
Fleischsalat is a creamy German meat salad made with finely sliced ham, gherkins, onion, and mayonnaise. I first tried it years ago when visiting Germany with Mike — his family always had a container of it in the fridge. I wasn’t sure at first, but after one bite, I was hooked. It’s not something you can easily find here in Australia, so making it at home has become our tradition. We enjoy it on buttered bread or toast, and for a true German touch, we often top it with a little curry ketchup.

Fleischsalat – Traditional German Meat Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup finely sliced ham 100g
- 1 cup finely sliced sweet & sour gherkins 120g
- 1 cup mayonnaise 250g
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion 20g
Instructions
- Slice ham
- Slice gherkins
- Chop onion
- Add mayonnaise
- Mix ingredients
- Serve and enjoy
Video
Notes
- Storage: Keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days in a sealed container.
- Serving suggestion: Spread on rye, whole grain, or sourdough bread with butter.
- Curry ketchup: A popular topping in Germany. You can find my homemade version here.
- Flexibility: Swap ham for Mortadella, Devon, or Strasbourg. Keep the meat, pickles, and mayo in equal proportions.







