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This Old—Fashioned Bologna Salad is a nostalgic recipe perfect for lunches, brunches, or whenever you want a comforting, simple spread. It has been a beloved family classic for decades and combines familiar ingredients into a creamy, flavorful salad that pairs beautifully with crackers, rolls, or bread.
I remember making this with my mom as a kid and loving how easy and tasty it was. Now I often make it when friends come by for an easy snack that brings back childhood memories.
Ingredients
- Bologna: choose good quality prepackaged or deli bologna for the best flavor and texture
- Hard—boiled eggs: add creaminess and richness to the salad
- Celery and onion: finely chopped for the perfect crunch, use a food processor if possible to get a consistent texture
- Sweet pickle relish: adds a subtle sweetness, can be swapped for dill pickle relish or omitted if you prefer
- Mayonnaise: use your favorite kind but avoid Miracle Whip if you want true traditional flavor
- Yellow mustard: provides a mild background tang without overpowering the other ingredients
- Salt and fresh black pepper: season the salad to taste for balanced flavor
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Put the bologna, hard—boiled eggs, celery, and onion into a food processor or blender. Add a bit of fresh black pepper for seasoning.
- Pulse to Mince:
- Using short, quick pulses, mince the mixture until it reaches your preferred texture. This can be chunkier or smoother depending on your taste. Scrape down the sides of the processor every 10 pulses to ensure everything is evenly combined.
- Mix the Dressing:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweet pickle relish, mayonnaise, and yellow mustard until smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Chill:
- Add the minced bologna mixture to the dressing bowl and stir to fully incorporate. Cover the bowl and chill the salad for several hours to let the flavors meld. It tastes best after it has rested.
- Serve:
- Scoop the chilled bologna salad onto soft rolls, biscuits, bread slices, or spread it on crackers for a classic and comforting snack or meal.
I love the balance of textures in this salad. The finely minced celery and onion add just enough crunch without becoming overpowering. Preparing it always reminds me of family gatherings where this simple dish would disappear quickly from the table.
Storage Tips
Keep the salad covered tightly in the fridge to avoid drying out or absorbing other odors. If you make it too far in advance, give it a good stir before serving to restore creaminess. Use an airtight container to maintain its freshness and texture best.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use dill pickle relish or chopped pickles if you prefer a less sweet, tangier flavor. Swap yellow mustard for Dijon for a little more bite if desired. If you dislike bologna, a finely chopped cooked ham or turkey could work well as an alternative.
Serving Suggestions
Spread on Ritz crackers for a nostalgic snack. Serve in sandwich form with lettuce and tomato for lunch. Make pinwheels by spreading on tortillas and rolling them up, then slicing into bite—sized pieces.
This old—fashioned bologna salad is an easy, nostalgic crowd—pleaser that comes together fast. Serve it chilled on crackers or soft rolls for a classic, comforting bite.
FAQs About This Recipe
- → What type of bologna works best?
Prepackaged bologna like Oscar Meyer is ideal; use about 1 1/2 pounds, sliced thick or thin to your liking.
- → Is a food processor necessary?
No, finely chopping by hand is possible though takes longer. A blender can also be used in small batches to achieve a minced texture.
- → How can this mixture be served?
Serve as a spread on crackers, rolls, biscuits, or even rolled in tortillas for pinwheel appetizers.
- → Can sweet pickle relish be substituted?
Yes, dill pickle relish can be used or omitted entirely based on personal preference.
- → Can this be frozen?
Freezing is not recommended since the mayonnaise tends to separate upon thawing; refrigeration up to 4-5 days is best.