If you’ve never had Bologna Salad, get ready for a retro classic that’s about to make a comeback! This creamy, tangy, and slightly smoky spread is perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or even scooped onto a fresh lettuce wrap. It’s one of those old-school deli favorites that remind you of childhood lunches at Grandma’s house—comforting, simple, and absolutely delicious.
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Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch, a picnic, or just because you have some bologna hanging out in the fridge, this recipe is ridiculously easy and packed with flavor. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy: Ready in just a few minutes with minimal effort.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have.
Creamy & Flavorful: A perfect balance of tangy, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors.
Versatile: Enjoy it as a sandwich filling, a dip, or even as a topping for crackers.
Great for Meal Prep: Stays fresh in the fridge for several days, making it perfect for quick lunches.
Ingredients in Bologna Salad
This recipe is made with just a handful of ingredients, but each one adds its own special touch:
Bologna: The star of the dish! Use your favorite brand—classic, smoked, or even a garlic variety for extra flavor.
Hard-Boiled Eggs: They add richness and texture, making the salad extra creamy.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base that ties everything together. You can also use Miracle Whip for a sweeter, tangier twist.
Mustard: Adds a little zing! Yellow mustard works great, but Dijon or spicy brown mustard can add extra depth.
Sweet Pickle Relish: Brings a touch of sweetness that balances out the salty bologna.
Onion: Finely chopped for a bit of crunch and extra flavor.
Black Pepper: Just a little for seasoning—bologna is already salty, so you don’t need much more.
Instructions
Chop the Bologna & Eggs: Use a food processor for a fine, spreadable texture, or chop them by hand for a chunkier salad.
Mix Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine the bologna, eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, relish, onion, and black pepper. Stir until well mixed.
Adjust to Taste: Want it creamier? Add a little more mayo. Like it tangier? Add a bit more mustard or relish.
Chill for Best Flavor: Let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together.
How to Serve Bologna Salad
- Classic Sandwich: Spread it between two slices of soft white bread for a nostalgic deli-style sandwich.
- Cracker Spread: Serve with buttery crackers or saltines for a quick and tasty snack.
- Lettuce Wraps: Scoop it into crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
- Stuffed Tomatoes: Hollow out a ripe tomato and fill it with the salad for a fun twist.
- Toast Topping: Spread it over a slice of toasted bread for a simple open-faced sandwich.
Additional Tips
- Use a Food Processor: If you like a finer texture, pulse the bologna and eggs in a food processor before mixing with the other ingredients.
- Make It Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne for a little kick.
- Try Different Meats: This recipe works well with ham or even smoked turkey for a variation.
- Make It Lighter: Swap some of the mayo for Greek yogurt or light mayo to cut down on calories.
- Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
A1: Absolutely! It actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors meld together.
Q2: Can I use a different type of mustard?
A2: Yes! Dijon or spicy brown mustard will add more depth of flavor if you prefer something bolder.
Q3: What’s the best way to chop the bologna?
A3: A food processor makes it quick and easy, but you can also finely dice it by hand for a chunkier texture.
Q4: Can I add cheese to this recipe?
A4: Definitely! Shredded cheddar or a little Velveeta can make it extra creamy and rich.
Q5: Is there a low-carb version?
A5: Yes! Swap the sweet relish for chopped dill pickles and use a low-carb mayo. Serve in lettuce wraps instead of bread.
Q6: Can I freeze Bologna Salad?
A6: Not recommended—mayonnaise-based salads don’t freeze well, as they tend to separate when thawed.
Q7: How long does Bologna Salad last in the fridge?
A7: Up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container.
Q8: Can I make this without eggs?
A8: Yes! The eggs add richness, but you can leave them out or replace them with extra bologna or cheese.
Q9: What bread works best for sandwiches?
A9: Soft white bread is classic, but it’s also great on rye, sourdough, or even a croissant.
Q10: Can I use a different meat besides bologna?
A10: Yes! Ham, turkey, or even Spam work well in place of bologna.
Final Thoughts
Bologna Salad is one of those underrated classics that deserves a place in your recipe collection. It’s creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor—all while being ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re spreading it on crackers, stuffing it into a sandwich, or enjoying it straight from the bowl, this retro favorite is sure to hit the spot.
Print
Grandma’s Irish Sugar Cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Bologna Salad is a creamy, savory spread that’s perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or toast. With a combination of bologna, hard-boiled eggs, pickle relish, and mayonnaise, it’s a nostalgic favorite that comes together in minutes. Try adding shredded cheddar cheese for a delicious twist!
Ingredients
- 1 pound bologna, chopped
- 3 hard-boiled eggs, peeled
- 1/4 cup pickle relish
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Chop the bologna and hard-boiled eggs in a food processor until finely minced.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in pickle relish and mayonnaise until well combined.
- If desired, fold in shredded cheddar cheese for extra flavor.
- Serve on sandwiches, toast, or with crackers.
- Enjoy this old-fashioned favorite!
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Try using Miracle Whip instead of mayonnaise for a tangier flavor.
- For a crunchier texture, mix in diced celery or onions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of recipe
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 100mg