This easy Bologna Salad recipe combines bologna, hard-boiled eggs, sweet pickle relish, and mayo for a creamy, nostalgic spread perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or wraps.
You know how some recipes feel like a hug from the past? Bologna salad is one of those for me.
It takes me straight back to summer afternoons in my grandma’s kitchen—the kind of summer where you ran around barefoot, sunburnt, and slightly sticky from too many popsicles. She’d whip this up without a second thought, slicing the bologna with that worn-down paring knife she swore was older than me. I’d sit at the table, watching her mix it all together, impatiently waiting for her to scoop it onto a slice of soft white bread. No fancy plates. Just lunch that felt like home.
Funny thing? I hadn’t thought about bologna salad for years… until a few months back when I was hit with the weirdest craving for it. I dug through an old recipe box, found her handwritten card (smudges and all), and had to give it a go.
And guess what? It still holds up. Creamy, slightly sweet, a little tangy—just good. My kids even asked for seconds, which, let’s be real, is a win in itself.
Why You’ll Love This Bologna Salad Recipe?
I know, I know. Bologna? But trust me—this simple spread has a lot going for it.
- Quick & Fuss-Free: 5 minutes, a few ingredients, and you’re done.
- Super Affordable: Budget-friendly ingredients you probably already have.
- Ridiculously Versatile: Sandwiches, wraps, crackers, you name it.
- Balanced Flavors: The creamy mayo + tangy relish combo? Chef’s kiss.
- Nostalgic Bliss: Takes you right back to simpler times.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters tend to love this one.
Ingredient Notes:
The beauty of this recipe? Simple ingredients doing big things.
- Bologna: The star! Regular beef bologna works perfectly, but feel free to use thick-cut deli slices if you want it chunkier.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: They add creaminess and richness, balancing out the saltiness of the meat.
- Sweet Pickle Relish: That tangy sweetness cuts through the richness.
- Mayonnaise: Full-fat mayo makes the salad extra creamy. If you’re team Miracle Whip, go for it—I’m not judging.
- (Optional) Mustard: Some folks like a teaspoon of yellow mustard mixed in for a touch of zip.
How To Make Bologna Salad?
This recipe is so simple you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it on repeat.
Step 1. Hard-Boil the Eggs:
Place four eggs in a saucepan, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let them sit for 10 minutes. (Old eggs peel easier—just saying.)
Cool the eggs in ice water, peel, and give them a rough chop.
Step 2. Chop the Bologna:
Slice your bologna into chunks. No need to be precise—you’re blending it all anyway.
Step 3. Blend It All Together:
Toss the chopped bologna, hard-boiled eggs, sweet relish, and mayo into a food processor. Pulse a few times until it forms a chunky spread. Texture matters! You want a spread, not a puree.
Step 4. Taste and Adjust:
Give it a taste. Want it sweeter? More relish. Creamier? Add a touch more mayo.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Step 5. Serve It Up:
Scoop onto buttery crackers, load up some sandwich bread, or eat it straight from the bowl (no judgment here).
Storage Options:
Bologna Salad actually gets better after chilling—those flavors need time to mingle!
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Honestly? Not ideal. Mayo can get weird when frozen.
- Pro Tip: If it thickens up too much in the fridge, stir in a splash of mayo before serving.
Variations and Substitutions:
Feel like switching things up? Here are some creative twists:
- Spicy Version: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne.
- Dill Pickle Twist: Swap sweet relish for chopped dill pickles.
- Extra Creamy: Mix in a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Healthier Swap: Use light mayo or even half mayo, half plain Greek yogurt.
- Meat Swap: Not a bologna fan? Try ham or even smoked turkey for a modern twist.
What to Serve with Bologna Salad?
This stuff is way more versatile than it gets credit for. Try it with:
- Classic Sandwich: Soft white bread, plenty of spread, done.
- With Crackers: Perfect for snack boards or picnics.
- In a Wrap: Add lettuce and tomato for a fresh twist.
- Over a Salad: Yep, it works as a protein-packed topping too!
- Stuffed Eggs: Use it as a filling for deviled eggs.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make bologna salad without a food processor?
Absolutely! Just finely chop everything by hand. It’s a bit more work but just as delicious.
Is there a healthier version of this recipe?
Yep! Swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt, and you’ll still get that creamy goodness.
Can I use different meats instead of bologna?
Totally. Ham, turkey, or even spam (yes, spam!) work well in this salad.
So, there you have it—my version of Bologna Salad that’s part vintage comfort food, part modern classic. It’s creamy, a little sweet, just salty enough, and totally nostalgic. Whether you’re making it for a family picnic, a quick lunch, or just because, this simple spread hits the spot every time.
So, tell me—have you tried it yet? Did you stick with the classic version or put your own spin on it? Drop a comment—I wanna hear all about it!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Bologna Salad
Ingredients
- 1/3 c. Sweet Pickle Relish
- 1 lb. bologna
- 4 hard-boiled eggs chopped
- 1/4 c. mayonnaise
Instructions
- Put four eggs in a pan refilled with water. And put it on medium-high heat. Once the water begins boiling turn off the heat. Allow the eggs to sit in the hot water for ten minutes. Cool the eggs. Remove the shells and roughly chop them.
- Using a food processor or blender combine the chopped eggs and bologna. You can. Roughly chop the bologna based on your preference. Add pickle relish and mayonnaise to this mixture.
- Pulse the mixture until it reaches a textured consistency resembling pâté. This smooth combination of textures will form the heart of your Bologna Salad.
- Scoop portions of Bologna Salad onto crackers. Spread it onto slices of your favored bread. Appreciate every bite of this creation that absolutely blends tradition and innovation.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
