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This OldFashioned Bologna Salad is a nostalgic recipe that brings back memories of family lunches and casual get togethers. It's simple, comforting, and perfect for spreading on bread, piling on crackers, or rolling into pinwheels. The combination of finely minced bologna with crunchy vegetables and creamy dressing creates a uniquely satisfying texture and flavor that has stood the test of time.
I first made this recipe from my grandmother’s handwritten card and now it’s a weekly request in my own home. It’s like tasting a little piece of childhood with every bite.
Ingredients
- Bologna: choose a quality brand with good flavor and texture, either prepackaged or from the deli, using about one and a half pounds
- Hardboiled egg: adds creaminess and a subtle richness that balances the meatiness
- Celery and onion: finely chopped for that perfect crunch and freshness, small pieces matter for the signature texture
- Sweet pickle relish: this gives a touch of sweetness and tang; if you prefer, dill relish works too or leave it out entirely
- Mayonnaise: use your favorite brand, avoid Miracle Whip unless you like it, to keep the flavor true to the classic
- Yellow mustard: adds a gentle background tang without overpowering the salad
- Salt and pepper: season to your taste to bring all the flavors together
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Put the bologna, hardboiled egg, celery, and onion into a blender or food processor. Sprinkle in some fresh black pepper.
- Pulse the Mixture:
- Pulse the mixture with short, quick bursts to mince the ingredients finely. You can decide on texture by pulsing less for chunkier salad or more for smoother consistency. Remember to scrape down the sides of the processor every ten pulses so everything mixes evenly.
- Mix the Dressing:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweet pickle relish, mayonnaise, and yellow mustard until fully combined and creamy.
- Combine and Chill:
- Stir the minced bologna mixture into the dressing bowl until thoroughly incorporated. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least a few hours. The salad’s flavor deepens and the texture melds perfectly with chilling.
- Serve:
- Spoon the chilled salad onto soft rolls, biscuits or spread liberally on your favorite crackers for a quick snack or light meal.
One of my favorite ingredients is the sweet pickle relish because it adds just the right hint of sweetness that cuts through the richness without overwhelming the salad. I remember my grandmother making this salad for holiday potlucks and everyone clamoring for seconds.
Storage Tips
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. The flavors intensify and the texture becomes creamier after a day, but after several days expect the celery to soften a bit. This salad is best eaten fresh and does not freeze well because mayonnaise tends to separate when thawed.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have sweet pickle relish, dill pickle relish works fine or you can omit it completely for a more straightforward bologna flavor. For a lighter version try using light mayonnaise or a mayonnaise substitute, or substitute Dijon or spicy brown mustard for yellow mustard to adjust the pungency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad chilled on soft white or whole wheat rolls with a slice of lettuce for a nostalgic sandwich. For a party offer it as a dip alongside an assortment of crackers, or spread it thinly on tortillas and roll them up, cutting into pinwheels for easy finger food.
Let the salad chill for best flavor before serving. Enjoy spread on crackers or rolled into pinwheels for easy entertaining.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of bologna works best?
Prepackaged bologna from brands like Oscar Meyer works well, whether thick or thin sliced, as long as it totals about 1 1/2 pounds.
- → Is a food processor necessary?
Not essential. Mince the ingredients by hand or blend gradually in a blender to achieve the desired texture.
- → How is this dish traditionally served?
Serve it on white bread, rolls, crackers, or wrapped in tortillas for pinwheels.
- → Can sweet pickle relish be substituted or omitted?
Yes, dill pickle relish can replace sweet relish, or you can omit it completely if preferred.
- → Can the mixture be frozen for later?
Freezing is not recommended as mayonnaise tends to separate upon thawing. Store chilled in an airtight container for 4-5 days.