Old-Fashioned Bologna Salad

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Old-Fashioned Bologna Salad is one of those nostalgic, creamy dishes that instantly transports you back to grandma’s kitchen table. With its bright pink cubes of bologna, crunchy celery, and sweet pickle relish all tied together in a creamy mayonnaise dressing, it’s the kind of retro favorite that deserves a comeback. It’s perfect as a sandwich filling, cracker spread, or straight from the bowl with a fork.

This salad has Midwest charm written all over it. It’s budget-friendly, easy to throw together, and makes a great use of leftover luncheon meat. Whether you grew up eating it at potlucks or are discovering it for the first time, Old-Fashioned Bologna Salad is classic comfort in a bowl.

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What Kind of Bologna Should I Use?

The best bologna for this salad is the thick-sliced deli variety or a chunk from the butcher counter that you can dice at home. While the pre-packaged kind works in a pinch, the higher-quality deli-style bologna gives you better texture and flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, ring bologna or garlic bologna can add a twist.

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Ingredients for the Old-Fashioned Bologna Salad

Bologna – The star of the show. Its salty, savory flavor creates the perfect base and binds beautifully with the dressing.

Celery – Adds that crisp, fresh crunch you need to balance the creaminess.

Sweet Pickle Relish – Brings in that familiar tang and a hint of sweetness that lifts the entire dish.

Mayonnaise – Creamy and rich, mayo ties everything together. You can sub with Miracle Whip for extra tang.

Yellow Mustard – A small but mighty addition that cuts through the richness and adds zing.

Hard-Boiled Eggs (optional) – For a little more protein and a smoother texture, finely chopped eggs blend right in.

Onion (optional) – A bit of grated or finely chopped onion can give the salad more depth and bite.

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How To Make the Old-Fashioned Bologna Salad

Step 1: Chop the Bologna

Dice the bologna into small, even cubes. You can also pulse it in a food processor for a finer texture if you prefer it spreadable.

Step 2: Prep the Veggies and Eggs

Finely chop the celery and, if using, the hard-boiled eggs and onion. You want everything to be bite-sized so it blends well with the bologna.

Step 3: Mix the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, and yellow mustard. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the chopped bologna, celery, eggs, and onion into the bowl with the dressing. Stir until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the fridge for at least an hour to let the flavors meld. Serve it cold on bread, with crackers, or straight from the bowl.

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How to Serve and Store Old-Fashioned Bologna Salad

This salad is incredibly versatile. Serve it scooped onto slices of sandwich bread or buttery croissants for a satisfying lunch. It also makes a fantastic spread on crackers for quick snacks or party trays. For something fun, stuff it into mini sweet peppers or celery sticks.

To store, place the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Give it a gentle stir before serving again to refresh the texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze bologna salad?

Freezing isn’t recommended. The creamy mayo base tends to separate and become watery once thawed.

What can I use instead of bologna?

You can try chopped ham, cooked Spam, or even rotisserie chicken for a slightly different spin on this salad.

How can I make this lighter?

Use light mayo or Greek yogurt instead of full-fat mayonnaise, and skip the eggs if you’d like a leaner version.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your bologna and condiments are certified gluten-free. Always double-check the labels.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! It’s actually better after a few hours in the fridge. Just keep it tightly covered and stir before serving.

What if I don’t like sweet relish?

Feel free to swap it with dill relish or chopped pickles for a more savory version.

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Want More Salad Ideas with a Retro Twist?

If you loved this creamy, nostalgic bologna salad, you might want to try these fun and flavorful options next:

• Popcorn Salad Recipe for a crunchy and unexpected veggie side.
• Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad that combines two picnic classics into one creamy bowl.
• Cranberry Sauce Meatballs for a sweet and savory party favorite.
• Green Olive and Feta Cheese Dip when you’re in the mood for something briny and bold.
• Louisiana Remoulade Sauce to spice up your next batch of sandwiches.

For even more fun spins on vintage recipes, check out my Pinterest board at Life with Jam on Pinterest.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest retro recipe board so you can revisit it any time you’re craving something creamy and nostalgic.

Tried it out? Let me know how yours turned out in the comments! Did you go classic, or did you add your own spin with garlic bologna or dill relish?

I love seeing your versions and swaps—so don’t be shy about sharing. Questions, tips, or secret family ingredients? Let’s chat below!

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