Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bologna Salad Sandwich Spread
Why You’ll Love This Classic Spread
This nostalgic recipe brings back memories of family kitchens and simple lunches. Made with ring bologna, mayo, pickles, and a surprising secret ingredient, it’s a Midwest classic that’s perfect for sandwiches or crackers. Whether you grew up with a grinder or use a food processor today, this spread is easy, practical, and delicious.
Old-Fashioned Bologna Salad Sandwich Spread
This old-fashioned bologna salad sandwich spread is a creamy, tangy, and nostalgic recipe that has been passed down through generations. Made with ring bologna, mayo, pickles, and a touch of sweetness from strawberry or cherry Jello, it’s the kind of spread you’ll remember from family gatherings and church potlucks. Serve it on soft sandwich bread for a classic lunch or scoop it onto crackers for parties. Either way, it’s a Midwest comfort food favorite.
Ingredients for Grandma’s Bologna Salad
- Ring bologna – the base of the spread
- Mayonnaise or salad dressing – creamy binder
- Pickles or relish – tangy crunch
- Strawberry or cherry Jello (or red drink mix) – enhances color and adds subtle sweetness
- Slice of bread – used to clean the grinder
Do You Need a Grinder or Food Processor?
You can use either. A KitchenAid grinder attachment works well, but a food processor is just as effective. Run the meat through twice if you prefer a finer texture. Pickles can also be ground if you don’t have relish.
How to Serve Bologna Salad
Enjoy this spread on your favorite sandwich bread or as a dip with Ritz crackers. It’s perfect for small family lunches or larger batches for parties.
How to Enhance the Color
Adding strawberry or cherry Jello powder, or a red drink mix, brightens the spread with a classic pink hue. This trick comes from hospital cafeteria traditions and adds a nostalgic touch.
Mayonnaise vs. Salad Dressing
You can use either, but the flavor changes. Mayonnaise gives a richer taste, while salad dressing (like Miracle Whip) adds tangy sweetness. Choose based on your preference.
Variations and Add-Ins
- Black pepper to taste
- Sweet pickles or relish for a sweeter flavor
- Shredded cheddar cheese for richness
- Mustard (yellow or Dijon) for tang
- Chopped onions for bite
Storage Tips
Keep refrigerated for up to 5–7 days. Do not freeze, as the texture becomes mushy.
What Are Some Alternative Ways to Make This Bologna Spread?
You can adjust the ingredients to your taste.
- don’t like pickles or dill pickle relish as much, reduce the amount.
- use sweet pickles instead of dill pickles, reduce the amount or use sweet relish
- add shredded cheddar cheese or sliced cheese
- top with yellow mustard or dijon mustard
- chopped yellow onions or white onions
- pepper to taste
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between bologna salad and ham salad?
They are very similar. Ham salad uses ham instead of bologna, but both are creamy spreads with pickles and seasonings.
Can you freeze bologna salad?
No. Freezing changes the texture and makes it watery and mushy.
What bread is best for bologna salad sandwiches?
Soft white sandwich bread is traditional, but you can use rye, wheat, or rolls depending on taste.
How long does bologna salad last in the fridge?
Up to 5–7 days when stored in an airtight container.
Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Ground Bologna Sandwich Spread
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ring bologna
- 1 cup dill pickles
- 1 cup mayonaise
- 1 teaspoon strawberry/cherry jello this is optional and for coloring
Instructions
- Using your meat grinder, remove the casing from the ring bologna and grind the entire ring. We use a low profile bowl or plate.
- Grind the pickles next. If you do not have dill pickles, you can use relish instead.
- Move the mix into a larger bowl for mixing.
- Add the miracle whip and mix well.
- Add your optional red fruit drink mix for color and mix well.
- Serve on top of your favorite bread and enjoy.
- Leftovers should be refrigerated. If you are sending with someone for lunch, be sure you have an ice pack in their lunch bag.
Video
My Wisconsinite recipe is : 1 ring balogna (remove outter skin, before grinding.. ), about 5-6 kosher whole dill pickles, 1 small or medium sweet onion.. Grind altogether and mix well,then add about
4-5 TBLS.Helmans Mayonaise and 3-4TBLS. Miracle whip. Do the taste test to see if need more or less of any of the ingredients. may need a little salt and pepper for taste. If need a meat grinder just go on E Bay and check out their used vintage OSTER Electric Meat Griders..I have 1 and only use it for my Ground balogna sandwiches, on white bakery bread.
This is a great recipe for sandwich spread too! Love the variations you have.
I loved this sandwich as a child and occasionally make now as an adult.
Sounds like wonderful memories!
A variation of this was my childhood favorite. My mother had a meat grinder and used ring bologna, gherkins, saltines and Miracle Whip. The saltines were a thrifty way to push any remaining meat thru the grinder at the end. I believe the recipe is German in origin and came to us thru my great-aunt’s husband’s German family. Possibly called Fleishsalat or something similar. I loved it as a child and still buy it occasionally from the deli at Kroger market.
I’m not sure of the origins, but it’s always interesting to hear of other variations on this sandwich spread. Thanks for sharing Joan.
Mom used to make this every summer and most of the grandkids loved it. Just a chunk of bologna, dill pickles and Miracle Whip. I love it!
That sounds like a perfect summer sandwich!
How much does a “ring bologna” weigh?
They vary, but around 1.25 pounds.
What I make is similar to this. I don’t use the drink mix and I grind the same amount of colby cheese as the meat I use.
I have not heard of using Colby cheese in it before. That would add some great flavor though!