Zesty Bologna & Cheese Sandwich Salad Recipe

Why You’ll Love this Zesty Bologna & Cheese Salad

If you’re tired of the same old lunch options, this Bologna & Cheese Salad might just become your new favorite sandwich filling.

The combination of sharp cheddar and grated bologna creates a texture that’s both creamy and substantial, while the horseradish sauce adds an unexpected kick that wakes up your taste buds.

I’m particularly fond of how the sweet relish balances the savory elements, creating that perfect harmony we all crave in a sandwich spread.

After chilling for an hour, the flavors meld beautifully—trust me, that waiting time is non-negotiable!

What Ingredients are in Zesty Bologna & Cheese Salad?

This zesty sandwich salad brings together the nostalgic flavor of bologna with sharp cheddar and a perfect blend of condiments that elevate it far beyond your childhood lunch.

What makes this recipe so special is how the humble bologna transforms when grated rather than sliced, creating a texture that meshes beautifully with the cheese and creamy dressings. The combination might sound unconventional at first glance, but I promise the flavor profile is incredibly satisfying and perfect for those days when you crave something different yet comforting.

• 1 pound chub bologna, grated
• 3/4 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons sweet relish
• 3 tablespoons horseradish sauce
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard

When shopping for these ingredients, quality matters more than you might think. Opt for a good-quality chub bologna rather than pre-sliced versions, as it grates much better and has a superior flavor.

The sharp cheddar provides the perfect counterpoint to the mild bologna, but you could experiment with other firm cheeses if you’re feeling adventurous.

And while the recipe doesn’t specify, I find that refrigerating the bologna for about 30 minutes before grating makes the process much easier and cleaner.

The horseradish sauce, not plain horseradish, is key here—it already has the perfect creamy consistency that blends seamlessly with the other ingredients.

How to Make this Zesty Bologna & Cheese Salad

Making this delicious sandwich salad couldn’t be easier, and it’s the perfect make-ahead lunch option. Start by grating 1 pound of chub bologna into a large mixing bowl—trust me, grating rather than chopping gives this salad the perfect texture.

Next, add 2 tablespoons of yellow mustard, 3 tablespoons of sweet relish, and 3 tablespoons of horseradish sauce for that wonderful zing that makes this recipe special. The horseradish really wakes up the flavors here.

Now for the creamy components: mix in 1/2 cup of mayonnaise and 3/4 cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese. The sharp cheddar is non-negotiable, folks—it provides the perfect tangy contrast to the mild bologna.

Once everything’s in the bowl, give it a good stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. This is where the magic happens, as all those flavors start getting friendly with each other.

Using a premium food processor can make the grating process quicker and more consistent, giving your salad the ideal texture throughout.

After mixing, pop it in the refrigerator to chill for at least an hour, though honestly, it gets even better if you can wait a bit longer.

When you’re ready to serve, simply spread a generous portion between two slices of your favorite bread. Want to take it up another notch? Add a slice of fresh tomato for some juicy brightness that cuts through the richness. Perfection between two slices!

Zesty Bologna & Cheese Salad Substitutions and Variations

While the classic recipe delivers mouthwatering results every time, don’t hesitate to personalize your bologna and cheese salad with delicious substitutions that match your taste preferences or pantry inventory.

Try swapping the chub bologna for turkey bologna or diced ham for a lighter option, or kick up the heat with pepper jack instead of cheddar and a tablespoon of diced jalapeños.

Can’t find horseradish sauce? Wasabi mayo works beautifully, providing that same nostril-clearing zing we all secretly love.

For a tangier profile, substitute Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise—it cuts calories while maintaining that creamy texture that clings perfectly to hearty bread.

What to Serve with Zesty Bologna & Cheese Salad

When you’ve whipped up a batch of this nostalgic, tangy bologna and cheese salad, what accompaniments will elevate it from simple sandwich filling to memorable meal?

I love pairing this hearty spread with crisp kettle chips for that satisfying crunch factor, or a bowl of dill pickle spears that echo the relish notes in the salad.

A light side of vinegar-based coleslaw offers invigorating contrast to the creamy richness, while tomato soup makes for the ultimate comfort food duo.

For casual entertaining, arrange the salad with an assortment of breads—pumpernickel, sourdough, and rye—creating a build-your-own sandwich bar that’ll impress without breaking a sweat!

Final Thoughts

Though often overlooked in today’s gourmet-obsessed culinary world, this humble bologna and cheese salad reminds us that comfort food never truly goes out of style.

I’ve found that allowing the flavors to meld for at least an hour transforms this simple mixture into something truly special, with the horseradish providing that perfect kick against the creamy mayo backdrop.

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own—perhaps adding diced celery for crunch or a dash of hot sauce for extra zing.

Sometimes, it’s these uncomplicated, nostalgic dishes that bring the most joy to our tables.