This Red Cabbage Salad is an easy recipe for the classic creamy, tangy-sweet New York deli purple cabbage salad. It's vegetarian and dairy-free, making it a delicious side dish.

New York red cabbage salad is a simple recipe for the iconic creamy, tangy-sweet purple cabbage salad sold in New York delicatessens and many Jewish bagel shops.
And it's budget-friendly, so why stand in line and pay New York deli prices when you can make it at home?
Delicious, dairy-free, and vegetarian, it takes only minutes to make!
This red cabbage salad is perfect for summer BBQs, picnics, and get-togethers. Have it as a side dish or use it as a topper for sandwiches.
Add it to your pita or laffa with falafel or shawarma, or simply serve it as a side on a plate.
It's also a terrific make-the-night-before salad for picnics, barbecues, family dinners, or potlucks with friends.
What is needed to make this red cabbage salad?
shredded red (purple) cabbage
mayo
onion
white granulated sugar
vinegar
vegetable oil
salt
white or black pepper
A little about red cabbage:
Red cabbage is heartier than green cabbage and will keep its crunch for longer.
Its color comes from antioxidants called "anthocyanins," which are also found in blueberries.
Red cabbage is low in calories but high in important vitamins, such as vitamin C and vitamin K.
I'm not great at meal planning and like to keep a lot of standard seasonings, spices, veggies, and canned goods in my kitchen at all times.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is New York red cabbage deli salad?
New York red cabbage salad is a creamy, tangy-sweet cabbage salad commonly found at New York delicatessens and Jewish bagel shops. It's made with finely shredded red cabbage and a sweet-and-tangy dressing.
Is red cabbage the same as purple cabbage?
Yes. Red cabbage and purple cabbage are two names for the same vegetable. The cabbage is usually deep purple in color, even though it's commonly called red cabbage.
Is red cabbage salad the same as coleslaw?
No. While both are cabbage salads, New York red cabbage salad is a distinct deli-style salad made specifically with red cabbage. Traditional coleslaw can use green cabbage and may have a different dressing and flavor.
Can I make red cabbage salad ahead of time?
Yes. This salad is a great make-ahead side dish. Preparing it the night before gives the cabbage time to absorb the flavors of the dressing.
How long does red cabbage salad last in the refrigerator?
Store the salad covered in the refrigerator. It can be prepared the day before, making it convenient for picnics, family meals, and potlucks.
If you love New York deli salads...
Here's a delicious sandwich to go with your deli-style red cabbage salad!
Red Cabbage Salad Recipe

Easy, dairy-free red (purple) cabbage salad just like in New York delicatessens! Great side for picnics, BBQs, and family dinners!
Ingredients
- 28-32 ounces shredded red (purple) cabbage
- ¾ cup mayonnaise*
- ½ cup onion, grated very small or pureed**
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ⅓ cup white vinegar
- ⅓ cup water
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 ¼ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper, white or black
Instructions
- Pour the shredded cabbage into a large mixing bowl.
- Add the mayonnaise, onion, sugar, vinegar, water, oil, salt, and pepper and mix very well (you can add these one at a time and mix in between if you like).
- Chill for around an hour (optional, but recommended)
- Pour out excess liquid if you don't want it (as the cabbage sits, it will seep liquid). Add a bit more mayonnaise if desired for creaminess.
Notes
* You can use any mayonnaise you like, but I like using Best Foods or Hellmann's (it's the same mayonnaise—it's just called by one name or the other, depending on where in the US you buy it).
** If you grate it, you will most likely see the pieces of shredded onion in the salad.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 512Total Fat: 46gSaturated Fat: 6gUnsaturated Fat: 40gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 978mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 1gSugar: 23gProtein: 1g










