Easy New York Deli-Style Red Cabbage Salad is a simple prep recipe for the classic creamy, tangy-sweet purple cabbage deli salad. Budget-friendly, vegetarian, and dairy-free.
Why coleslaw?
New York style red cabbage salad is a simple recipe for the iconic creamy and tangy-sweet purple cabbage salad like the one 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 coleslaw is perfect for those summer BBQs, picnics, and get-togethers! Or have it as a side or topper for sandwiches.
Add it to your pita or laffa with falafel or shawama.
Or have it as a side on a plate.
It’s a terrific make-the-night-before salad to have at picnics, barbeques, family dinners, or potlucks with friends.
You can bring it to work or school as part of your lunch.
Also, red cabbage has nutritional benefits!
A little about red cabbage:
Red cabbage is heartier than green cabbage and will keep it’s 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.
Some cooking terms
What does it mean when recipes say “to taste” about an ingredient?
When recipes say “to taste,” it means that you can put in as little or as much as you like to your own taste. Some recipes have many ingredients that a cook can adjust to their own taste when cooking (not so much when baking though).
The best way to calculate what your taste is with a recipe that you are not yet familiar with is to first taste the dish and then add the “to taste” ingredient GRADUALLY, a little at a time—a splash of this or a pinch of that—until the dish is just the way you like it.
Make sure to stir the ingredient after each time you add it so that the flavor will distribute evenly and become part of the dish. Then taste again. Repeat until you reach your personal preference.
Note: If you plan on using the recipe again, it is highly recommended to make a note of what and how much you added so that you can refer to it next time.
What does it mean when a recipe says that an ingredient is “optional”?
If an ingredient is “optional,” it means that you can add it in or not based on your own preference. An optional ingredient can be flavor-related (i.e., salty, sweet, spicy, etc.), appearance-related (garnish), or even something like nuts or chocolate chips in baking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes this a New York deli-style red cabbage salad?
It mimics the iconic, bright purple, tangy-sweet, and creamy coleslaw found in classic New York City Jewish delis, traditionally served alongside pastrami, corned beef sandwiches, or hot dogs. It is also found in the Jewish bagel shops in New York City and Long Island and served with non-meat dishes.
Is this deli red cabbage salad creamy or vinegar-based?
This style combines a vibrant tang from vinegar with a smooth, creamy texture, balancing the sharpness of the purple cabbage with just the right amount of sweetness.
What is the best mayo to use with this recipe?
I prefer to use Hellmann’s/Best Foods (it’s the same mayonnaise but has a different name depending on where you are in the US), but you can use whichever mayo you prefer or can find.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes. In fact, letting it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving allows the flavors to meld and softens the cabbage while maintaining its signature deli crunch. After it has sat for a while, you may notice extra liquid. You can drain this or you can mix in before serving.
How long does deli-style red cabbage salad last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it will stay fresh and crisp in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Is this recipe vegetarian and dairy-free?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian and dairy-free.
What is needed to make New York Deli-Style Red Cabbage Salad?
I hardly ever meal plan, so I like to keep a cupboard full of seasonings, spices, veggies, and canned goods in my kitchen to use whenever the mood strikes.
But these are all you need to have on hand to make this recipe even last-minute!
shredded red (purple) cabbage
mayo
onion
white granulated sugar
vinegar
vegetable oil
salt
white or black pepper
If you love New York style-deli salads…
Here are some more recipes to use as sandwich stuffers or sides!
Easy Deli-Style Coleslaw
Easy Deli-Style Cucumber Salad
Easy Deli-Style Potato Salad
Easy Deli-Style Macaroni Salad
Or just put “deli-style” in the search bar!
Easy New York Deli-Style Red Cabbage Salad Recipe
Simple and delicious 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
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise*
- 1/2 cup onion, grated very small or pureed**
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup white vinegar
- 1/3 cup water
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 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 (it tastes better after it has sat for a while and gotten cold).
- 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