Easy New York Deli-Style Coleslaw is the classic creamy, tangy-sweet carrot and cabbage salad. A simple prep recipe that’s vegetarian and dairy-free.
Why have coleslaw?
This budget-friendly coleslaw is a perfect side dish or sandwich stuffer for summer picnics and backyard barbeques.
It’s delicious as a side to steak, chicken, and burgers.
It’s vegetarian, and it’s perfect with a sandwich, grilled cheese, or in a wrap.
You can even use it as a pita filler for Middle Eastern street food like falafel and shawarma!
And it’s a terrific side to bring to a potluck with friends.
Pack it as part of your lunch for work or school.
It’s popular at the deli tables of events, parties, and get-togethers and sold at the counters of delicatessens and Jewish bagel shops in New York City and Long Island.
But why pay deli prices when you can make it at home?
Even though it takes just minutes, you can make it the night before and let the flavors absorb.
And there is nutritional value to both cabbage and carrots!
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.
What does “savory” mean?
“Savory” refers to foods that are not sweet, such as foods that taste salty, spicy, or herbal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes New York deli-style coleslaw different from regular coleslaw?
What makes the New York deli-style coleslaw unique from other coleslaw recipes is typically the sweet-and-tangy vinegar-and-mayonnaise dressing.
Do I need to chill this coleslaw before serving?
Technically, you do not have to chill before serving, but these salads taste best after the flavors have combined and the coleslaw. Whether you eat it chilled or at room temperature is a matter of taste.
How long does coleslaw last in the refrigerator?
Stored in an airtight container, this creamy cabbage salad will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best crisp texture, it can be enjoyed after chilling for just an hour or made the night before.
After chilling, you may notice extra liquid on the bottom. You can mix this back in before serving or you can drain and then add a little more mayo for creaminess.
Is this deli coleslaw recipe vegetarian and dairy-free?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian and dairy-free. However, if you want to make it vegan, you can switch out the mayo for vegan mayo.
What are the best dishes to serve with coleslaw?
This coleslaw is a versatile side dish that pairs wonderfully with backyard barbecue favorites like burgers, grilled chicken, and steak. It’s also terrific with sandwiches, such as tuna, deli meat, egg salad, or grilled cheese. You can use it as a fill in a wrap or even stuffed inside a pita or laffa with falafel or shawarma.
Can I use pre-shredded coleslaw mix for this recipe?
This recipe actually calls for a pre-shredded coleslaw mix to make it as simple and quick as possible. However, you can shred your own carrots and cabbage. However, then it will take a little longer to make.
Is this recipe customizable?
This is the classic New York style coleslaw, but the quantities of the ingredients can change to your own taste.
What is needed for New York Deli-Style Coleslaw?
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.
But these are all you need to have on hand to make this recipe even last-minute!
cabbage (shredded)
carrots
mayo
onion
white granulated sugar
vinegar
vegetable oil
salt
white or black pepper
And here are some more deli-style recipes to use as sandwich stuffers or sides!
Deli-Style Red Cabbage Salad
Deli-Style Cucumber Salad
Deli-Style Potato Salad
Deli-Style Macaroni Salad
Or just put “deli-style” in the search bar!
Easy New York Deli-Style Coleslaw Recipe
Delicious and easy cabbage and carrot slaw just like in New York Delis and bagel shops!
Ingredients
- 28-32 ounces of packaged raw coleslaw (or the equivalent in freshly shredded cabbage and carrot)
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise*
- 1/2 cup onion, grated very small or pureed**
- 1/3 cup white granulated 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 coleslaw 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 coleslaw 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