Deli Potato Salad is the classic, iconic tangy-sweet potato salad sold at deli counters and bagel shops in New York. It's a simple, one-bowl, dairy-free, and vegetarian recipe.
Deli salads are terrific for sides for events, gatherings, picnics, BBQs, and parties.
And New York City and Long Island have the best deli salads at their bagel shops and delicatessens!
But why stand in lines or pay those expensive deli prices when you can simply make it at home?
This budget-friendly, vegetarian potato salad is made in just one bowl, and it's completely adaptable. Add more mayo or more veggies. Or less. Garnish, or keep it simple.
Make it the night before and let the flavors soak in.
It's a delicious addition to any meal. Have it at home, or bring it to picnics, backyard barbeques, or as a side dish for potlucks.
Pack it for lunch to work or to school and save your lunch money.
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What is needed for New York Deli-Style Potato 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!
potatoes
mayonnaise
onion
white granulated sugar
white vinegar
vegetable oil
salt
pepper, white or black
What's good about potatoes?
The potato is a perennial, starchy tuber, a root vegetable, that is native to the Americas.
Potatoes contain health benefits and are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and nutrients and provide fuel for the body.
Potatoes are gluten-free and very filling. In addition, they are a good source of antioxidants-some more than others-and they contain resistant starch. However, their nutritional content depends on the type of potato. Much of a potato's nutrition is in the skin of the potato, and peeling them reduces their nutritional value.
Adding fattening toppings, such as sour cream or butter, adds calories and fat.
Different potatoes are considered to work best with different recipes, but overall, they can be used in a variety of delicious meals for recipes from all over the world.
There may be over a couple hundred varieties of potatoes in the United States, but there are only 7 main categories. The most popular of these are the red, white, yellow, and russet.
Fun Facts
- Potatoes were first cultivated in Peru by the Incas.
- Potatoes were introduced to Europe (Ireland) toward the end of the 16th century.
- Potatoes began to be planted in the colonies in the early 1700s.
- Potatoes are the #1 vegetable crop in the United States and 4th most consumed in the world.
- Idaho is the largest grower of potatoes.
- The potato was the first vegetable to be grown in space.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is New York deli potato salad sweet?
New York deli-style potato salad typically has a slightly sweet and tangy flavor. The balance of sweetness and acidity gives it its distinctive deli-style taste.
Can I make deli potato salad ahead of time?
Yes. Potato salad is an excellent make-ahead side dish. Making it ahead allows the flavors to combine before serving.
How long does deli potato salad last in the refrigerator?
Store potato salad covered in the refrigerator and enjoy it within 3 to 4 days. Keep it refrigerated until serving.
Is deli potato salad vegetarian and dairy-free?
Yes. This deli potato salad is vegetarian and dairy-free.
What can I serve with deli potato salad?
Deli potato salad is a versatile side dish for sandwiches, grilled meats, burgers, picnics, barbecues, potlucks, and family meals.
Can I adjust the flavor of this potato salad?
Yes. You can adjust the dressing ingredients to suit your taste, making the salad sweeter, tangier, or creamier according to your preference.
Love deli salads?
Here's a great sandwich idea to go with your potato salad!
Deli Potato Salad
Delicious and easy, vegetarian potato salad. Tangy-sweet just like in NY delis and bagel shops!
Ingredients
- 3 ½ pounds potatoes, peeled and boiled*
- ¾ cup (or more) mayonnaise**
- ½ cup onion, grated very small or pureed
- ¼ cup white granulated sugar
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- ¼ cup water
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 ¼ teaspoons salt
- ¾ teaspoon pepper, white or black (or a little more if you want to use as garnish)
Instructions
- Cut the potatoes into approximately 1" pieces or cubes.
- Add the mayonnaise, onion, sugar, vinegar, water, oil, salt, and pepper and mix together gently until thoroughly combined.
- Best eaten chilled for around an hour.
Notes
*Approximately 7 medium potatoes (waxy potatoes are good to use for this as they have higher moisture and sugar, and lower starch).
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 950Total Fat: 57gSaturated Fat: 7gUnsaturated Fat: 50gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 1018mgCarbohydrates: 103gFiber: 9gSugar: 22gProtein: 11g
