This Deli Coleslaw is an easy recipe for the classic creamy, tangy-sweet New York deli carrot and cabbage salad. It's vegetarian and dairy-free.
This budget-friendly coleslaw is a perfect side dish or sandwich stuffer for summer picnics and backyard barbecues.
It's delicious alongside steak, chicken, and burgers, or served 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!
It's a terrific side to bring to a potluck with friends or pack as part of your lunch for work or school.
This coleslaw is 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 to make, you can prepare it the night before and let the flavors absorb.
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What is needed to make this deli coleslaw?
cabbage (shredded)
carrots
mayo
onion
white granulated sugar
vinegar
vegetable oil
salt
white or black pepper
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes New York deli-style coleslaw different from regular coleslaw?
New York deli-style coleslaw is typically creamy and tangy-sweet, with a dressing made with mayonnaise and vinegar. It's the classic style commonly found at New York delicatessens and Jewish bagel shops.
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. You can shred your own cabbage and carrots instead, but it will take a little longer to prepare.
Do I need to chill this coleslaw before serving?
You don't have to chill it before serving, but the flavors have more time to combine when the coleslaw is chilled. You can serve it chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
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 about an hour or made the night before.
After chilling, you may notice extra liquid on the bottom. You can mix it back in before serving, or drain some of the liquid and add a little more mayonnaise if you prefer a creamier texture.
Is this deli coleslaw recipe vegetarian and dairy-free?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian and dairy-free. If you want to make it vegan, you can substitute vegan mayonnaise for the regular mayonnaise.
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 filling in a wrap or stuff it into a pita or laffa with falafel or shawarma.
Is this recipe customizable?
Yes. This is a classic New York-style coleslaw, but you can adjust the quantities of the ingredients to suit your taste.
Love deli salads?
Here's a delicious sandwich to go with your deli-style coleslaw!
Deli 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)
- ¾ cup mayonnaise*
- ½ cup onion, grated very small or pureed**
- ⅓ cup white granulated 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 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 for around an hour (optional, but 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
