Easy New York Deli-Style Potato Salad Recipe

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Easy New York Deli-Style Potato Salad is the classic, iconic tangy-sweet side dish sold at delis and bagel shops in New York. A 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.

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.

FAQs for Easy New York Deli-Style Potato Salad

Can I make this potato salad ahead of time?

Yes, making this potato salad ahead of time is actually recommended! Letting it sit in the refrigerator for a while or even overnight allows the flavors to meld together and gives the potatoes time to absorb the signature tangy-sweet dressing.

What are the best potatoes to use for New York deli-style potato salad?

Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best because they hold their shape well when boiled and sliced, giving you that classic deli texture without turning into mash.

How long does deli potato salad last in the refrigerator?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this potato salad will last for 3 to 4 days. Because it contains mayonnaise, make sure not to leave it sitting out at room temperature for too long during serving.

Is this potato salad vegan?

No. This recipe is vegetarian and dairy-free, but it is not vegan. This is because it contains regular mayonnaise. You can make it vegan, however, if you use vegan mayo.

Can I freeze leftover potato salad?

No, mayonnaise-based potato salads do not freeze well. The dressing will separate and become watery, and the texture of the potatoes will turn mushy once thawed.

What is a good mayo to use for this recipe?

You can use whichever mayo you like. My favorite is always Hellmanns/Best Foods (same mayo, different name depending on where you are in the US).

Love deli salads?

Here's a great sandwich idea to go with your potato salad!

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Yield: 4 Servings

Easy New York Deli-Style Potato Salad Recipe

5.0 Stars (2 Reviews)

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Delicious and easy, vegetarian potato salad. Tangy-sweet just like in NY delis and bagel shops!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Additional Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes

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

1. Cut the potatoes into approximately 1" pieces or cubes.
2. Add the mayonnaise, onion, sugar, vinegar, water, oil, salt, and pepper and mix together gently until thoroughly combined.
3. 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:

4

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 950Total Fat: 57gSaturated Fat: 7gUnsaturated Fat: 50gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 1018mgCarbohydrates: 103gFiber: 9gSugar: 22gProtein: 11g

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