When you walk into a classic deli, one thing always stands out those creamy, colorful, and flavor-packed delicatessen salads neatly arranged behind glass. Whether you’re scooping some onto a lunch plate, pairing them with a sandwich, or serving them at a family cookout, deli-style salads are simple, nostalgic, and always satisfying.
In this complete guide, Chef Lucas Benette shares everything you need to know about creating the perfect delicatessen salads at home from the essentials to pro tips, step-by-step recipes, and smart variations.
What Are Delicatessen Salads?
Delicatessen salads commonly known as deli salads are cold, ready-to-eat salads that are typically rich, creamy, and often served as sides to sandwiches, meats, or on salad bars. They’re a staple in American and European delis alike and range from simple potato salad to creamy chicken salad or tangy coleslaw.
These salads are:
- Easy to make in batches
- Served cold or chilled
- Great for meal prep or gatherings
- Comforting and nostalgic
Popular Types of Delicatessen Salads
Here are five of the most popular deli salads that you’ll often see in classic delis:
- Potato Salad Made with boiled potatoes, mayo, mustard, onions, and pickles.
- Coleslaw Shredded cabbage and carrots tossed in a creamy or vinegar-based dressing.
- Macaroni Salad Pasta salad with mayo, veggies, and sometimes cheese or meat.
- Chicken Salad Diced or shredded chicken mixed with creamy dressing, herbs, and crunchy add-ins.
- Egg Salad Mashed hard-boiled eggs with mustard, mayo, and light seasoning.
Essential Ingredients for Deli Salads
| Ingredient Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Base | Potatoes, elbow macaroni, shredded cabbage, chicken, eggs |
| Creamy Elements | Mayonnaise, sour cream, Greek yogurt, mustard |
| Flavor Boosters | Vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, relish |
| Add-ins & Texture | Celery, onions, pickles, cheese, herbs, raisins |
| Spices & Seasoning | Salt, pepper, paprika, dill, garlic powder |
Chef’s Tip: “The secret is balance between creaminess, crunch, salt, and acidity.”
How to Make the Perfect Delicatessen Salad (General Method)
While ingredients may vary, the method remains pretty consistent:
1. Cook the Base
Boil the potatoes, pasta, eggs, or chicken and let them cool completely before mixing.
2. Make the Dressing
Whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar or lemon juice, sugar (optional), salt, and pepper.
3. Combine Gently
Add your main ingredients, then fold in the dressing gently to avoid breaking everything apart.
4. Chill to Perfection
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30-60 minutes before serving. Flavors meld, and texture improves.
3 Must-Try Delicatessen Salad Recipes
1. Classic Potato Salad (Serves 4-6)
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boiled potatoes (cubed) | 4 cups |
| Mayonnaise | ¾ cup |
| Yellow mustard | 1 tbsp |
| Chopped celery | ¼ cup |
| Chopped onion | ¼ cup |
| Pickle relish | 2 tbsp |
| Boiled eggs (chopped) | 2 |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Mix all ingredients, chill for 1 hour, and garnish with paprika or dill.
2. Creamy Coleslaw
- 3 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrot
- ½ cup mayo
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Toss together and chill for 30 minutes. Serve cold.
3. Deli-Style Chicken Salad
- 2 cups cooked, chopped chicken
- ½ cup mayo
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup chopped celery
- 1 tbsp red onion
- Chopped parsley or dill
- Salt & pepper to taste
Optional: Add apple chunks or grapes for a sweet twist.
Chef Lucas Benette’s Top Tips for Deli-Style Salads
- Always chill before serving flavors deepen and textures firm up
- Use full-fat mayo for authentic deli taste
- Add crunch with celery, onion, or even nuts
- Balance acid and cream too much mayo can make it heavy
- Customize with seasonal produce or bold herbs like dill, tarragon, or chives
Deli Salad Plate Ideas (Plating & Serving)
| Deli Salad | Suggested Pairing |
|---|---|
| Potato Salad | BBQ ribs, grilled chicken, burgers |
| Coleslaw | Pulled pork, fried chicken, hot dogs |
| Chicken Salad | On croissants, crackers, or salad greens |
| Macaroni Salad | Picnic sandwiches, grilled sausages |
| Egg Salad | Open-faced toast, lettuce wraps, wraps |
FAQs – Delicatessen Salads
Q1: What are the 5 basic types of salads?
The five basic types of salads are:
- Green Salads Made with leafy greens like lettuce, arugula, or spinach.
- Vegetable Salads Based on chopped raw or cooked vegetables (e.g., coleslaw).
- Bound Salads Held together with a thick dressing, usually mayonnaise (e.g., potato or chicken salad).
- Fruit Salads – Made from fresh or canned fruits, sometimes with yogurt or syrup.
- Combination Salads – A mix of the above, often served as a main dish with added protein.
Q2: How do restaurants make their salads taste so good?
Restaurants use fresh, high-quality ingredients, balance flavors with acid and salt, and often toss the salad with dressing just before serving. They also add texture like nuts, seeds, or croutons and use cold plates and crisp produce to enhance the experience. Chef Lucas Benette recommends lightly seasoning your greens before dressing for extra flavor.
Q3: What is the most popular salad?
Globally, the Caesar salad remains one of the most popular. In delis, however, potato salad, coleslaw, and chicken salad are the top favorites, especially in the U.S. These salads are beloved for their creamy texture, simple ingredients, and nostalgic flavors.
Q4: What is the difference between deli and delicatessen?
“Deli” is short for “delicatessen.” While both refer to places that serve prepared cold foods, “delicatessen” is the full term often used in Europe, and “deli” is the casual, American version. In food terms, delicatessen salads refer to the cold, ready-to-eat salads typically sold at delis or markets.
Final Thoughts
Delicatessen salads are more than just sides they’re comfort food classics that work with almost every meal. Whether you’re recreating the magic of a New York deli, prepping meals for the week, or hosting a picnic, these salads offer something for everyone.
With Chef Lucas Benette’s simple techniques and flavor combinations, you’ll be ready to make deli-style salads that impress with every bite. Creamy or crunchy, classic or creative there’s a delicatessen salad for every plate and every palate.
