Deli salads aren’t just for takeout counters anymore. They’re simple to whip up, bursting with flavor, and perfect for any occasion.
From creamy classics to zesty veggie mixes, these favorites bring that old-school deli charm straight to your kitchen.
Every bite feels familiar but better—because you made it yourself.
1. Classic Potato Salad
Chunks of tender potato soak up a smooth, mayo-based dressing with a hit of mustard and chopped celery for crunch. Hard-boiled eggs and a sprinkle of paprika bring richness and color.
Often found at cookouts and picnic tables, this creamy favorite tastes like summer memories and pairs with nearly everything from hot dogs to brisket.
2. Creamy Coleslaw
Shredded cabbage and carrots mingle in a silky dressing made of mayo, vinegar, and a hint of sugar. It’s crisp, creamy, and slightly tangy with a sweet edge.
Beloved in barbecue joints and diners alike, coleslaw brings cool relief to rich meats or adds crunch in sandwiches and sliders.
3. Macaroni Salad
Elbow macaroni swims in a creamy mayo blend with sweet pickles, red onions, and chopped bell peppers. The texture is soft yet toothsome with a tangy snap.
Found in delis across the country, it’s a go-to side for fried chicken, burgers, or solo snacking straight from the fridge.
4. Egg Salad
Chopped hard-boiled eggs fold into a smooth mayo base with mustard, green onions, and a dusting of paprika. It’s creamy, mild, and deeply comforting.
Whether spooned into lettuce cups or tucked between slices of rye, egg salad has been a deli favorite for generations.
5. Tuna Salad
Flaky canned tuna blends with mayo, diced celery, lemon juice, and cracked pepper for brightness. It’s firm, savory, and satisfyingly briny.
From baguette sandwiches to stuffed tomatoes, tuna salad adapts to anything and makes quick lunches feel thoughtful and filling.
6. Chicken Salad
Tender shredded chicken combines with mayo, grapes, and crunchy almonds for a mix of sweet and savory. Celery adds bite, while Dijon brings depth.
Perfect on croissants or crackers, chicken salad feels fancy yet familiar—a staple in Southern homes and gourmet markets alike.
7. Three-Bean Salad
Green beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas soak in a tangy vinaigrette with red onions and parsley. Every bite is firm, zesty, and herb-kissed.
Often served chilled at potlucks and buffets, this oil-based salad holds up for days and gets even better with time.
8. Broccoli Bacon Salad
Crisp broccoli florets meet smoky bacon, sharp red onions, and sweet raisins in a creamy dressing. Sunflower seeds give it a nutty crunch.
It’s a surprising hit at gatherings, balancing healthful greens with indulgent mix-ins that make everyone go back for seconds.
9. German Potato Salad
Warm potatoes mingle with tangy vinegar, crisp bacon, and sautéed onions for a bold, savory flavor. There’s no mayo—just pure punch.
Served warm or room temp, this German-style salad brings old-world comfort to sausages, schnitzel, and roast chicken dinners.
10. Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Tender pasta soaks up a dressing laced with dill, chopped pickles, cheddar cubes, and a dash of pickle juice. It’s briny, creamy, and wildly addictive.
A newer classic with major deli vibes, this one’s for pickle lovers looking for a chilled dish with personality.
11. Waldorf Salad
Crunchy apples and celery combine with walnuts and grapes in a light mayo or yogurt dressing. It’s crisp, sweet, and nutty all at once.
Invented at the Waldorf-Astoria in the 1890s, this elegant fruit-and-veg combo is still a star on modern deli menus.
12. Israeli Couscous Salad
Pearled couscous is tossed with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, lemon juice, and herbs for a fresh, chewy bite. Olive oil ties it all together.
Bright and Mediterranean, this salad holds up well in lunchboxes and makes a satisfying light meal on warm afternoons.
13. Greek Orzo Salad
Tiny orzo pasta meets kalamata olives, feta, cucumbers, and red onion in a lemon-oregano vinaigrette. Every bite balances salt, acid, and crunch.
Channeling flavors from the Aegean coast, this salad works beautifully alongside grilled meats or as a picnic centerpiece.
14. Seafood Salad
Imitation crab, shrimp, or both mix with celery, herbs, and creamy dressing for a light, briny dish. Lemon zest brings brightness.
Often found behind deli glass, this chilled salad recalls beach vacations and seafood counters, especially when served on crackers or croissants.
15. Ranch Pea Salad
Sweet peas are paired with shredded cheddar, red onions, and bacon in a ranch-style dressing. The result is creamy, crisp, and cheesy.
It’s a nostalgic Midwestern favorite, perfect for potlucks or as a playful side to grilled dishes and sandwiches.
16. Antipasto Salad
Slices of salami, mozzarella balls, olives, and peppers rest on a bed of greens with tangy Italian dressing. Every bite is bold and meaty.
Inspired by Italian starter platters, this salad doubles as a full meal and satisfies those who crave savory over sweet.
17. Italian Pasta Salad
Tri-color rotini joins cucumbers, tomatoes, pepperoni, and cheese cubes in zesty Italian vinaigrette. It’s bright, garlicky, and endlessly snackable.
A picnic and deli counter classic, this pasta salad is as colorful as it is crowd-pleasing—always the first to disappear.