Classic New York Deli Macaroni Salad Recipe

One thing New Yorkers know is a good deli salad. As a reformed macaroni salad hater, my first trip to a real New York deli changed me forever and I’ve been trying my best to recreate a perfect creamy, tangy, New York deli macaroni salad recipe ever since. This is the winner! Trust me, it’s delicious!

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 Classic New York Deli Inspired Macaroni Salad Recipe 

As someone who grew up in Appalachia eating lots of amazing country and Southern style food, I am pretty partial to those types of recipes. However, I’m happily married to a New Yorker and have certainly grown to appreciate some of the Northeastern delicacies. 

I always thought I hated macaroni salad but as it turns out, I just don’t like SOUTHERN style macaroni salad too much. (Don’t judge me – my family adds eggs to mac salad and I just can’t go there.)

When visiting Kevin’s family in New York there is never a shortage of deli classics like the best cold cuts and ALL the salads. I tried the deli macaroni salad for the first time just to be polite but was immediately a changed woman. It’s SO good. Tangy, slightly sweet, with the slight crunch of finely chopped veggies. NO boiled eggs. Perfection.

Over my seven years as a New Yorker, I tried LOTS of macaroni salad and this recipe truly captures the best of what I love about the dish.

Different delis include different veggies, but I added my personal faves. Feel free to remove what you don’t love and add others you prefer. 

I also tend to prefer a slightly tangy and vinegary/less sweet version of the macaroni salad so I personally omit the sugar from the recipe. Most delis’ salads are a bit sweeter than mine, so if you want a truly authentic version… include the optional sugar. 

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS

Great for crowds: This is a PERFECT side dish when hosting a crowd because one pound of pasta will go a long way! You can also double the recipe as needed. 

Customizable: Feel free to add any ingredients you love and leave out what you don’t. You can bulk this recipe up with additional veggies, add sugar for sweetness, or leave out the veggies altogether. Substitute elbow macaroni for your favorite pasta shape – I love bowties! You can even use whole wheat, protein, or gluten free pasta to make the dish work for your dietary needs.

Summer BBQ Staple: This dish is a perfect side for a summer BBQ and would be a perfect dish for a potluck or family reunion. 

INGREDIENTS:

Pasta of Choice: Elbow macaroni is the traditional shape used but I also love making it with bowties.

Veggies: Delis often include celery, red bell pepper, and onion. I also like shredded carrots. 

Mayonnaise: Feel free to use light mayo to save some calories! 

Vinegar: Red wine vinegar adds a nice tang to this recipe. Feel free to use white vinegar if that’s all you have. 

Neutral Flavored Oil: I prefer avocado oil but you can use any neutral tasting oil. 

Seasonings: Simple seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder round out the dish. You can also add sugar, but I prefer the tang without it! 

HOW TO COOK NEW YORK DELI STYLE MACARONI SALAD:

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook pasta to al dente according to package directions.
3. Meanwhile, chop all vegetables. 
4. Mix together mayo, vinegar, seasonings, and optional sugar to a bowl. 
5. Drain pasta and allow to cool completely. 
6. Mix pasta and veggies and toss in sauce until well combined.
7. Refrigerate until ready to serve. 

PRO TIPS

To quickly cool your pasta, try “shocking” it in ice water. Fill a large bowl with ice and cold water and simply dunk the pasta and colander in the ice water to cool it quickly. This works SO quickly and is one of my favorite kitchen tips I’ve learned all year.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR NEW YORK DELI MACARONI SALAD RECIPE

This dish is the perfect side for your summer cookouts and barbeques. In true New York deli style, you can also serve it with your favorite cold cut sandwich or wrap. 

FAQ

What should I eat with macaroni salad? 

Serve pasta salad as a side with your favorite burgers or sandwiches. It’s a perfect side for a cookout or barbecue. 

What can I substitute for mayonnaise in pasta salad? 

You can substitute a combination of sour cream, greek yogurt, and milk! I typically don’t love mayo, but it is great in this! Even if it’s usually not your favorite ingredient, you might be surprised by this recipe.

Can you freeze macaroni salad? 

Freezing macaroni salad is not recommended. 

How long does pasta salad last in the fridge? 

Pasta salad can last in the fridge for approximately 3-4 days; however, this can be impacted by the freshness of your ingredients. Use fresh produce for best results! 

Are pasta salad recipes good for a crowd? 

Pasta salad is a PERFECT recipe for a crowd. It’s easy to double or triple the recipe for a large crowd but even the normal recipe makes a large number of servings as a side dish. As a matter of fact, I often half the recipe for my family of four (two adults and two preschool/toddler aged kiddos).

I hope you enjoy making this New York style deli macaroni salad at home! If you ever find yourself visiting New York City, you can check out this list of top spots for macaroni salad.

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