Skip the line at the deli counter. You can whip up tasty salads in your own kitchen. They are a must for lunches or picnics. These dishes work great as a side or even a main course.
Pair them with a sub sandwich for a full meal. Here are 13 deli salads that taste straight from the counter.
1. Tomato Salad
Nothing beats a fresh tomato from the garden. This recipe is light and refreshing. It uses ripe grape tomatoes and thin slices of red onion.
Fresh mozzarella balls add a nice texture. Drizzle red wine vinegar and olive oil on top for simplicity. Just toss it all together. It is seriously the best.
2. Sweet Macaroni Salad
Meet your new favorite pasta dish. It features everything you adore about macaroni salad plus more. Condensed milk gives the creamy dressing a sweet twist.
That is the real treat here. Mix it with the other ingredients. Your friends will beg for the secret recipe.
3. New York Deli Potato Salad
Do you like creamy potato salad with a little tang? Grab a fork right now. You do not want to miss this recipe. It combines new potatoes with white vinegar and mayo.
Carrots and onions add a burst of freshness. This cuts through the starch and fat. I find it so filling that I often eat it alone.
4. Grated Carrot Salad
I never knew grated carrots could taste so amazing. This recipe is fantastic and super easy. You just need carrots, onion, and parsley.
A lemon Dijon vinaigrette brings it all together. Serve this as a side dish. You can also put it on a veggie sandwich. It tastes great either way.
5. Fruit Salad
Are you looking for a refreshing dish for summer? Try this incredible recipe. It bursts with colorful fruits like strawberries and blueberries.
Kiwi and oranges add even more flavor. Drizzle a honey lime dressing over the fresh ingredients. It is fast and easy. Bring this to a potluck or Fourth of July BBQ.
6. Bulgur Salad with Cucumbers, Red Peppers, Chickpeas, Lemon & Dill
I never get tired of bulgur salad. I prep it ahead of time for work lunches. It is similar to tabbouleh. The recipe uses lemon juice, cucumbers, and chopped parsley.
Chickpeas provide protein while bell peppers add crunch. I add cherry tomatoes when they are in season. You can skip the sugar if you prefer a low sugar diet.
7. Rice Salad
I need to talk about this rice salad. It takes the best parts of cowboy caviar. The result is an incredibly scrumptious dish.
Fresh veggies and rice mix together perfectly. A spicy citrus dressing coats everything. It gets even better with every bite.
8. Apple Cranberry Coleslaw
Do you need a festive salad for the holidays? I have the perfect treat. Toss crisp apples with dried cranberries. Add almonds, carrots, and cabbage.
A tangy Greek yogurt dressing coats everything. This creamy slaw is sweet. It is a perfect addition to any holiday feast.
9. Curried Chicken Salad
There are many ways to prepare chicken salad. This recipe is the best one. Curry adds a flavorful kick to the shredded meat. The chicken melts in your mouth.
Crunchy celery and juicy grapes add texture. A silky mayo dressing binds it all. Serve it on a sandwich or over lettuce. I sometimes eat it straight from the bowl.
10. Marinated Vegetable Salad
You will dig this recipe if you love marinated veggies. I know I certainly do. This salad brims with vibrant summer produce. It features bell peppers, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes.
A tart red wine vinaigrette coats the healthy goodness. Let it sit in the fridge overnight. This helps the flavors meld together.
11. Bean Salad
This dish has been a staple on my table since childhood. It is simple and affordable. Bean salad is also full of protein. You need black beans, green beans, and kidney beans.
Wax beans and garbanzo beans round out the list. It makes a phenomenal addition to a Southern meal. I serve it with fried chicken and cornbread. Collard greens with bacon are also a must.
12. Creamy Delicatessen Fruit Salad
Spruce up your fruit salad with this amazing recipe. It mimics the deli style perfectly. Crisp apples and juicy grapes serve as the base.
Pineapple chunks and mandarin orange slices add sweetness. The dressing uses mayo, cream cheese, and Greek yogurt. You can use canned fruit or opt for fresh.
13. Broccoli Slaw
Have you ever tried slaw made with broccoli? I encourage you to make this right now. The epic dish is full of fresh broccoli. It has protein packed quinoa and slivered almonds.
Basil adds a fresh touch. A delicious homemade honey mustard serves as the dressing.
