This NY deli potato salad is cold and creamy, made with thin-sliced russet potatoes in a sweet and tangy mayo dressing. Just like the kind you’d find at a New York deli. No mustard, no eggs, no relish. Perfect for picnics, BBQs, or any casual get-together. Great with pastrami, roast beef, or your favorite sandwich.
2poundsrusset potatoes,2 large baking potatoes or about 6 small ones from a big bag
2teaspoonssaltfor boiling the potatoes
2tablespoonsgrated yellow onionabout ½ medium onion, grated on a box grater
½cupmayonnaise
3tablespoonswhite vinegar
2tablespoonssugar
1 ½teaspoonskosher saltfor the dressing
½teaspoonwhite pepper
Optional garnish: chives or parsley, grated carrots, red onions
Instructions
Peel the potatoes, cut them in half lengthwise, then slice crosswise into 1-inch pieces. Place the pieces in a big bowl of cold water as you cut to keep them from turning brown.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 2 teaspoons of salt to the water (this is in addition to the salt in the dressing), then add the potatoes.
Cook for about 10 minutes, until the potatoes are tender but not mushy.
Drain the potatoes into a colander, then pour them back into the warm pot. Set the pot on the same (turned off) burner and let them sit for about 5 minutes to dry out.
Spread the potatoes out on a sheet pan and let them cool for about 30 minutes.
Whisk together the mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, kosher salt (1½ teaspoons), and white pepper in a large bowl.
Stir in the grated onion, then add the cooled potatoes. Gently fold everything together with a rubber spatula until well mixed.
Spoon the potato salad into an airtight quart-size container. Refrigerate overnight.
Remove from the fridge, pour into a big bowl and stir well before serving.
Garnish with chives, parsley, grated carrots, or red onions
Notes
Storage and Leftovers
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days. Stir before serving and add a pinch of salt if needed.