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    Home » Easy Vegan Sandwiches & Wraps » Easy Vegan New York Deli Sandwich

    Easy Vegan New York Deli Sandwich

    Published: Jul 21, 2021 · Modified: Aug 18, 2021 by Jacqueline Meldrum · 18 Comments

    An amazingly tasty vegan New York Deli Sandwich. A sandwich once tried, never forgotten. Try this easy recipe this week for a Big Apple style lunch.

    Vegan New York Deli Sandwich

    New York Deli Sandwiches are, as you may guess, a sandwich made famous in the delicatessens of New York, but they have travelled the world in popularity.

    You can buy vegetarian versions of this sandwich in Pret a Manger and Marks & Spencer, but it's time we claim it for vegans, and what better way than to make it fresh at home.

    Honestly, I can guarantee you are going to love this sandwich!

    Jump to:
    • 🥪 Ingredients
    • 🍞 Bread
    • 🧀 Cheese
    • 🥒 Pickles
    • 🥣 Mustard
    • 🥫 Pickled cabbage
    • 🥪 More rocking vegan sandwiches to try
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 Want New Recipes Delivered to your Inbox?
    • 📋 Pin it for later
    • 🔪 Step-by-step photos
    • Step 1
    • Step 2
    • Step 3
    • Step 4
    • 📖 Recipe
    • Comments
    a stacked vegan New York deli sandwich

    🥪 Ingredients

    Here are the ingredients you need to make my vegan version of a New York Deli Sandwich.

    • Bread
    • Mayo (vegan)
    • Salad leaves
    • Pickled cabbage
    • Coleslaw (vegan)
    • Cheddar (vegan)
    • Pickles
    • Mustard
    New Yorker Sandwich on a white plate

    🍞 Bread

    If you were ordering a New York Deli-style sandwich in the Lower East Side in Manhattan, your sandwich would probably be served on rye bread.

    The rye bread served in New York is very different from the rye served here in the UK.

    Our rye is generally dark, rich, and dense, almost like German pumpernickel.

    Rye bread in the Lower East Side is a lighter, fluffier bread made with a mixture of rye flour and white flour. I use this style of mix in my light rye bloomer bread, which would be fabulous for this sandwich.

    When I make this sandwich I usually use my regular wholemeal bread, which is lovely and soft.

    🧀 Cheese

    No doubt a New York Delicatessen would likely serve Swiss cheese which is mild and almost nutty.

    My preference is Violife sliced cheddar, which is also mild, so it works well in this sandwich.

    Use your favourite vegan cheese. Go with something a bit stronger in flavour if you like.

    🥒 Pickles

    Americans call them Dill Pickles, but in the UK they are called Gherkins. But what are they?

    Basically, they are small cucumbers that are pickled.

    Why are they called dill pickles In America? It's because dill is added to the vinegar.

    Buy small pickled gherkins jarred whole or larger gherkins, jarred either whole or sliced.

    Large sliced gherkins are good because they are evenly pre-cut making them perfect for adding to sandwiches.

    A close up of a vegan New York deli sandiwhich with mustard oozing out

    🥣 Mustard

    Come on, it has to be American mustard for this one.

    That bright yellow squeezy bottle that holds equally eye-popping yellow mustard.

    Delicious on bean burgers and vegan sausages, but it's also rather fabulous on a sandwich.

    And the good news is, it's suitable for vegans.

    🥫 Pickled cabbage

    This sandwich also contains pickled red cabbage. I also used it in my Vegan Reuben Sandwich and it's gorgeous stuff.

    However, you could use sauerkraut instead. I will leave you to decide.

    When in the Big Apple, you would be served sauerkraut for the original taste sensation, but I think pickled red cabbage makes a fabulous substitution.

    Reuben Sandwich stacked on a patterned plate

    🥪 More rocking vegan sandwiches to try

    Vegan sandwiches you don't want to miss!

    1. British Cheese Ploughman's Sandwich
    2. Cheese Savoury Sandwich
    3. Classic Cheese & Onion Sandwiches
    4. Cuban Sandwich with Mushrooms
    5. Cucumber Sandwiches
    6. Hummus Beet Sandwich
    7. Italian White Bean & Tomato Sandwich
    8. Reuben Sandwich with Russian Dressing

    Check out 39 of the Best Vegan Sandwiches

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    📋 Pin it for later

    An amazingly tasty vegan New York Deli Sandwich. A sandwich once tried, never forgotten. Try this easy recipe this week for a superior lunch.

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    🔪 Step-by-step photos

    Step-by-step photos of the vegan New York Deli Sandwich being made. Keep scrolling for the full printable recipe.

    Vegan New York Deli Sandwich - step 1

    Step 1

    • Spread both slices of bread with vegan mayo and set one aside as the lid of our sandwich.
    • Top with a generous handful of rocket or other salad leaves.
    • Next top with a layer of pickled red cabbage or sauerkraut.

    Step 2

    • The next delicious layer is vegan coleslaw. If your local shop or supermarket doesn't sell it, try my easy Vegan Carrot & Dill Coleslaw.
    • Now top the slaw with a couple of slices of vegan cheddar.
    Vegan New York Deli Sandwich - step 3

    Step 3

    • Add slices of gherkin or dill pickles. I like the jars of ready-sliced gherkins.
    • Follow that up with a generous drizzle of yellow American mustard.
    Vegan New York Deli Sandwich - step 4

    Step 4

    • Add the other, mayo-spread slice of bread, cut in half and serve.
    • C'wah! Look at that!
    • Enjoy!

    📖 Recipe

    New Yorker Sandwich on a white plate

    Easy Vegan New York Deli Sandwich

    Jacqueline Meldrum
    An amazingly tasty vegan New York Deli Sandwich. A sandwich once tried, never forgotten. Try this easy recipe this week for a superior lunch.
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 0 mins
    0 mins
    Total Time 5 mins
    Course Easy Vegan Sandwiches & Wraps
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1 sandwich
    Calories 385 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 slices wholemeal bread or rye bread
    • 1 tbsp vegan mayo
    • 1 handful rocket also called arugula (or other salad leaves)
    • 3 tbsp pickled red cabbage or sauerkraut
    • 3 tbsp vegan coleslaw
    • 2 slices vegan cheddar
    • 3 slices pickled gherkins also known as dill pickles
    • 1 tsp American mustard

    Instructions
     

    • Spread both slices of bread with mayo and set one aside.
    • Top one slice with rocket, then a layer of pickled cabbage.
    • Next add a layer of coleslaw and top that with a couple of slices of vegan cheddar.
    • Finish off by adding a few slices of pickled gherkin (dill pickles), a drizzle of mustard and then top with the other slice of bread and cut in half.
    • Enjoy!

    Notes

    • Feel free to add a generous amount of filling.
    • You may use your favourite bread to make this sandwich.
    • The layer of mayo will help form a barrier to stop the sandwich from going soggy if you make it ahead but do pat the pickled cabbage or sauerkraut on kitchen paper to remove excess vinegar.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1sandwichCalories: 385kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 1094mgPotassium: 373mgFiber: 8gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 537IUVitamin C: 26mgCalcium: 156mgIron: 3mg
    Keyword British sandwiches, Vegan deli sandwich, vegan lunch ideas, vegan lunch recipes, vegan lunchbox, Vegan New York Deli Sandwich, Vegan New Yorker Sandwich, vegan sandwiches
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    « Vegan Coronation Coleslaw
    Vegan Cheese & Onion Sandwiches »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. maryanne

      July 22, 2021 at 10:45 pm

      5 stars
      Fun! I've eaten many New York deli sandwiches, having lived there for over a decade. And now that I largely eat vegan, I can recreate that sandwich thanks to you! I can't wait to try this! It sounds amazing!

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Meldrum

        July 24, 2021 at 9:39 am

        You must have so much choice at lunchtime if you aren't making your own. Enjoy the sandwich when you try it.

        Reply
    2. Sara Welch

      July 22, 2021 at 10:46 pm

      5 stars
      What a unique and unexpected recipe! This was everything a gourmet sandwich should be, and then some! Easily, a new favorite!

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Meldrum

        July 24, 2021 at 9:38 am

        Yay! I am so glad you enjoyed it.

        Reply
    3. Jill

      July 23, 2021 at 12:32 am

      5 stars
      This is one fabulous looking sandwich. Excited to try it!

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Meldrum

        July 24, 2021 at 9:38 am

        Thanks and yes it's a real winner. You must try it.

        Reply
    4. Jeannette

      July 23, 2021 at 6:31 am

      5 stars
      Pickled cabbage and slaw are perfect for adding incredible texture! Pair that with the gherkins and you have a winning sandwich!

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Meldrum

        July 24, 2021 at 9:37 am

        Yes, we've been using a lot of pickled cabbage in sandwiches. Gorgeous stuff.

        Reply
    5. Jacq

      July 23, 2021 at 7:56 am

      5 stars
      WOW this looks like an impressive sandwich and one that my family will totally love. Especially my daughter who is the gherkin queen!! Love anything American style so can't wait to try this 🙂

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Meldrum

        July 24, 2021 at 9:37 am

        It's a gorgeous sandwich. I am sure she will love it.

        Reply
    6. Susan

      July 29, 2021 at 4:12 pm

      5 stars
      I am going to be dreaming about this until I make it

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Meldrum

        July 29, 2021 at 4:13 pm

        You will even more once you have made it. It's very addictive.

        Reply
    7. Richard

      July 30, 2021 at 1:28 pm

      5 stars
      What are you doing to me here? It is torture looking at that while I am hungry and want to eat it.

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Meldrum

        August 02, 2021 at 3:14 pm

        Haha Sorry about that! You should try it.

        Reply
    8. Rhonda

      August 12, 2021 at 8:44 pm

      This looks amazing! Wish I had it right now. Can’t wait to try it. All your recipes look so very good. About the pickles, Here in the U.S. gherkins are usually sweet pickles and then we have dill pickles and also bread and butter pickles. I love them all! Thank you for this awesome recipe!

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Meldrum

        August 15, 2021 at 11:36 am

        Thanks for the tips. I knew the dill pickles but hadn't heard of sweet pickles.

        Reply
    9. Ness

      January 14, 2022 at 9:01 am

      5 stars
      I absolutely love this sandwich, it's one of my happy foods!

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Meldrum

        January 19, 2022 at 11:10 pm

        Same here. We like so many of the same things. Twinnies.

        Reply

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