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The 25 Best Deli Sandwich Toppings

Are you looking for some delicious and unique toppings for your deli sandwiches?

Whether you are putting together a classic ham and cheese, a turkey club, or a veggie sandwich, there is so much potential to make it truly special.

So if you are wondering what deli sandwich toppings to use, then you are in the right place.

I’m sharing 25 of the best deli sandwich toppings including creamy spreads, crunchy vegetables, zesty sauces, and more.

Get creative and give your next deli sandwich an upgrade!

Turkey Sandwich (Deli Style)

25 Best Deli Sandwich Toppings

Deli sandwiches are a classic lunchtime staple, but they can be made even better with the right toppings.

From spreads to condiments and garnishes, here are twenty-five delicious deli sandwich toppings that will take your sandwich game to the next level:

1. Fresh Tomatoes

Tomato Slices

Tomatoes add a delicious flavor to your deli sandwich, as well as a nice bit of juiciness and crunch! Slice them to your preferred thickness, then add them atop the meat on your sandwich for some added flavor and texture.

2. Swiss Cheese

Swiss Cheese

A classic semi-soft cheese with a mild nutty taste that pairs perfectly with pastrami and turkey sandwiches—add it to yours for creamy goodness in every bite.

3. Pastrami

Pastrami

Get creative topping off your deli sandwiches with this smoked beef delicacy! It brings a depth of flavor from its deep smokiness plus the saltiness from being cured and spiced.

Perfect for adding an extra element of flavor complexity when layered together with fresh tomatoes, swiss cheese, and whatever else you fancy!

4. Coleslaw

For cold deli sandwiches, coleslaw is a great way to add bright color and crunch. You can make it yourself or buy pre-made from the store. Mix together chopped cabbage, carrots, momentary mayo , vinegar and sugar for a creamy coleslaw topping.

5. Egg Salad

Egg salad makes a delicious addition to any sandwich! Combine boiled eggs with celery, dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and some paprika for an extra flavorful kick. Slather it onto your sandwich for some added protein.

6. Avocado

Avocado

Avocado adds healthy fats and creaminess to any cold sandwich! Mash ripe avocados or use spoonfuls of ready-made guacamole as a side or tasty topping.

7. Pickles

Briny and tangy pickles are a classic sandwich topping that can easily elevate any deli sandwich.

Whether you choose dill, sweet, or even bread and butter pickles, they all bring a unique flavor profile to your sandwich while also providing a fresh crunchy texture!

8. Hummus

A nice alternative to mayo or mustard is hummus! Not only does it add earthy flavors with its base of chickpeas, but it’s packed with fiber and protein too.

Spread it across your sandwich for heart-healthy nutrients as well as an olive oil zing that will compliment almost any deli meat perfectly.

9. Balsamic Vinaigrette

If you like salads on top of sandwiches then why not try adding balsamic vinaigrette instead of the usual creamy dressing?

This vinegar-based dressing complements most meats such as salami or pastrami nicely and adds an extra layer of flavor without being heavy on calories or fat content!

10. Pesto

Pesto is a savory and creamy spread, made with fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, nuts, and garlic.

It pairs nicely with deli meats like ham or turkey as it adds layers of flavor that elevates the sandwich.

11. Mustard

Mustard is an easy way to give your sandwich an extra kick! Whether you prefer yellow mustard’s tangy kick or Dijon mustard’s slightly sweet flavor; each will compliment your sandwich without overpowering the flavors of the meat.

Not to mention – they go great with cheese too!

12. Hot Sauce

Hot sauce isn’t just for wings! Deli sandwiches benefit from a bit of extra heat too – provided by hot sauce.

Whether you use regular Tabasco or something more adventurous like Sriracha’s complexity, adding hot sauce can help you customize your deli sandwich in entirely new ways.

13. Arugula

Arugula

A dash of peppery arugula can elevate your deli sandwich to a whole new level.

This delicious and nutritious green adds a kick of flavor that is missing in the traditional sandwiches made with boring iceberg lettuce. Add some creamy mayonnaise or light salad dressing to make it extra special.

14. Caramelized Onions

Caramelized onions are sweet, savory, and so easy to make!

While you can certainly enjoy this topping on its own, adding them to your deli sandwich will take it from good to great. The hints of sweetness also pairs beautifully with cheese-like provolone for an amazing flavor combination.

15. Bacon

Who doesn’t love bacon?

Not only does it add an unbeatable crunch but it also brings the smoky, salty flavors that many people crave when eating a satisfying meal.

To give your sandwich an extra jolt of protein and flavor, simply top off your turkey or tuna lunchtime creations with some diced-up bacon bits!

16. Roasted Red Peppers

Roasted red peppers add a sweet and smoky flavor to any deli sandwich. They’re easy to make yourself or you can buy them in a jar at most markets.

For the best roasted pepper flavor, sauté thinly sliced red peppers in olive oil until they just start to char lightly on the edges.

17. Dijon Mustard

For added depth of flavor, try adding some Dijon mustard to your deli sandwiches. The creamy texture and mild zip are perfect for making a classic grilled cheese even better or as an extra layer of flavor on roast beef sandwiches.

18. Capers

Capers

These salty little gems offer up yet another new level of taste when added to deli sandwiches.

You can use capers in place of pickles, but with a much more intense punch that’ll really set off your creation! Sprinkle liberally over roast turkey for an unforgettable combination.

19. Sprouts

Soybean Sprouts

All sandwiches benefit from some crunchy freshness from sprouted seeds like alfalfa and broccoli — plus they provide good nutrition too! Add these babies straight onto your bread before constructing the perfect meal on the go every time!

20. Olives

Olives

Olives add a sharp, salty, and briny flavor to sandwiches. Try adding some pitted green olives for an extra kick of saltiness. Or, sub in kalamata olives if you’re looking for more of the classic olive flavor.

Olives are perfect with cold deli turkey or ham sandwiches, as they provide a contrast to the rich proteins.

21. Cranberry Sauce

For a sweet and tart respite from standard condiments like mayonnaise or mustard, try topping your sandwich with some cranberry sauce!

The sweetness and acidity of the sauce pairs perfectly with roasted turkey breast and brings out all the flavors without overwhelming them. You can use true cranberry sauce that’s made from scratch or even opt for canned cranberry jelly depending on your taste preferences.

22. Cucumber

Sliced cucumbers

Thinly sliced cucumbers make a delicious fresh addition to any cold sandwich because they inject coolness and crunch into each bite plus the hydration you need while eating something filling like a deli Turkey & Provolone masterpiece sandwich.

Not only is it healthy, just one seedless cucumber contains 20-plus percent potassium, but it adds an incredible taste contrast when combined with certain kinds of cheese such as feta or provolone since their pronounced saltiness is toned down by this vegetable’s mildness which also adds moisture onto your bread slices.

23. Feta Cheese

Feta Cheese

Add a creamy, salty flavor to your sandwiches by topping them with feta cheese. Feta is crumbly and melts easily so it integrates nicely into the sandwich. Perfect for salads and sandwiches alike, feta adds a pop of flavor that’s sure to please.

24. Radishes

Radish Slices

This crunchy root vegetable offers not only texture but also provides a bright zesty kick that complements deli meats like ham and turkey perfectly. Slice radishes up thin for easy addition to any sandwich – you won’t be sorry!

25. Guacamole

Gussy up your sandwich by adding some guacamole as topping. Not only does this give it an extra punch of yummy avocado-ness, but it’s also full of healthy fats too! Add lettuce or sliced tomatoes for extra texture and nutrition bonus points.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, a deli sandwich is a perfect way to add flavor and texture to any lunch or dinner. With the right toppings, it can be an incredibly satisfying and satisfying meal.

Some of the best deli sandwich toppings include fresh tomatoes, swiss cheese, pastrami, coleslaw, egg salad, avocado, pickles, hummus, balsamic vinaigrette, pesto, mustard, and hot sauce.

Each of these toppings adds a unique flavor and texture to the sandwich, elevating it to the next level.

So the next time you’re in the mood for a delicious deli sandwich, don’t forget to top it off with one or more of these tasty toppings!

Turkey Sandwich Deli-Style

The 25 Best Deli Sandwich Toppings

I'm a sandwich lover and I'm always looking for new ideas for topping my deli sandwiches. That's why I'm excited to share my top 25 favorite deli sandwich toppings. From creamy spreads to crunchy vegetables, these toppings will take your sandwich game to the next level. Find out which ones are my favorites and get ready to create the perfect sandwich.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Sandwich, Toppings
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Fresh Tomatoes
  • Swiss Cheese
  • Pastrami
  • Coleslaw
  • Egg Salad
  • Avocado
  • Pickles
  • Hummus
  • Balsamic Vinaigrette
  • Pesto
  • Mustard
  • Hot Sauce
  • Arugula
  • Caramelized Onions
  • Bacon
  • Roasted Red Peppers
  • Dijon Mustard
  • Capers
  • Sprouts
  • Olives
  • Cranberry Sauce
  • Cucumber
  • Feta Cheese
  • Radishes
  • Guacamole

Instructions
 

  • Select your favorite toppings from this article.
  • Assemble your delicious deli sandwich.
  • Enjoy your sandwich in 30 minutes or less.
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Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.