Pastrami Sandwich Recipe Purple Slaw And Mustard Stripe

My kitchen often hums with the promise of a hearty, easy dinner, and this pastrami sandwich recipe Purple Slaw And Mustard Stripe is a family favorite. The rich aroma of warm pastrami mingled with the tangy crunch of purple slaw instantly makes a weeknight meal feel special. This recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort, transforming a classic deli favorite into a gourmet-tasting experience right at home, perfect for busy evenings or a quick, satisfying lunch. You’ll master a satisfying deli favorite that’s perfect for any day of the week.

What You’ll Need (Ingredients and Key Roles)

Gathering the right components is key to a truly exceptional pastrami sandwich. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to create this fantastic meal, focusing on quality ingredients for the best taste.

Pastrami (1 lb / 450g, thinly sliced): The star of our pastrami sandwich recipe Purple Slaw And Mustard Stripe, choose a quality deli cut for rich, savory flavor and a tender texture. Opting for lower-sodium pastrami can make this a healthier choice.
Rye Bread (8 slices): A sturdy, flavorful base that’s a classic pairing for pastrami. Whole grain rye adds extra fiber and a heartier feel.
Swiss Cheese (4 slices): Provides a melty, slightly nutty counterpoint that complements the pastrami beautifully. (Provolone or Gruyere also work wonderfully if you prefer those notes.)
Mayonnaise (2 Tbsp / 30ml): A creamy binder that adds richness and moisture to the bread.
Dijon Mustard & Yellow Mustard (1 Tbsp / 15ml each): Essential for the vibrant “mustard stripe” that adds a zesty kick and visual appeal.
Purple Cabbage (2 cups / 150g, thinly sliced): The foundation for our vibrant, tangy purple slaw, providing crunch and a beautiful color. Use organic purple cabbage for crisp freshness.
Apple Cider Vinegar (2 Tbsp / 30ml): Crucial for the slaw’s bright, tangy dressing.
Olive Oil (1 Tbsp / 15ml): Helps emulsify the slaw dressing, adding a silky texture and mild flavor.
Sugar (1 tsp / 5g): Balances the slaw’s tang, ensuring a well-rounded flavor. (Maple syrup or honey can be a good substitute here for a natural sweetness.)
Salt & Black Pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors in the slaw and sandwich.

For sourcing, always look for freshly sliced pastrami from a reputable deli counter; it makes a huge difference. Purple cabbage is readily available year-round, ensuring you can enjoy this easy dinner idea anytime.

Step-by-Step Cooking Method

Creating your perfect pastrami sandwich recipe Purple Slaw And Mustard Stripe is simple with these clear, timed steps. My family loves this quick meal, especially when I use pre-shredded cabbage for the slaw on busy weeknights, a real family-friendly shortcut!

Make the Purple Slaw (5 minutes): Thinly slice 2 cups (150g) purple cabbage. Whisk 2 Tbsp (30ml) apple cider vinegar, 1 Tbsp (15ml) olive oil, 1 tsp (5g) sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Pour over cabbage, toss until evenly coated and glistening. Let sit 5 minutes to soften slightly.
Toast the Rye Bread (2-3 minutes): Lightly butter one side of each bread slice. Toast in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat, or under a broiler, until golden brown and crisp to the touch.
Assemble the Sandwich: Spread mayonnaise on the untoasted bread sides. Layer pastrami generously on one slice, then top with Swiss cheese. Add a good amount of tangy purple slaw next.
Create the Mustard Stripe: Use a spoon or squeeze bottle to make parallel stripes of Dijon and yellow mustard on the other bread slice. This adds both flavor and a bright visual element. If pastrami seems dry when warmed, a splash of water helps it stay moist.
Finish and Serve: Place the mustard-striped bread on top. Press gently. Cut the hearty pastrami sandwich in half and serve immediately to enjoy the best textures and fresh flavors.

For a hot pastrami sandwich, melt the cheese over the pastrami in a pan before assembling. Don’t over-dress the slaw too far ahead, or it will get soggy. Avoid over-toasting the rye bread; aim for crisp, not burnt, for this easy dinner idea.

Perfect Occasions and Pairings

This hearty pastrami sandwich recipe with Purple Slaw And Mustard Stripe is perfect for various occasions. It’s a fantastic choice for quick weekday lunches, family dinners, game day gatherings, or a gourmet picnic star.

Serve alongside classic dill pickle spears.
Crispy potato chips or tomato soup complement well.
Creamy potato salad makes a great side.
Enjoy with refreshing sparkling cider or a favorite non-alcoholic drink.

For meal prep, make the purple slaw a day ahead, storing it in an airtight container and dressing just before serving. Assemble sandwiches fresh to prevent sogginess. Leftover pastrami keeps 3-4 days in the fridge.

Wellness and Everyday Benefits of a Pastrami Sandwich

Enjoying a delicious pastrami sandwich doesn’t mean sacrificing balanced eating. This particular sandwich offers a good source of high-quality protein from the pastrami, keeping you feeling full and energized. The vibrant purple slaw adds significant fiber and beneficial nutrients, contributing to a healthier meal.

Excellent for healthy meal prep ideas when components are prepared in advance.
One of the best easy dinners to pull together quickly for your family.
Can be adapted into a hearty, nourishing snack with smaller portions.
A truly convenient and satisfying choice for family meals.

Customizing the Recipe for Your Needs

Making this pastrami sandwich recipe truly your own is simple with a few quick tweaks. For richer flavor, briefly warm the pastrami slices in a dry pan until steamy before assembling; this really brings out its savory notes, a trick I often use on cold days. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the purple slaw dressing.

Use gluten-free rye bread for a gluten-free pastrami sandwich.
Explore plant-based pastrami alternatives for a delicious vegan option.
Light mayo and lean pastrami make it a weight-friendly meal.
Always check bread ingredients for allergens; be mindful of mustard allergies.

Common Questions Answered

Is a pastrami sandwich a healthy option?

Yes, it certainly can be! To boost the nutritional value of your pastrami sandwich, choose lean pastrami and opt for whole grain rye bread. Piling on plenty of the fresh, fiber-rich purple slaw significantly enhances its health benefits, making it a more balanced and satisfying meal.

Can I freeze pastrami sandwich components for later?

While pastrami itself can be frozen successfully, it’s generally best to assemble your pastrami sandwich fresh. The vibrant purple slaw, with its high water content, unfortunately won’t freeze well and will lose its crisp texture upon thawing. Prep components, but build fresh.

What’s the best substitute if I don’t have purple cabbage?

If purple cabbage isn’t available, green cabbage or a pre-made coleslaw mix works perfectly for your slaw. You’ll still achieve a delicious, tangy flavor, though you will miss the vibrant, striking color that truly defines this Purple Slaw And Mustard Stripe.

Can I make the purple slaw ahead of time?

Absolutely, the purple slaw can be prepped up to 24 hours in advance, which is great for meal prep. For the freshest taste and crunch, however, I always recommend dressing it with the vinaigrette just before you’re ready to serve your pastrami sandwich. This keeps it crisp.

What kind of pastrami is best for this recipe?

For the ultimate flavor and texture in this pastrami sandwich recipe, seek out high-quality, thinly sliced deli pastrami. Look for a reputable deli or butcher known for their fresh cuts, as this makes a significant difference in the overall enjoyment of your homemade sandwich.

How can I make the mustard stripe stand out?

To truly make that mustard stripe visually appealing on your pastrami sandwich, use a squeeze bottle for precise, clean lines. For added visual contrast, try using a combination of a bright yellow mustard and a darker, more intense Dijon mustard side-by-side.

This pastrami sandwich recipe with purple slaw and mustard stripe makes a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying family meal. Enjoy this easy dinner; save the pastrami sandwich recipe on Pinterest for future quick meals!