Salads > International Salads > European Salads > Russian Salad (Olivier Salad) Recipe

Classic Olivier Salad (Russian Salad)

Discover the authentic recipe for Olivier Salad, a beloved Russian classic perfect as a side dish or light meal. This detailed guide provides step-by-step instructions for creating this iconic salad with a creamy, flavorful dressing.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Servings
6-8
Ingredients
  • 3 medium Potatoes
  • 2 medium Carrots
  • 4 Eggs
  • 1 cup Canned Peas
  • 4 medium Dill Pickles (gherkins)
  • 150 grams Cooked Ham or Bologna
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper

Preparation

Begin by thoroughly washing the potatoes and carrots. Place them in a pot and cover them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil and cook until the potatoes and carrots are tender, about 20-25 minutes. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork. In a separate saucepan, hard-boil the eggs. Place the eggs in cold water, bring to a boil, and then simmer for 10 minutes. Once cooked, immediately cool the eggs under cold running water.

Chopping and Dicing

Peel the cooked potatoes and carrots. Dice them into small, even cubes, approximately 1/4 inch in size. This ensures a uniform texture throughout the salad. Peel the hard-boiled eggs and dice them similarly to the potatoes and carrots. Dice the dill pickles and ham or bologna into small, even pieces, matching the size of the other ingredients.

Combining the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced potatoes, carrots, eggs, dill pickles, ham (or bologna), and canned peas. Ensure that the peas are drained well before adding them to the bowl.

Preparing the Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until well combined. This creates a creamy and slightly tangy dressing that complements the other ingredients.

Mixing the Salad

Pour the mayonnaise dressing over the combined ingredients in the large bowl. Gently fold everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the salad mushy.

Seasoning

Season the salad with salt and black pepper to taste. Start with a small amount and adjust as needed, keeping in mind that the pickles and ham may already contain some salt.

Chilling and Serving

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 1-2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill thoroughly. Serve cold as a side dish or a light meal.

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Calories: 180kcal, Protein: 4g, Fat: 15g, Carbohydrates: 8g

Other Considerations for Nutrition

The nutrition information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Using light mayonnaise will reduce the fat content. Adding more vegetables increases the fiber content.

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FAQ

  • Can I use different vegetables in Olivier Salad?

    Yes, you can customize the salad with other vegetables such as green beans or corn. Adjust the quantities to your preference.
  • Can I make Olivier Salad ahead of time?

    Yes, Olivier Salad can be made a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Taste and adjust seasonings before serving.
  • What is the best type of mayonnaise to use?

    Use a good quality, full-fat mayonnaise for the best flavor and texture. You can also use a light mayonnaise to reduce the fat content.