If you’ve ever craved a dish that feels like a warm, nostalgic hug from a close friend, then this Olivier Salad – Russian Potato Salad Recipe is exactly what your taste buds need. This classic salad bursts with comforting flavors and a creamy texture that perfectly balances tender potatoes, smoky sausage, crisp pickles, and fresh herbs. Every bite offers a delightful medley of contrasts that come together seamlessly, making it a beloved staple at gatherings, holidays, or any time you want to treat yourself to something special and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Olivier Salad – Russian Potato Salad Recipe lies in its simple, everyday ingredients that pack a big punch in flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role, from the softness of the potatoes to the tang of the pickles and the richness of the mayonnaise, creating a harmonious bowl that’s both colorful and inviting.
- 3 medium potatoes: Cooked with skins on to preserve nutrients, then peeled and diced for that creamy yet firm base.
- 3 medium carrots: Adding natural sweetness and bright color, cooked with skins and diced to match the potatoes.
- 8 cooked eggs: Diced finely to bring a rich, velvety texture and protein boost to the salad.
- 3 cups smoked salami-type sausage: Provides a smoky, savory kick that contrasts deliciously with the fresh veggies.
- 15 oz canned peas: Adds a pop of green and a tender bite that brightens the salad both visually and texturally.
- 1 ½ cups diced dill pickles: Infuses the salad with tang and crunch, balancing the richness of the mayonnaise.
- ½ cup green onions (optional): Offers a mild onion flavor and subtle color contrast for added freshness.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional): Brings an herbaceous lift that lightens the overall richness.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh dill: Delivers that classic Russian flavor that makes this salad unmistakable.
- 2 tbsp oil: Adds moisture and subtle richness, tying the ingredients together.
- 2 cups mayonnaise: The creamy, velvety dressing that defines the salad, enough to coat all ingredients gently.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- 2 tsp black ground pepper: Adds just enough spice to balance and lift the dish.
How to Make Olivier Salad – Russian Potato Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Prepare the Vegetables
Start by thoroughly washing the potatoes and carrots, then cook them with their skins on until tender but not mushy. Keeping the skins on during cooking helps retain their nutrients and flavor. Once cooled, peel and dice them into uniform, small cubes. This preparation ensures the vegetables hold their shape and provide a delightful bite in the salad.
Step 2: Dice the Eggs, Sausage, and Pickles
Next, carefully peel your cooked eggs and dice them into quarter-inch cubes. The eggs add a creamy texture and protein punch. The smoked salami-type sausage, a key flavor component, should also be diced to the same size to maintain even distribution. Don’t forget to drain the canned peas well and dice the dill pickles to match the other ingredients, ensuring every bite has a balanced combination of flavors.
Step 3: Combine All Ingredients in a Large Bowl
In a generously sized bowl, gently mix the diced potatoes, carrots, eggs, salami, peas, pickles, green onions, parsley, and dill. Mixing these ingredients carefully keeps the textures intact and lets the vibrant colors shine through, making the salad visually irresistible.
Step 4: Season and Dress the Salad
Add the oil, mayonnaise, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure every cube is evenly coated with creamy dressing and seasoning. This is where the salad truly comes together, marrying salty, tangy, and rich flavors without overwhelming any single ingredient.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
Pop the salad into the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Chilling enhances the taste and texture, making the Olivier Salad – Russian Potato Salad Recipe refreshing and satisfying.
How to Serve Olivier Salad – Russian Potato Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish of fresh dill sprigs or finely chopped parsley can elevate the presentation and add an herbal aroma that complements the salad’s flavors. A light sprinkle of paprika on top adds a touch of color and a subtle smoky note that’s delightful.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs brilliantly with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even as a hearty side to lighter dishes like cucumber salad or fresh bread. It also works wonderfully as part of a larger buffet or picnic spread, where its creamy, satisfying nature is much appreciated.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Olivier Salad – Russian Potato Salad Recipe in individual lettuce cups for a fresh, crunchy contrast. Alternatively, arrange it on a platter with colorful vegetable sticks or use it to fill hollowed-out tomatoes or bell peppers for a festive, eye-catching presentation that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Olivier Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays delicious and fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or snacks. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh or chilled, as freezing will alter the texture of the potatoes and mayonnaise, causing separation and mushiness. For optimal taste and consistency, avoid freezing the Olivier Salad – Russian Potato Salad Recipe.
Reheating
Since Olivier Salad is traditionally served cold, reheating is not recommended. If you prefer it a bit warmer, you can let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften flavors without losing the refreshing quality.
FAQs
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the smoked salami sausage and consider adding extra peas or diced cooked mushrooms for an umami boost. The herb and vegetable mix still delivers plenty of flavor.
What kind of mayonnaise works best?
Use a good quality mayonnaise that’s not too tangy or sweet to keep the traditional flavor balance. You can also try a light or homemade version if you prefer a fresher taste or fewer calories.
Is dill essential in the recipe?
Dill is a signature herb in Olivier Salad, providing that classic Russian flair. While you can substitute with fresh parsley if needed, dill truly elevates the dish’s authenticity.
How long does it take to prepare?
Expect about an hour from start to finish, including the chilling time. Most of the prep is hands-off cooking and dicing, so it’s easy to organize alongside other meal tasks.
Can I use fresh peas instead of canned?
Yes, fresh peas add a lovely sweetness and crunch. Simply blanch them until tender and cool before adding. Adjust the quantity to your taste, as fresh peas can be a bit firmer than canned.
Final Thoughts
This Olivier Salad – Russian Potato Salad Recipe is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of flavors, textures, and tradition all in one bowl. It’s perfect for introducing yourself or friends to a taste of Russian cuisine while enjoying a comforting, crowd-pleasing salad. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.
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Olivier Salad – Russian Potato Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Olivier Salad, also known as Russian Potato Salad, is a classic dish featuring diced cooked potatoes, carrots, eggs, and smoked salami combined with peas and pickles, dressed in a creamy mayonnaise and oil mixture. It is chilled to allow the flavors to meld, making it a popular, satisfying side dish for gatherings and festive occasions.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 3 medium potatoes, cooked with skins on, peeled, and diced
- 3 medium carrots, cooked with skins on, peeled, and diced
- 15 oz canned peas, drained
- 1 ½ cups diced dill pickles, diced into ¼-inch cubes
- ½ cup green onions, chopped (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh dill
Protein
- 8 cooked eggs, peeled, and diced into ¼-inch cubes
- 3 cups smoked salami-type sausage, diced into ¼-inch cubes
Dressing & Seasoning
- 2 tbsp oil
- 2 cups mayonnaise (or to taste)
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp black ground pepper
Instructions
- Cook the vegetables: Thoroughly clean the potatoes and carrots. Cook them with skins on until tender, then peel and dice into small ¼-inch cubes.
- Prepare other ingredients: Dice the cooked eggs and smoked salami-type sausage into ¼-inch cubes. Drain the canned peas well, and dice the dill pickles into similarly sized pieces.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the diced potatoes, carrots, eggs, sausage, peas, pickles, and, if using, chopped green onions, parsley, and fresh dill.
- Season the salad: Add the oil, mayonnaise, salt, and black ground pepper to the mixture. Gently mix everything until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld perfectly. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Cooking the vegetables with skins on helps retain nutrients and prevents them from becoming waterlogged.
- Adjust mayonnaise quantity to achieve desired creaminess.
- Optional herbs and green onions add a fresh note but can be omitted if unavailable.
- This salad is best served chilled and can be prepared a day ahead.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat mayonnaise or substitute some with Greek yogurt.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Russian
