Looking for a creamy, hearty, and crowd-pleasing dish? Salad Olivier—a traditional Russian potato salad—combines tender potatoes, carrots, eggs, pickles, and ham in a rich mayonnaise dressing. This festive salad is a must-have at celebrations, from New Year’s feasts to cozy family gatherings!
Why You’ll Love This Classic Russian Salad
Creamy & Satisfying – A perfect balance of textures with soft potatoes, crunchy pickles, and a rich dressing.
Easy to Prepare – Simple ingredients, minimal effort, and great for making ahead.
Perfect for Any Occasion – A holiday favorite but just as good for everyday meals.
Key Ingredients for Salad Olivier (Russian Potato Salad)
Yield: 12 servings
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 5 medium pickled cucumbers
- 2 large yellow potatoes
- 3 large carrots
- 5 eggs
- ½ medium onion
- 1 lb bologna or ham, diced
- 12 oz canned sweet peas, rinsed and drained
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Salad Olivier
1. Cook the Vegetables and Eggs
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Add the carrots and potatoes, cooking until fork-tender (about 20–25 minutes).
- In a separate pot, boil the eggs for 11 minutes, then transfer them to an ice bath to cool.
- Let the vegetables and eggs cool completely before peeling.
2. Dice the Ingredients
- Peel and dice the cooled potatoes, carrots, and eggs into small cubes.
- Finely chop the pickled cucumbers and onion.
- Dice the ham or bologna into small pieces.
3. Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine potatoes, carrots, eggs, cucumbers, onions, ham, and peas.
- mayonnaise and mix well until evenly coated.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh dill for an extra pop of flavor (optional).
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Pro Tips for the Best Russian Salad Olivier
A lighter version: Replace part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream.
extra tang: Add a splash of pickle brine to enhance the flavor.
Customize the protein: Swap ham for chicken, turkey, or smoked sausage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long does Salad Olivier last?
A: Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors blend together.
Q: What can I serve with Salad Olivier?
A: It pairs well with bread, smoked fish, or grilled meats for a complete meal.
Try More Traditional Recipes!
🔥 Traditional Börek/Burek Recipe – A flaky, savory pastry that’s perfect with this salad.
🥞 The Best Pancakes – Light, fluffy, and perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Enjoy your homemade Salad Olivier, a rich and creamy classic that never fails to impress!