Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering adventure with the iconic Russian Salad, also known as Olivier Salad - a dish that has captivated taste buds across generations and continents! This creamy, colorful, and utterly irresistible salad is more than just a recipe; it's a delicious piece of culinary history that transforms simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors. Whether you're a food enthusiast, a home cook looking to impress, or someone craving a taste of authentic Russian cuisine, this recipe will transport you straight to the heart of traditional comfort food.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Russian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium potatoes, boiled and diced
- 3 carrots, boiled and diced
- 1 cup peas, boiled
- 1 cup pickles, diced
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 medium potatoes, 3 carrots, 1 cup of peas, 1 cup of pickles, 1 cup of cooked chicken, 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, salt, and pepper.
- Wash the potatoes and carrots thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Place them in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and cook the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. The carrots will take about the same time, so add them to the pot if they are not already included.
- After boiling, drain the potatoes and carrots in a colander and let them cool for a few minutes. Once cooled, peel the potatoes and carrots if desired, then dice them into small, uniform cubes.
- While the potatoes and carrots are cooling, prepare the peas. If using frozen peas, boil them in a separate pot for about 2-3 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside to cool. If using canned peas, simply drain and rinse them under cold water.
- Next, take the pickles and dice them into small pieces. Ensure they are evenly chopped to mix well with the other ingredients.
- Now, take the cooked chicken and dice it into small cubes. If you are using leftover chicken, make sure it is thoroughly cooked and cooled before dicing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced potatoes, carrots, peas, pickles, and chicken. Mix gently to combine all the ingredients without mashing them.
- Add 1/2 cup of mayonnaise to the mixture. Stir gently to coat all the ingredients evenly with the mayonnaise. Adjust the amount of mayonnaise according to your preference for creaminess.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Be sure to mix well after adding the seasoning to ensure even distribution.
- Once everything is well combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and taste for seasoning. Adjust with more salt, pepper, or mayonnaise if needed.
- Serve the Russian Salad (Olivier Salad) chilled as a side dish or a light meal. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
- Dice all ingredients into uniform, small cubes to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- For extra creaminess, you can mix mayonnaise with a little sour cream.
- If you prefer a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
- Feel free to add diced hard-boiled eggs for additional protein and richness.
- For best results, use cold ingredients when mixing to maintain the salad's texture.
- This salad tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 35mg
