Olivier Salad (Russian Potato and Pickle Salad)
Local name: Салат Оливье
In short: A creamy Russian party salad of diced potatoes, carrots, pickles, eggs, peas and sausage or chicken, bound with mayonnaise and dill. It takes about 1 h 5 min in total and makes 8 servings.
- Prep
- 40 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Resting
- 1 h
- Total
- 1 h 5 min
- Servings
- 8
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 320 kcal
Olivier is the salad that fills the table on New Year's Eve in Russia, and many families also make it for birthdays and other celebrations. Boiled potatoes, carrots, eggs, pickles and peas are diced small and bound with mayonnaise, with boiled sausage or chicken for substance. It is simple, but the details matter: cut the pieces to the same size, cool everything fully before mixing, and let the salad chill so the flavors blend.
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes and carrots in their skins in salted water for 20 to 25 minutes, until a knife slides in easily. Drain, cool completely, then peel.
- Boil the eggs for 10 minutes, cool them in cold water and peel.
- Cut the potatoes, carrots, eggs, sausage and pickles into even 1 cm (1/2 inch) cubes. Small, even cubes are what make this salad.
- Put everything in a large bowl with the peas, onion and dill.
- Add the mayonnaise, salt and pepper and fold gently so the potatoes do not break down into mash.
- Cover and chill for at least 1 hour. Taste, adjust the seasoning, and serve in a bowl garnished with dill.
Tips
- No boiled sausage? Use poached chicken breast, boiled beef tongue or diced ham. For a vegetarian salad, leave the meat out and add 2 more eggs.
- Pat the pickles and peas dry before mixing so the salad does not turn watery. For a lighter dressing, use 100 g (1/2 cup) mayonnaise; the salad will be a little less creamy but still holds together.
Questions and answers
How long does Olivier salad keep?
Keep it covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. Because it contains mayonnaise, eggs and meat, do not leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Can I make Olivier salad ahead of time?
Yes. Boil and dice everything a day ahead and store it separately, then dress the salad a few hours before serving so it stays fresh.
Is Olivier the same as Russian salad?
Diced potato salads of this kind are eaten in many countries, and abroad this one is often called Russian salad. In Russia it is known as Olivier and is a New Year staple.
How long does it take to make Olivier Salad (Russian Potato and Pickle Salad)?
About 1 h 5 min in total: 40 min of preparation and 25 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Olivier Salad (Russian Potato and Pickle Salad)?
About 320 kcal per serving, with 10 g of protein, 17 g of carbohydrates and 23 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 320 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 17 g |
| Fat | 23 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
