Russian Olivier salad contains hearty, boiled root vegetables, peas, eggs, ham, zesty dill pickles, and creamy mayonnaise. Easy to make, satisfying, delicious and perfect for any occasion.
Course Brunch, Lunch
Cuisine Russian, Ukrainian
Prep Time 20 minutesminutes
Cook Time 20 minutesminutes
Total Time 40 minutesminutes
Servings 8servings
Calories 217kcal
Author Monika Dabrowski
Ingredients
4medium potatoesYukon Gold, red potatoes, other waxy varieties
3medium carrots
1cupgarden peascanned, strained thoroughly
4large eggs
½large white onionfinely chopped
1½cupshamcut into small cubes
5-6medium dill pickles/gherkinsfinely diced
3tablespoonsdillfinely chopped
½cupmayonnaise
4tablespoonssour cream
1½tablespoonsDijon-style mustard
2teaspoonslemon juice
salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare vegetables: Gently boil the potatoes and carrots in salted water (add approx.½ tsp salt), covered, for several minutes until fully cooked but still firm. Drain and set aside to cool completely then cut into small cubes and set aside.TIP: If cooking the vegetables in the same pot you may want to take the carrots out of the pot a little sooner than the potatoes (these might take longer to cook). See post for other methods of preparing vegetables.
Boil eggs: In the meantime, boil the eggs. Place the eggs in a small pot, add water, cover and bring to the boil then remove from the heat and set aside, still covered, for about 8 minutes. Drain then immerse in ice water for 1-2 minutes (after 30 seconds add more ice water if required). Drain the eggs, peel then finely dice. Set aside.
Assemble Olivier salad: To a large mixing bowl add the cubed potatoes and carrots, eggs, peas, ham, onion and pickles. Add the dill, mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, lemon juice and a generous amount of pepper. Gently stir the mixture. Taste the salad and add more salt and pepper if required. Chill for 4 hours, if possible, before serving.
Notes
I recommend using Yukon Gold potatoes, red potatoes or waxy salad potatoes (often oval shaped, rather than round).
You can cook the potatoes, carrots and eggs ahead, refrigerate overnight and make the salad the following day. You can also prepare the salad ahead, cover and refrigerate overnight.
The potatoes and carrots should be fully cooked but still firm.
To save time I recommend using onion/vegetable chopper for cutting the vegetables and eggs.
Best served chilled.
Leftover Olivier salad can be refrigerated, covered, for up to 3 days (because it contains raw onion it might become a little watery if you keep in the fridge for too long).