Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Russian Salad Olivye, a beloved dish across Eastern Europe, is a creamy, hearty potato salad packed with vegetables, eggs, and either chicken or ham. Its rich flavor and satisfying texture make it perfect for holidays, potlucks, or as a chilled side dish. With its simple ingredients and nostalgic taste, it brings comfort and tradition to any table.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

potatoescarrotspeashard-boiled eggspickles or gherkinsboiled chicken breast or hammayonnaisesaltpepper

directions

Boil the potatoes and carrots in their skins until fork-tender, then let them cool, peel, and dice into small cubes.

Hard-boil the eggs, peel, and chop finely.

Dice the pickles and cooked chicken or ham into small, even pieces.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the potatoes, carrots, peas, eggs, pickles, and meat.

Add mayonnaise, salt, and pepper to taste.

Mix gently until everything is well coated and evenly combined.

Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

Serve cold as a side or main dish.

Servings and timing

Serves 6–8 people.Preparation time: 20 minutesCooking time: 30 minutesCooling and chilling time: 1 hourTotal time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Variations

Substitute sour cream or Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise for a lighter version.

Add chopped fresh dill or green onion for extra flavor.

Use canned tuna instead of chicken for a seafood twist.

Include diced apple for a sweet contrast.

storage/reheating

Store Russian Salad Olivye in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Do not freeze, as the texture of the vegetables and mayo will degrade.Serve straight from the fridge; no reheating needed.

FAQs

Can I make this salad in advance?

Yes, it’s even better when made a day ahead to let the flavors meld.

What kind of pickles should I use?

Use tangy, crunchy pickles like dill gherkins for the best flavor.

Can I skip the meat?

Absolutely, it can be made vegetarian by omitting the chicken or ham.

What’s the difference between Russian salad and other potato salads?

Russian salad typically includes diced carrots, peas, pickles, and eggs, giving it a distinct texture and flavor.

Is it traditionally served cold?

Yes, it’s always served chilled.

Conclusion

Russian Salad Olivye is a creamy, satisfying dish that combines simple ingredients into something truly special. Whether served at a festive gathering or as a cozy family side, this salad offers a taste of tradition that’s easy to love and even easier to prepare.