Olivier Salad, also known as Russian Salad, is a classic dish often served during holidays and special occasions in Russia and other Eastern European countries. It’s a hearty salad made with boiled ingredients and a creamy dressing. Here’s a traditional recipe:
Ingredients:
- 3 medium potatoes
- 2 medium carrots
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast or ham, diced
- 3-4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1/2 cup pickles or gherkins, diced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh dill or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Vegetables:
- Peel and dice the potatoes and carrots into small, uniform cubes.
- Boil the potatoes and carrots in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 10-15 minutes. They should be cooked through but still firm. Drain and let cool.
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Cook the Peas:
- While the potatoes and carrots are boiling, cook the frozen peas according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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Prepare the Chicken or Ham:
- If you’re using chicken, cook and dice it into small cubes. You can use leftover cooked chicken or poach a chicken breast. If using ham, just dice it into small cubes.
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Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled potatoes, carrots, peas, diced chicken or ham, chopped eggs, and diced pickles.
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard (if using). Adjust the amount of mayonnaise based on your preference for creaminess.
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Season and Mix:
- Gently fold the dressing into the salad mixture until everything is well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Chill and Serve:
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
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Garnish:
- Garnish with fresh dill or parsley before serving.
Olivier Salad is often enjoyed as a side dish or as part of a festive meal. It’s versatile, so feel free to adjust the ingredients to your taste!