Olivier salad

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:

  1. 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.
  2. Cook the Peas:

    • While the potatoes and carrots are boiling, cook the frozen peas according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Season and Mix:

    • Gently fold the dressing into the salad mixture until everything is well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Chill and Serve:

    • Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
  7. 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!