Russian Olivier Salad

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February 11, 2012
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“Olivier” is one of the most popular and well known Russian salads. It resembles a potato salad, with the addition of other cooked vegetables and meat. All the components create a hearty, comforting salad that is prepared for most major holidays and celebrations.

Are you ready to explore a true taste of tradition? If I had to pick the most iconic Russian dish, it would definitely be the “Olivier Salad.” This beloved salad has found its way into kitchens across many European countries, especially in the former Soviet states like Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. Growing up in Belarus, it was a staple at our holidays, parties, and special occasions. New Year’s Eve was the biggest celebration of all, and you could bet that “Olivier” would be gracing almost every table as the clock struck midnight.

What’s great about this dish is that the ingredients are pretty common—pantry staples for many of us. While it resembles a potato salad at first glance, it’s so much more with the addition of cooked vegetables and meat. Traditionally, it featured cooked wild game, but these days, most people opt for bologna or some other type of sausage. In our family, we always used a bologna type that was called “Doktorskaya kolbasa”. It’s as essential to our gatherings as Thanksgiving turkey is in the U.S.

One of the best things about making a big batch of “Olivier” is the leftovers. The flavors meld together beautifully, creating a comforting and hearty salad that’s even better the next day. I still cherish this salad, and we love making it here in the U.S., allowing us to keep our roots alive.

So, whether you’re in the mood for something new or just want to reconnect with a piece of tradition, let’s whip up some Olivier Salad together and enjoy a taste of nostalgia!

Ingredients:

(Scroll to the bottom of the page for the printable recipe card with all the measurements.)

potatoes
- When it comes to potatoes for your Olivier Salad, gold potatoes are my go-to choice. They hold their shape really well, so you won’t end up with a mushy salad, and their buttery flavor is just amazing.
- If you can’t find gold potatoes, other varieties will work too—just be extra careful not to overcook them, as they can get too soft and turn mushy in the salad.
carrots
- The carrots add a wonderful texture, sweetness and pretty bright color to the salad. Their natural sweetness balances out the other flavors perfectly.
hard boiled eggs
- Hard-boiled eggs are a must-have in any potato salad, and they’re no exception in Olivier Salad. They add creaminess and a rich flavor that really rounds out the dish.
- Here are my two favorite methods for making perfect hard-boiled eggs:
  - How To Make Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs – stovetop recipe
  - Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs
bologna
- Bologna is an essential ingredient in Olivier Salad, adding a savory richness that complements the other flavors. Our favorite type is a Russian bologna called “doktorskaya kolbasa”.
- If you can’t find doktorskaya, any good-quality bologna will work just fine.
- You can also try substituting with cooked chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
pickles
- Dill pickles are the classic choice. They bring a wonderful crunch and a tangy, briny flavor that perfectly balances the creaminess of the other ingredients.
cucumbers
- fresh cucumbers add a fresh element, although you can skip them, if you prefer.
peas
- Traditionally, canned peas were the go-to choice. I always look for “petite peas,” “young sweet peas,” or “small tender peas” for the best texture and flavor.
- A great twist is to use thawed frozen peas instead; they have a brighter color and a fresh flavor that really elevates the dish.
mayonnaise (Homemade Mayonnaise Recipe)
- Mayonnaise is a must in this salad. It acts as the perfect dressing, holding all the ingredients together and adding a creamy richness that ties everything in.
onion, optional
fresh chives or green onions, optional

Ingredients for Olivier Salad, aka Russian salad

Olivier Salad: Convenient, Delicious, and Full of Tradition

Olivier Salad is a beloved dish steeped in tradition for centuries, featuring a unique combination of ingredients that come together beautifully. One of the fun quirks of this salad is that every ingredient is chopped into similar-sized pieces, often aiming for the size of peas—my family even called it “Goroshek,” the Russian word for peas 😊.

What makes it even better is how convenient it is; you can prepare it in advance, making it a lifesaver during the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations. Plus, it keeps well, so you can enjoy it for days afterward—perfect for a snack, lunch, or even a light dinner. And let’s be honest, there’s nothing quite like having a bowl for breakfast after a New Year’s Eve celebration the night before

How To Make Olivier Salad

Cook the Potatoes and Carrots
- Start by cooking the potatoes and carrots in a medium pot until they’re just tender, about 20-30 minutes depending on their size.
- Make sure to cook them in their skins—this helps keep their flavor and texture intact! Just be careful not to overcook them; we don’t want a mashed potato and pureed carrot salad! 😊
- You can also roast the vegetables or cook them in the Instant Pot, just until cooked all the way through.
Hard-Boil the Eggs
- While your veggies are cooking, it’s time to hard-boil the eggs.
  - My favorite methods to cook perfect hard boiled eggs are using the stovetop method or cooking them in the Instant Pot. The eggs are perfectly cooked and peel so easily.
    How To Make Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs – stovetop recipe
  - Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs
Peel and Prep All the Ingredients
- Once everything is cooked, peel the potatoes, carrots, and eggs, and let them cool completely.
- Drain the peas well, and then chop the potatoes, carrots, eggs, bologna, pickles, and cucumbers (if you’re using them) into small 1/4-inch dice.
- If you’re using onions, mince them finely. I personally prefer to skip raw onions, but if you like a bit of zing, you could also use chives or green onions for a milder flavor.
Mix It All Together
- Finally, mix all the ingredients with mayonnaise until everything is well coated. This creamy dressing is what brings all the flavors together, creating that classic taste we love in Olivier Salad.

How to make Russian Olivier Salad tutorial

Make Ahead Instructions

Just like most potato salads, Olivier Salad is perfect for making ahead of time! The great thing is you can chop all the ingredients and store them in the refrigerator in advance. This is super handy, especially when cooking for holidays, parties, or special occasions. For the best results, be sure to store the pickles separately. Add the pickles and mayonnaise just a few hours before serving to keep everything fresh.

If you make a big batch and don’t plan on eating it all at once, simply take the portion you’ll be serving, add the pickles and mayo, and mix it up. Keeping the other veggies without the dressing and briny pickles helps the salad stay fresh for much longer. This way, you can get all your prep done a few days before your event and still enjoy the freshest results. Isn’t that great?

Taste of Tradition: More Recipes

Want to dive into more delicious cultural recipes? Give these a try:

Russian Beet Salad: A vibrant and earthy dish that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
Carrot Salad: Crunchy grated carrots are tossed in oil infused with caramelized onions, seasoned with coriander and garlic—so delicious!
Broccoli Cauliflower Salad: This salad is crunchy, creamy and colorful.
Layered Tuna Salad (Mimoza): This stunning layered salad is as fun to make as it is to eat!
Lecho (Bell Pepper and Tomato Stew): A flavorful dish that’s great on its own or as a side.
Marinated Mushrooms: These make a fantastic appetizer, enhanced by the addition of onions, carrots, bell peppers, and garlic, and pair perfectly with any meal.

These recipes are not only delicious but also bring a taste of tradition to your table. Enjoy!