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Russian Olivier Salad – Classic Russian Potato Salad

جولوبتسي روسية – ملفوف محشي باللحم والأرز
Posted on by Nana

Introduction

Russian Olivier Salad, also known as Russian Potato Salad, is one of the most popular dishes in both Russian and Arabic cuisine. It features a rich and balanced mix of potatoes, cooked vegetables, meats or sausages, and creamy mayonnaise, making it a complete dish that can be served as an appetizer or side.

The success of this salad depends on selecting fresh ingredients, cutting them uniformly, preparing the mayonnaise correctly, and maintaining a balanced flavor and texture.

This recipe focuses on practical preparation, from choosing ingredients to serving, with tips on storage and reheating for the best possible result.

1. Main Ingredients

Vegetables

  • Medium potatoes: well boiled and cut into small cubes, forming the salad base.
  • Carrots: boiled and diced into small cubes for color and mild flavor.
  • Green peas: lightly boiled or canned for a soft texture and natural color.
  • Pickles: diced into small cubes to add a balanced tangy touch.
  • Red or green onion: finely chopped for light flavor and aroma.

Protein

  • Russian sausages or boiled chicken: adds texture and flavor, can be substituted as desired.
  • Boiled eggs: cut into small cubes, providing a rich, creamy texture.

Dressing

  • Fresh, thick mayonnaise: forms the creamy base of the salad.
  • Salt and black pepper: to taste.
  • Mustard (optional): for a mild kick and distinctive flavor.

2. Preparing the Ingredients

  1. Boil potatoes and carrots until tender, then let them cool before cutting to prevent mayonnaise from thinning.
  2. Boil eggs for 8–10 minutes, then cool and peel before dicing.
  3. Cut all ingredients into small, uniform cubes to ensure even distribution of flavors and textures.
  4. Drain canned peas and cool before adding.
  5. Cut sausages or chicken into cubes similar to the vegetables for consistent texture.

Tips

  • Uniform cubes ensure a consistent texture in every bite.
  • Cooling ingredients before adding mayonnaise prevents the salad from becoming watery.

3. Mixing Ingredients and Dressing

  1. In a large bowl, combine all diced ingredients.
  2. Gradually add mayonnaise, gently folding to coat all components without crushing them.
  3. Season with salt and pepper, and add mustard if desired.
  4. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to let flavors meld; longer refrigeration gives the best balance.

Notes

  • Thick mayonnaise provides ideal texture and holds the ingredients together.
  • Gentle mixing preserves the cube shapes and prevents vegetables or protein from breaking.

4. Serving

  • Serve the salad chilled as an appetizer or side dish.
  • Garnish with boiled egg slices or fresh herbs like parsley or dill for color and flavor.
  • Pairs well with other Russian dishes like Golubtsy (stuffed cabbage) or Pelmeni.

5. Common Mistakes

  • Overcooking potatoes or carrots → results in too soft texture and lost cube shape.
  • Adding mayonnaise before cooling ingredients → causes the salad to become watery.
  • Unevenly cut ingredients → loss of texture and flavor balance.
  • Overusing salt or mustard → can overpower the natural flavors of other ingredients.

6. Storage and Reheating

  • Store in the refrigerator for 2–3 days.
  • Cover well to prevent absorption of other odors.
  • Serving after chilling helps mayonnaise hold the ingredients and maintain perfect texture.

7. Flavor Adjustments

  • Add a little fresh lemon juice for a balanced acidity.
  • Substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to reduce fat while keeping creamy texture.
  • Fresh herbs like parsley or dill add a refreshing flavor and enhance color.
  • Adjust salt and pepper to achieve perfect balance.

8. Additional Tips

  • Using fresh ingredients ensures better flavor and firm texture.
  • Gentle folding preserves cube shapes and prevents vegetable breakage.
  • Chilling before serving enhances flavor and firmness.
  • A small amount of vegetable oil can be added if the salad seems dry.

9. Conclusion

Russian Olivier Salad is a simple yet rich dish with balanced texture and harmonious flavors. The key to success is cooling the ingredients, cutting them uniformly, and gently mixing with mayonnaise. Following these steps ensures a cohesive, tasty salad ready for any occasion, whether family gatherings or festive events.