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olivier salad recipe russian authentic traditional old fashioned olivye ham cucumbers peas peppers

Olivier Salad

A favorite throughout Eastern Europe and beyond for more than 150 years, Olivier Salad is a winning combination of flavors and textures and is perfect for everything from a casual picnic to an elegant dinner party!
5 from 19 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 10

Ingredients
 
 

  • For the Salad:
  • 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes , or other yellow potato variety (these hold their shape and won't become mushy like Russets)
  • 3 large carrots
  • 1 small yellow onion , can use sweet onion if preferred
  • 1 1/2 cups peas , canned (15 ounces, rinsed and drained), frozen (thawed and drained) or fresh (cooked)
  • 1 pound smoked ham , cut into 1/2 inch cubes (can substitute rotisserie chicken or European bologna if preferred)
  • 4-5 hard-boiled eggs , diced
  • 2/3 cup diced dill pickles (about 3-4 pickles) , for best flavor strongly recommend using European/German pickles (check World Market, some Walmart locations)
  • 2 tablespoons capers , rinsed and drained
  • 1/3 cup sweet corn or diced yellow bell pepper , optional
  • For the Dressing:
  • 1 cup good mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream , can substitute Greek yogurt if preferred
  • 2 green onions/scallions , chopped (or equivalent chives)
  • 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill or parsley , plus some sprigs for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar

Instructions
 

  • Peel and dice the potatoes into 1/2 inch cubes. Peel and dice the carrots into 1/4 inch cubes. Boil them together until cooked and tender but not mushy, 3-5 minutes. Drain and let cool.
  • Combine the dressing ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine. Add more salt, pepper and sugar to taste.
  • Place all of the salad ingredients in a large bowl, pour over the dressing, and stir to thoroughly combine. Cover and chill for at least an hour before serving.
    Olivier Salad will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Notes

Make Ahead:  The ingredients can all be prepped a day in advance but if you're making this ahead of time, ideally wait until a couple of hours or so before serving to add the dressing to the salad. 

Nutrition

Calories: 344kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 14gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 11gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 109mgSodium: 1238mgPotassium: 697mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 3429IUVitamin C: 29mgCalcium: 57mgIron: 2mg
Course Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine Eastern European, Russian
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