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If you are used to traditional American potato salad, you will love this Eastern European Olivier – Russian Salad Olivier (or sometimes spelled Olivye) salad. It is very popular among all Slavic people and in Eastern Europe. I remember this salad was always on our table for New Years Eve when we were kids. I love to bring it to friends gatherings because everyone loves it and it’s perfect for large crowds. This recipe makes enough for 25+ people.
This Russian salad Olivier is great for potlucks, BBQs, family gatherings, and holidays. It makes a lot and it’s easy to prepare. Don’t miss out my quick & easy method of making this salad in no time. Dicing the potatoes and carrots beforehand saves you a lot of time.
How To Make Russian Salad Olivier
What you need
5 medium russet potatoes (about 2 lbs)
10 medium carrots
10 eggs
2 lbs ham
10 whole pickles
2 cups of thawed frozen peas
1 Granny Smith apple, finely chopped
2 cups homemade (or Paleo) mayonnaise
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup green onions, optional
Instructions
Peel and finely dice carrots, then peel and dice potatoes the same size as carrots. Place carrots and potatoes into a medium pot and cover with water. Add 1 tsp salt and bring to boil. Continue cooking uncovered for about 10-12 min or until tender then rinse with cold water and drain. Transfer to paper towels to remove any excess water. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Meanwhile hard boil the eggs in another pot.
While the potatoes and carrots are cooking, dice ham and pickles in small dice. Add them to the mixing bowl. Also, add thawed peas.
Season vegetables in the mixing bowl with salt and pepper, and stir well. Again, season and stir until all vegetables are well seasoned.
Lastly, finely chop the hard-boiled eggs and add them to the bowl. Add the chopped apple to the salad, 2 cups mayonnaise and stir well. Let cool for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. Serve in a large salad bowl or platter. Enjoy!
Here is another great potluck salad. It’s one of my favorite go-to summer salads!
Russian Salad Olivier
INGREDIENTS
- 5 medium russet potatoes, about 2 lbs
- 10 medium carrots
- 10 eggs
- 2 lbs ham
- 10 whole pickles
- 2 cups of thawed frozen peas
- 1 Granny Smith apple, finely chopped
- 2 cups homemade, or Paleo mayonnaise
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup green onions, optional
INSTRUCTIONS
- Peel and finely dice carrots, then peel and dice potatoes the same size as carrots. Place carrots and potatoes into a medium pot and cover with water. Add 1 tsp salt and bring to boil. Continue cooking uncovered for about 10-12 min or until tender then rinse with cold water and drain. Transfer to paper towels to remove any excess water. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Meanwhile hard boil the eggs in another pot.
- While the potatoes and carrots are cooking, dice ham and pickles in small dice. Add them to the mixing bowl. Also, add thawed peas.
- Season vegetables in the mixing bowl with salt and pepper, and stir well. Again, season and stir until all vegetables are well seasoned.
- Lastly, finely chop the hard-boiled eggs and add them to the bowl. Add the chopped apple to the salad, 2 cups mayonnaise and stir well. Let cool for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. Serve in a large salad bowl or platter. Enjoy!
TIPS & NOTES
- Cut the carrots and potatoes into similar sizes so that they cook evenly.
- To make this Russian salad paleo, use a paleo mayonnaise. You can also use a low fat variety if you prefer.
- Let the salad sit in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving, this will really help the flavors to blend together.
NUTRITION
Use the tag #DeliciousMeetsHealthy when posting a picture of your recipe, and make sure to follow @deliciousmeetshealthy on Instagram!
This looks delicious!
Thanks!!
I stumbled upon your Pinterest board after Pinterest matched us as similar tastes (I didn’t know they do that!) and I am so glad I found your blog. This is definitely a holiday staple! I never realized the proper name for it was Olivier. In Croatia it’s know as simply Russian (or French!) salad.
Thanks for stopping by, Mira! In Bulgaria, this salad is also known simply as Russian salad. 🙂 I’ve heard that people in Russia usually call it Olivier or Olivye salad, so I had to include that name as well. I m heading over to check out your blog. 🙂
Growing up, this salad was definitely a staple for NYE, or any holiday for that matter. I love it so much. And making a huge batch is always a bonus.
Thanks for sharing your version. I’ve never had an Olivie salad with apples!! That’s totally new to me!! How interesting.
Thank you for stopping by, Shinee! Yes, making a large batch is always a good idea! 🙂 Apples add a nice sweet and fresh flavor, I think you will love it!