Irresistibly Simple Homemade Classic Russian Potato Salad Recipe

Hearty, creamy, and loaded with texture, this Russian potato salad is simplicity at its most satisfying.

It brings together tender vegetables, tangy dressing, and soft potatoes into one perfect forkful.

No strange ingredients, just old-fashioned goodness with every scoop.

It’s a go-to for gatherings but just as lovely at home.

Quick to mix, easy to enjoy.

Let this timeless favorite win your table all over again!

Classic Russian Potato Salad Breakdown

• This Russian potato salad boasts a straightforward cooking process that even beginner cooks can master with ease.
• Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and picnics, this creamy salad appeals to everyone from kids to grandparents with its delicious blend of ingredients.
• Packed with protein from chicken, vegetables, and eggs, this dish offers a balanced and satisfying meal that doesn't compromise on taste or health.
• With simple ingredients and minimal cooking steps, this salad can be whipped up quickly, making it an ideal go-to recipe for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining.

Ingredients for Creamy Russian Potato Salad

• Chicken: Cooked and diced meat that adds protein and substance to the salad.
• Eggs: Hard-boiled and provide additional protein and creamy texture.

• Potatoes, Carrots: Boiled and diced root vegetables that form the hearty foundation of the salad.
• Pickles, Peas: Add a tangy crunch and sweet pop of flavor to complement the other ingredients.

• Mayonnaise, Dijon Mustard, Salt, Pepper: Create a creamy, tangy dressing that binds all the ingredients together with rich and balanced seasoning.

Stepwise Instructions for Russian Potato Salad

Step 1: Boil and Chop Vegetables

Grab your potatoes, carrots, and eggs.

Place them in separate pots of water and boil until they’re perfectly tender.

Once cooled, carefully dice each ingredient into neat, bite-sized cubes.

The uniform size ensures every spoonful is packed with delicious flavor.

• Potatoes
• Carrots
• Eggs

Make sure to drain and let them cool completely before chopping.

Step 2: Prepare Protein and Extras

Finely chop your cooked chicken, crisp pickles, and sweet green peas.

These additions will bring exciting texture and depth to your salad.

• Cooked chicken
• Pickles
• Green peas

Step 3: Create Creamy Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together smooth mayonnaise and tangy Dijon mustard.

Sprinkle in salt and pepper to create a zesty flavor profile that will make your salad irresistible.

• Mayonnaise
• Dijon mustard
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 4: Blend and Coat

Toss all chopped ingredients into a large mixing bowl.

Drizzle the creamy dressing over the top and gently fold everything together.

Ensure each piece gets perfectly coated with the delectable sauce.

Step 5: Chill and Enhance Flavors

Cover the salad and slide it into the refrigerator.

Let it rest for at least an hour, allowing the flavors to mingle and intensify.

This resting time transforms a good salad into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Tips to Make a Delicious Potato Salad

• Cut vegetables and eggs into uniform small cubes to ensure consistent texture and even flavor distribution in every bite.
• Don't overdo mayonnaise; add gradually and mix gently to prevent the salad from becoming too soggy or drowning the ingredients.
• Swap chicken with canned tuna, cooked ham, or boiled shrimp for variety and different protein sources.
• Add fresh chopped dill or chives just before serving to bring brightness and extra herbal aroma to the classic Russian potato salad.
• Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or vegan mayonnaise for a lighter, healthier alternative that maintains creamy consistency.

How to Store and Serve Russian Potato Salad

• Transfer the potato salad to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Always use clean utensils when serving to prevent bacterial growth.
• Avoid freezing this salad as mayonnaise-based dressings tend to separate and become watery when thawed, compromising the texture and taste.
• Consume cold directly from the refrigerator, as reheating will make the mayonnaise-based dressing oily and break down the delicate ingredients.
• Discard the salad if you notice any sour smell, unusual color changes, or signs of spoilage to ensure food safety.

What to Pair with Russian Potato Salad

• Crisp White Wine Companion: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy texture and cut through the rich mayonnaise dressing.
• Rustic Bread Sidekick: Serve alongside crusty sourdough or rye bread to add a delightful crunch and soak up the delicious dressing.
• Tangy Pickled Garnish: Add a side of quick-pickled cucumber or sauerkraut to enhance the salad's flavor profile and provide a zesty contrast.
• Chilled Beer Buddy: Pair with a light lager or wheat beer to refresh the palate and balance the salad's creamy consistency.

Variations to Refresh Your Potato Salad

• Vegan Version: Replace chicken with cubed tofu or tempeh. Swap mayonnaise for vegan cashew cream or plant-based mayo made from soy or avocado.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients like pickles and mayonnaise are certified gluten-free. Use gluten-free Dijon mustard and verify no cross-contamination.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower or radish cubes. Reduce peas and carrots. Add more protein like grilled chicken or hard-boiled eggs.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Mix fresh dill, chives, and parsley into the dressing. Sprinkle chopped herbs on top for extra freshness and vibrant flavor profile.

FAQs

• What's the origin of this potato salad?

This classic dish, known as Olivier salad or Salat Olivye, originated in Russia during the late 19th century, created by Belgian chef Lucien Olivier in Moscow.

• Is this salad typically served on special occasions?

Yes, it’s a staple at Russian holiday gatherings, especially New Year’s Eve celebrations, where it’s considered a must-have dish on the festive table.

• Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and replace it with boiled or canned vegetables like additional peas or diced bell peppers to maintain the protein content.

• What makes the dressing unique in this recipe?

The combination of mayonnaise and Dijon mustard creates a creamy, tangy base that distinguishes this Russian potato salad from other potato salad variations around the world.

Classic Russian Potato Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savory Olivier salad delights with its creamy blend of potatoes, carrots, and pickles, bringing Russian culinary tradition to your table. Hearty ingredients and tangy dressing create a perfect side dish that will transport you to the bustling streets of Moscow.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 medium potatoes, boiled and diced
• 2 medium carrots, boiled and diced
• 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• 1 cup cooked chicken, diced (optional)

Vegetable Additions:

• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 3 pickles, diced

Dressing and Seasonings:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) Dijon mustard
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Boil potatoes, carrots, and eggs in separate pots until tender. Drain and let cool completely at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.
2. Carefully dice cooled potatoes, carrots, eggs, and chicken into uniform small cubes to ensure consistent texture and appearance.
3. Transfer diced vegetables and chicken into a spacious mixing bowl, adding pickles and green peas for additional flavor and color contrast.
4. Whisk mayonnaise with Dijon mustard in a separate small bowl, incorporating salt and black pepper to create a smooth, creamy dressing.
5. Gently fold the prepared dressing into the salad ingredients, ensuring each component is evenly and lightly coated without breaking the delicate pieces.
6. Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 60 minutes, allowing the flavors to harmonize and develop a rich, cohesive taste profile.
7. Before serving, give the salad a quick, gentle stir to redistribute the dressing and check seasoning, adding a pinch of salt or pepper if needed.

Notes

• Customize the protein by swapping chicken with canned tuna, cooked shrimp, or omitting for a vegetarian version.
• Control sodium levels by using low-sodium pickles and reducing added salt in the dressing.
• Make the salad lighter by substituting half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangy, protein-rich alternative.
• Enhance nutrition by adding diced apples or chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley for extra flavor and freshness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Russian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg