Potato Salad (Olivier Salad)

Story behind the dish

Olivier Salad, often celebrated as the beloved potato salad of Russian cuisine, is a nostalgic dish that brings the warmth of family gatherings and festive celebrations together. Its creamy, savory flavors evoke memories of joyful feasts, where every bite connects generations with a rich culinary tradition. This dish embodies comfort and celebration in every refreshing forkful.

Ingredients

• 4 medium potatoes (about 1 1/2 lbs / 24 oz)
• 3 medium carrots (about 3/4 lb / 12 oz)
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1/2 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 4 large eggs
• 7 oz sausage (about 1 cup, sliced into small cubes)
• 4 oz fresh dill (about 1/2 cup, chopped)
• 1 can (15 oz) peas, drained
• 4 medium onions, chopped
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step

1. Peel and cut the potatoes and carrots into small, uniform cubes.
2. Place them in a large pot, add water to cover, then stir in the salt and vinegar.
3. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and cook for about 15 minutes, until the potatoes are tender. Drain and let the vegetables cool to room temperature.
4. While the vegetables are cooling, cut the sausage and pickles into small cubes, and chop the green onions and dill.
5. Hard boil the eggs: place eggs in boiling water for 10 minutes, then peel and cut into small cubes.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled potatoes, carrots, sausage, pickles, peas, chopped green onions, and eggs.
7. Add the mayonnaise and chopped dill, stirring gently until everything is well coated and evenly mixed.
8. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld.

Chef’s tips & serving ideas

• For added richness, gently fold in a touch more mayonnaise right before serving.
• Serve this classic Olivier Salad chilled, alongside crusty bread or as part of a festive spread for holidays and celebrations.

Closing thoughts

This Olivier Salad transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece blessed with creamy textures and bright flavors. Its timeless appeal lies in the harmonious blend of savory, fresh, and herbaceous notes — a dish that invites warmth and joyful gatherings. Whether for a holiday table or a casual family meal, it’s bound to bring smiles and cherished memories.