Olivier Salad Recipe

Posted on May 12, 2025

Olivier Salad – Traditional Russian Potato Salad with Peas and Pickles

If you love creamy, colorful salads packed with flavor, you have to try Olivier Salad—also known as Russian Salad! This classic dish is a staple at festive tables across Eastern Europe and is beloved for its mix of hearty potatoes, crisp vegetables, tender meats, and creamy mayo dressing. It’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or even a casual weekday meal. Plus, it’s super easy to customize! Whether you serve it chilled on a hot day or as a comforting side in winter, Olivier Salad never goes out of style.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love Olivier Salad

Olivier Salad is the kind of recipe that wins hearts at first bite. It’s creamy, crunchy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying. This is a no-fuss dish that looks fancy but comes together quickly with simple, everyday ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, bringing something to a picnic, or meal prepping for the week, this salad fits right in. You’ll also love how versatile it is—swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand. It’s family-friendly, picnic-approved, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every single time!

Ingredients

Olivier Salad is made with a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients. It’s easy to prepare and great for making ahead. Here’s what you’ll need for the classic version:

4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
1 cup cooked chicken breast or ham, diced (optional but traditional)
1 cup green peas (frozen or canned)
4–5 small dill pickles, finely chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise (or more to taste)
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional add-ins:

1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1 tsp mustard (for extra zing)

Instructions

This salad is all about chopping, mixing, and chilling—no fancy techniques needed! Here’s how to make it step by step:

Cook the vegetables
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add diced potatoes and carrots. Boil for 10–12 minutes or until fork-tender.
- Drain and let them cool completely.
Prepare the eggs and meat
- While the veggies are cooling, peel and chop the hard-boiled eggs.
- Dice your cooked chicken breast or ham into small cubes.
Mix everything together
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled potatoes, carrots, eggs, chicken (or ham), peas, and chopped pickles.
- Add mayonnaise, and gently mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Chill before serving
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
Serve cold and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Olivier Salad is a great make-ahead dish that actually tastes better the next day. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week.

Servings: This recipe makes about 6–8 servings as a side dish.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Chill Time: At least 1 hour (for best flavor)
Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes, including chilling

Tips and Variations

Olivier Salad is super flexible—feel free to make it your own! Here are some tips and fun twists:

No meat? Skip the chicken or ham for a vegetarian version.
Low-mayo option: Swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt or sour cream.
Add crunch: Finely chopped celery or apple adds a refreshing crunch.
Spice it up: Add a dash of Dijon mustard or horseradish for extra zing.
Make it fancy: Top with fresh herbs like dill or parsley before serving.
Use what you have: Frozen veggies, leftover roast chicken, or canned peas work great in a pinch.

Storage

Olivier Salad stores beautifully, making it ideal for prepping ahead or enjoying over a few days.

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Do not freeze: The mayonnaise and boiled vegetables don’t freeze well—they’ll lose their texture and become watery.
Pro tip: If you’re prepping in advance for an event, chop all ingredients and mix in the mayo just before serving for the freshest taste.

FAQs

1. Can I make Olivier Salad ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours or overnight.

2. What meat works best in Olivier Salad?
Traditionally, boiled chicken or ham is used. You can also use bologna or omit the meat for a vegetarian version.

3. Can I use canned peas instead of frozen?
Absolutely. Just make sure to drain them well before adding.

4. Is there a vegan version of Olivier Salad?
Yes—use vegan mayo and skip the eggs and meat. Add extra veggies like cucumbers or beans for texture.

5. How long does Olivier Salad last in the fridge?
Up to 4 days in an airtight container.

6. Can I add onions to this salad?
Yes! Finely chopped red or green onions add a nice bite.

7. What’s the difference between Russian Salad and Olivier Salad?
They’re the same! “Olivier Salad” is the original name, created by a French chef in Russia.

Conclusion

Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting brunch, or just craving something hearty and creamy, Olivier Salad is a must-try! It’s simple to make, easy to customize, and always a hit with family and friends. With its comforting mix of textures and savory flavors, it’s no wonder this salad has stood the test of time.

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