Russian Salad – Salad Olivier Recipe
Introduction
Russian Salad, also known as Salad Olivier, is a classic and creamy vegetable salad that’s perfect for gatherings or as a refreshing side dish. Packed with boiled eggs, tender vegetables, and a tangy mayonnaise dressing, it offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures.

Ingredients
- 6 Eggs (boiled)
- 800 g Potatoes (28.22 oz), peeled and diced
- 400 g Carrots (14 oz), peeled and diced
- 200 g Frozen peas (7 oz)
- 100 g Cornichons (4 oz), mini pickled cucumbers
- 30 g Dill (1.4 oz), finely chopped
- 6 tbsp Scallions, chopped (green part only)
- 250 g Mayonnaise (1 cup)
- Salt, to taste
- White pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Boil the eggs until hard-cooked, then peel and chop them into small pieces.
- Step 2: Peel the potatoes and carrots, then dice them into small cubes.
- Step 3: Place the diced potatoes and carrots in a saucepan with cold salted water. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook for 7–10 minutes until just tender but still firm (al dente). Drain and let them cool.
- Step 4: In another saucepan, cover the frozen peas with water and bring to a boil. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then drain and immediately place the peas in ice cold water to retain their vibrant color and firmness. Drain again once cool.
- Step 5: Chop the green parts of the scallions, dice the cornichons into small cubes, and finely chop the dill.
- Step 6: In a large bowl, combine the cooled potatoes, carrots, peas, chopped eggs, scallions, cornichons, and dill.
- Step 7: Add mayonnaise, then season with salt and white pepper to taste. Mix gently until all ingredients are well combined.
- Step 8: Transfer the salad to a serving dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Tips & Variations
- For extra richness, try using half mayonnaise and half sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Add diced cooked chicken or ham for a heartier version of the salad.
- Use fresh peas if in season and blanch them briefly instead of frozen peas.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For the best texture and flavor, consume within this time frame. When ready to serve, give it a gentle stir and, if needed, add a little extra mayonnaise to refresh the creaminess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare Russian Salad in advance?
Yes, this salad benefits from resting in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes and can be made up to 2 days ahead. Just keep it well covered to maintain freshness.
Is there a substitute for mayonnaise?
You can substitute mayonnaise with sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a combination of both for a lighter dressing. Just adjust seasoning to taste as these options tend to be less rich.
PrintRussian Salad – Salad Olivier Recipe
Russian Salad, also known as Salad Olivier, is a classic dish featuring boiled eggs, potatoes, carrots, peas, and cornichons tossed in creamy mayonnaise with fresh herbs. This salad is a vibrant, flavorful, and satisfying side dish that perfectly balances textures and flavors, making it a popular choice for gatherings and festive occasions.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Russian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Vegetables and Eggs
- 6 Eggs (boiled)
- 800 g Potatoes (28.22 oz) (peeled and diced)
- 400 g Carrots (14 oz) (peeled and diced)
- 200 g Frozen peas (7 oz)
- 100 g Cornichons (4 oz) (mini pickled cucumbers)
Herbs and Aromatics
- 30 g Dill (1.4 oz), finely chopped
- 6 tbsp Scallions, chopped (green parts only)
Condiments and Seasoning
- 250 g Mayonnaise (1 cup)
- Salt to taste
- White pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil the eggs: Place the eggs in a pot, cover with water, and boil until hard-boiled. Once cooked, peel and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare vegetables: Peel the potatoes and carrots, then dice them into small, uniform cubes to ensure even cooking and texture.
- Cook potatoes and carrots: Put the diced potatoes and carrots into a saucepan filled with cold water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook for 7-10 minutes until just tender but still firm (al dente). Drain and let them cool in a colander.
- Cook peas: In a separate saucepan, add frozen peas and enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 2-3 minutes. Drain and immediately transfer peas to ice-cold water to preserve their vibrant color and texture. Drain again once cooled.
- Chop garnishes: Finely chop the green parts of the scallions, cornichons, and dill. The cornichons should be diced into small cubes for a balanced flavor.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled potatoes, carrots, peas, chopped eggs, cornichons, scallions, and dill.
- Add dressing and seasoning: Add the mayonnaise along with salt and white pepper to taste. Mix gently but thoroughly to evenly coat all ingredients without mashing them.
- Chill the salad: Transfer the salad to a serving dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and the salad to firm up slightly.
Notes
- Ensure vegetables are cooked al dente to maintain a firm, pleasant texture in the salad.
- Use white pepper to avoid black specks in the salad and maintain its classic pale appearance.
- The salad can be made a day in advance and refrigerated to enhance flavors.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- Mayonnaise quantity can be modified to prefer a creamier or lighter dressing.
Keywords: Russian Salad, Salad Olivier, Potato Salad, Mayonnaise Salad, Russian Cuisine, Boiled Vegetables Salad

