Olivier Salad — widely known as Russian salad — is a hearty, mayonnaise-dressed dish built from diced potatoes, vegetables, eggs, and pickles. The key is cutting everything into uniform small cubes so each forkful has a balanced mix of textures and flavors. It chills quickly and works equally well as a side dish or a light main.
1cupmayonnaisepreferably homemade or high-quality store-bought
2tablespoonsfresh dillfinely chopped
1pinchsaltto taste
1pinchblack pepperto taste
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Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables: In a large saucepan, add the diced potatoes and carrots. Cover with water, bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Add peas for the last 5 minutes. Drain and let cool.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled potatoes, carrots, peas, diced chicken, chopped eggs, and pickles. Gently mix using a wooden spoon.
Dress the Salad: Add the mayonnaise and fresh dill to the bowl. Season generously with salt and pepper. Stir gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with a few sprigs of fresh dill. Serve immediately or refrigerate for a richer meld of flavors.
Notes
Lisa’s Tips:
For a lighter version, replace half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Alternatively, smoked salmon can replace chicken for an elegant twist.
Serving Suggestions: Plate with a sprig of fresh dill and a lemon wedge. Pair with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc, to enhance the dish's freshness.