Name: Easy Olivier Salad (Russian Potato Salad) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Russian
Ingredients: 5 medium Yukon potatoes, boiled and diced; 3 medium carrots, boiled and diced; 6 eggs, hard-boiled and diced (plus one sliced for garnish); 8 dill pickles, diced; 3 scallions, diced; 1 cup peas, frozen and thawed; 2 cups sausage, diced (alternatively chopped rotisserie chicken or smoked ham, or omit for vegetarian); 1 ¼ cups mayonnaise; Kosher salt, to taste

Print Recipe· 4.4 from 12 reviews

If you have ever craved a classic, comforting, and colorful dish that brings the party to your plate, then this Easy Olivier Salad (Russian Potato Salad) Recipe is your next must-try favorite. This salad is a vibrant combination of tender potatoes, bright carrots, creamy eggs, and savory sausage, all tossed lovingly in a luscious mayonnaise dressing. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a nostalgic taste of Russian cuisine with a simple recipe that delivers on flavor, texture, and satisfaction every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ingredients for a dish arranged on a white marbled surface. There is a brown paper bag filled with light brown potatoes in the top left corner, next to two whole orange carrots. To the right, a small white bowl contains chopped green herbs. Below this, a small white bowl holds creamy pale yellow mayonnaise, and next to it is a small white bowl with light green eggs. A small white bowl with dark green peas sits below the mayonnaise. On the right side, a small white bowl holds whole pickles. In the lower left, a white cutting board holds two thick slices of pink luncheon meat, one partially diced into small cubes with a knife resting beside it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started on this Easy Olivier Salad (Russian Potato Salad) Recipe is a breeze because it calls for straightforward, fridge-staple ingredients that each play a critical role in creating its legendary flavor and texture. From the hearty potatoes to the zesty dill pickles, every element brings its own unique charm to the mix.

5 medium Yukon potatoes: Boiled and diced, these provide the perfect soft, buttery base.
3 medium carrots: Boiled and diced, they add a subtle sweetness and pop of vibrant orange color.
6 eggs: Hard-boiled and diced, these lend a creamy texture and rich flavor.
8 dill pickles: Diced to add a tangy crunch that cuts through the richness.
3 scallions: Diced, offering a fresh, mild onion note to brighten the salad.
2 cups sausage: Diced; chicken or smoked ham are excellent substitutes or omit for a vegetarian option.
1 cup peas: Frozen then thawed peas add a wonderful sweet burst and lovely green flecks.
1 ¼ cup mayonnaise: Creamy and rich, it binds everything together perfectly.
Kosher salt: To taste, enhancing all the flavors harmoniously.

How to Make Easy Olivier Salad (Russian Potato Salad) Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes, Carrots, and Eggs

Begin by placing the potatoes, carrots, and eggs into a large pot filled with cold water. Bringing the water to a boil gently cooks everything evenly without overcooking any ingredient. While the eggs need about 10 minutes, wait until the carrots are tender in about 15 minutes, and the potatoes until they are fork-tender in closer to 25 minutes. Timing is key to getting those perfect textures.

Step 2: Cool Eggs in an Ice Bath

Once cooked, transferring the eggs immediately to an ice bath stops the cooking process and makes peeling a breeze. Carefully peel all but one egg, which you will slice later into elegant rings for garnishing. The diced eggs are essential for the creamy texture that balances the crisp veggies and sausage.

Step 3: Prepare the Sausage, Pickles, and Scallions

While the veggies and eggs cool, dice the sausage, pickles, and scallions into uniform pea-sized cubes. This ensures every bite has an even distribution of flavors and textures, making each mouthful a delicious surprise.

Step 4: Dice the Vegetables and Eggs

Once the potatoes, carrots, and eggs have completely cooled, peel and dice them carefully into the same small, consistent size as the other ingredients. Consistency in size is what transforms this salad from a simple bowl of mixed items into a visually appealing and harmonious dish.

Step 5: Combine and Season the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together all diced ingredients including the peas and mayonnaise. This is where the magic happens—taking the individual flavors and textures and melding them into a creamy, cohesive salad. Finish by seasoning with kosher salt to your liking, allowing the seasoning to elevate every bite.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finally, slice the remaining egg into beautiful disks to crown your salad along with a sprinkle of fresh scallions. This adds an extra layer of texture and makes your dish look as fantastic as it tastes.

How to Serve Easy Olivier Salad (Russian Potato Salad) Recipe

A white bowl filled with seven separate sections of ingredients on a white marbled surface: bright orange diced carrots at the top left, pale yellow diced potatoes at the top center, green peas on the right, small green chopped chives near the bottom center, white and yellow chopped boiled eggs on the bottom right, small light pink diced ham on the bottom left, and light green diced pickles on the left center. A large dollop of creamy off-white mayonnaise sits in the middle, and a spoon rests on the right side of the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding garnishes like sliced egg rings and fresh scallions not only enhances the salad’s appearance but also introduces subtle textures and fresh flavors that elevate the whole experience. You can also sprinkle some freshly ground black pepper or a few dill sprigs for an added aroma.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or as a refreshing side dish alongside a hearty stew. It also shines at picnic spreads or holiday feasts, adding that much-needed creamy crunch and balance to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a modern twist, serve Easy Olivier Salad (Russian Potato Salad) Recipe in individual glass cups or hollowed-out tomatoes for an elegant appetizer. You can also serve it atop lettuce leaves or use it as a vibrant filling in sandwiches or wraps—so many fun options to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it taste even better the next day. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to refresh the mixture.

Freezing

Because of the mayonnaise and fresh vegetables, freezing this salad isn’t recommended. The texture of diced potatoes and eggs changes significantly after freezing and thawing, which can result in a watery, less appealing dish.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. If you prefer a warmer dish, serve alongside a hot entree instead, letting the salad provide a cool, creamy contrast.

FAQs

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the sausage or substitute it with chopped boiled potatoes or chickpeas for added protein. The salad remains delicious and creamy without meat.

What type of sausage works best?

Smoked sausage or a flavorful cooked sausage works wonderfully, but you can also use rotisserie chicken or smoked ham. Each option offers a distinct taste, so feel free to experiment according to your preference.

How important is the size of the dice?

Keeping everything diced into small, uniform pieces is key. It ensures that every bite is balanced, with the right amount of each ingredient, making the salad look neat and taste harmonious.

Can I use regular mayonnaise?

Yes, regular mayonnaise works perfectly here. For a lighter version, you can substitute some or all with Greek yogurt, but the classic creamy texture will be slightly altered.

Is it necessary to peel the potatoes before dicing?

Peeling the potatoes is recommended for the smoothest texture, as the skin can add an unwanted chewiness and change the traditional appearance of this salad.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Olivier Salad (Russian Potato Salad) Recipe is truly a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients coming together to create something beautifully nostalgic and utterly delicious. Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering or craving a cozy meal at home, this salad is guaranteed to win hearts and fill plates. Give it a try, and watch it become a beloved staple in your recipe collection!