Russian Salad

The Russian Salad is a very well-known cold appetizer, particularly enjoyed during the holiday season. In Italy, this salad is also known as Olivier salad, and it is distinguished by the use of diced vegetables and mayonnaise. Here’s how to prepare it in the Italian way:

Ingredients

• 3 medium potatoes
• 3 carrots
• 150-200 g of fresh or frozen peas
• 1 small pickled cucumber (in vinegar)
• 2-3 hard-boiled eggs
• Homemade mayonnaise to taste (typically consists of 1 egg yolk, a tablespoon of mustard, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt)
• Salt
• Pepper (optional)
• Lemon juice (for the mayonnaise)

Preparation

1. Start by boiling the vegetables separately: potatoes and carrots peeled and cut into cubes, the peas (if fresh, clean them first). Each vegetable should be cooked in salted water until they become tender, but still firm to avoid crumbling when mixed.
2. After draining them, let the vegetables cool down completely.
3. In the meantime, prepare the homemade mayonnaise: begin with a room temperature egg yolk, a tablespoon of mustard, a pinch of salt, and a few drops of lemon juice. Gradually start adding the oil, emulsifying with a whisk or a mixer until the desired thickness is obtained.
4. Dice the pickled cucumber and hard-boiled eggs as well.
5. In a large bowl, combine all the cold vegetables, diced eggs, and enough mayonnaise to cover the ingredients.
6. Gently mix to avoid breaking the vegetables and to evenly distribute the mayonnaise.
7. Taste and adjust the salt if necessary. If you like, you can add a bit of pepper.
8. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.

Curiosity

The Russian Salad, despite its name, has uncertain origins, and it is said to have been created by a Belgian or French chef who worked in Moscow around the 1860s. The Italian version is enriched with the addition of mayonnaise, unlike the traditional Russian version, which might also contain meat.

You can serve the Russian Salad as an appetizer or as a side dish with meat or fish dishes. Enjoy your meal!