Russian Salad with Potatoes

Here is my Italian version of the Russian Salad, which in Italy is also known as Insalata Olivier. This salad is a refreshing and satisfying appetizer that combines potatoes, vegetables, and mayonnaise.

Ingredients

• 500 g of potatoes
• 200 g of carrots
• 150 g of peas (fresh or frozen)
• 100 g of green beans
• 150 g of cooked ham (optional, for those who want to add an Italian touch)
• 4 hard-boiled eggs
• 300 g of mayonnaise (better if homemade)
• Salt to taste

Preparation

1. Start by peeling the potatoes and carrots, then dice them into similar sizes for even cooking.

2. Boil the carrots and green beans in salted water until they are tender but still crisp. Drain them and set aside.

3. In another pot, boil the potatoes until they are very soft. Drain these as well and set aside to cool.

4. If you are using frozen peas, boil them according to the instructions on the package. If they are fresh, they can cook together with the green beans.

5. Dice the cooked ham, if you have decided to include it.

6. Peel the hard-boiled eggs and cut them into pieces.

7. Once all the ingredients have cooled, combine them in a large bowl. Add the salt and mix carefully.

8. Add the mayonnaise little by little, stirring gently until all the ingredients are well combined with the sauce.

9. Let it rest in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving, so that the flavors can blend well together.

Curiosity

The Russian Salad dates back to the 19th century, where it was prepared by a Belgian cook, Lucien Olivier, who worked in Moscow. The original recipe included more luxurious ingredients such as caviar, venison, and crabmeat, but over time the recipe was simplified and adapted to local tastes and available ingredients. In Italy, for example, it is not unusual to find the addition of cooked ham in the salad to enrich its flavor.

Remember that you can customize your Russian salad with ingredients of your choice, experimenting with pickles, chicken, or maybe adding a touch of mustard to the mayonnaise for a spicier flavor. Enjoy your meal!