The Classic Olivier Salad, also known as Russian Potato Salad, is one of the most popular creamy salads in the world. It is made with soft potatoes, sweet carrots, eggs, peas, and tender meat, all mixed with a rich and creamy dressing. This salad is simple, filling, and perfect for family dinners, parties, or special occasions.

This recipe is loved because it is flexible. You can change ingredients based on your taste or what you have at home, and it will still taste amazing.

Why You Will Love This Olivier Salad

This salad is:

• Creamy and rich in flavor
• Full of colorful vegetables
• Easy to prepare
• Perfect as a side dish or light meal
• Great for meal prep and gatherings

The mix of soft vegetables and crunchy pickles creates a perfect texture in every bite.

Ingredients Explained (Easy Tips & Options)

Potatoes

Potatoes are the base of this salad. Use starchy potatoes like Russet for a soft and creamy texture. If you prefer a firmer bite, you can use red or yellow potatoes.

Carrots

Carrots add natural sweetness and color. Fresh carrots are best, but you can use canned if needed (texture will be softer).

Chicken or Bologna

Cooked chicken is a lighter and healthier option. Bologna gives a more traditional taste. You can also use:

• Ham
• Turkey
• Plant-based meat for vegetarian option

Eggs

Eggs add richness and protein. Make sure they are fully boiled and cooled before chopping.

Peas

Green peas add freshness and a slight sweetness. Frozen peas work perfectly after quick boiling.

Pickles

Pickles give a tangy flavor and slight crunch. Dill pickles are classic, but sweet pickles can also be used.

Mayonnaise & Cream

This is what makes the salad creamy. You can:

• Use full mayonnaise for rich taste
• Replace with Greek yogurt for a lighter version
• Mix both for balance

How to Cook Vegetables Perfectly

Cooking vegetables correctly is very important for this salad.

• Start by placing potatoes and carrots in cold water
• Bring to a boil slowly
• Cook for about 20–25 minutes
• Do not overcook (they should be soft but not mushy)

Keeping the skins on while boiling helps keep the flavor and texture better.

After cooking:

• Drain water
• Let them cool
• Peel and cut into small cubes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Vegetables

Boil potatoes and carrots in a pot with water for 20–25 minutes until tender. Cool, peel, and cut into small cubes.

Step 2: Boil the Eggs

Place eggs in water and boil for 10 minutes. Cool them under cold water, peel, and chop into small pieces.

Step 3: Prepare the Peas

Boil frozen peas for 2–3 minutes until bright green. Drain and cool.

Step 4: Chop Everything

Dice:

• Cooked chicken or bologna
• Pickles
• Onion (optional)

Place all ingredients into a large bowl.

Step 5: Mix the Salad Base

Add potatoes, carrots, eggs, peas, meat, pickles, and onion into the bowl. Mix gently.

Step 6: Make the Creamy Dressing

In another bowl, mix:

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Dijon mustard
• Salt and black pepper

Mix until smooth.

Step 7: Combine Everything

Pour dressing over the salad and gently mix. Do not mash the ingredients.

Step 8: Chill Before Serving

Cover and place in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This helps flavors mix together.

Step 9: Serve

Serve cold. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill if you like.

Tips & Tricks

• Cut all ingredients into similar small sizes for better texture
• Do not overcook vegetables or they will become mushy
• Chill the salad before serving for best taste
• Mix gently to keep ingredients whole
• Add a little pickle juice for extra flavor

Notes

• You can prepare this salad one day before serving
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
• If salad becomes dry, mix in a little extra mayonnaise before serving
• Onion is optional if you prefer a milder taste

Classic Creamy Olivier Salad

Description

A creamy and classic Olivier salad made with potatoes, vegetables, eggs, and chicken or bologna, mixed in a rich dressing. Perfect for parties and family meals.

Duration

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Chill Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

For Salad

• 3 medium potatoes
• 3 medium carrots
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup cooked chicken or bologna (diced)
• 1 cup green peas
• 3 pickles (diced)
• 1 small onion (optional)

For Dressing

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and black pepper

Garnish

• Fresh parsley or dill (optional)

Instructions

1. Boil potatoes and carrots for 20–25 minutes. Cool, peel, and dice.
2. Boil eggs for 10 minutes. Cool, peel, and chop.
3. Cook peas for 2–3 minutes and cool.
4. Dice chicken/bologna, pickles, and onion.
5. Mix all salad ingredients in a large bowl.
6. In another bowl, mix dressing ingredients.
7. Add dressing to salad and mix gently.
8. Chill for at least 1 hour.
9. Garnish and serve cold.