Creamy Russian Potato Salad Recipe

Introducing the delightful and flavorful Olivier Potato Salad! This classic European dish, beloved throughout Eastern Europe and beyond, offers a vibrant twist on traditional potato salad. With tender Yukon gold potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, carrots, and peas, all brought together in a tangy dressing of mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard, this salad is a true culinary gem. The addition of capers for a burst of briny flavor and fresh dill for an herbal note sets this salad apart from the rest.

Elevating the humble potato salad to star status, Olivier Potato Salad boasts a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Creamy potatoes, protein-rich eggs, sweet vegetables, and a rich yet tangy dressing create a medley of tastes in every forkful. Whether as a light main course or a standout side dish, this salad promises a delightful experience with each bite. Make it ahead for gatherings and watch it improve as the flavors meld overnight, ensuring a dish that’s not only delicious but also convenient.

Quick Benefits

• Elevates traditional potato salad with vibrant flavors and textures
• Offers a substantial side dish or a light main course option
• Perfect for make-ahead preparation, improving in flavor as it sits
• Incorporates key ingredients like Yukon gold potatoes, fresh English peas, capers, and fresh dill

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Russian Potato Salad Recipe Recipe

• This salad offers a vibrant, flavor-packed twist on traditional potato salad, elevating it from a basic side dish to a star-worthy culinary creation.
• The combination of creamy potatoes, bright peas, and briny capers provides a delightful medley of textures and flavors in every bite.
• Perfect for make-ahead preparation, this salad actually improves as the flavors meld overnight, making it a convenient and delicious option for gatherings.
• The balance of ingredients and the bright, tangy dressing tie everything together without overwhelming individual components, ensuring a harmonious and satisfying dish.
• The use of Yukon gold potatoes, fresh English peas, capers, and fresh dill adds unique flavors and textures that make this salad stand out from the crowd.
• Cooking techniques such as salting the potato water, not rinsing the cooked potatoes, and cooking each component just until tender are crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
• Experimenting with vegetables like blanched green beans or fresh corn kernels can provide exciting variations while maintaining the salad’s balance and integrity.
• The salad improves with time, allowing the flavors to meld and creating a more cohesive dish after resting in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
• Substituting half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt offers a lighter option, while toasting the capers adds texture and intensified flavor.
• Garnishing with edible flowers for special occasions provides a stunning presentation that matches the salad’s vibrant flavors and textures.

Ingredients for Creamy Russian Potato Salad Recipe

For the Salad

• 1 1/2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes (2 to 3 large or 4 to 5 medium potatoes)
• 1 cup cubed ham (optional)
• 2 carrots, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup fresh English peas or frozen peas
• 4 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh dill, plus more for garnish

For the Dressing

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Pro Tips for Creamy Russian Potato Salad Recipe

When making Olivier Potato Salad, use Yukon gold potatoes for their buttery flavor and waxy texture that holds up well in salads. Remember to salt the potato cooking water, as it seasons the potatoes from within, and avoid rinsing the cooked potatoes to help the dressing cling better. Cooking the potatoes and vegetables just until tender is crucial to maintaining the perfect textural contrast in this dish.

Experiment with different vegetables like blanched green beans or fresh corn kernels to add variety to the salad. Make the salad at least a day ahead to allow the flavors to meld and improve, and consider garnishing with edible flowers for a special touch. For a lighter version, swap half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, or toast the capers for added texture and flavor. These pro tips will elevate your Olivier Potato Salad and make it a standout dish at any gathering.

How to Make Creamy Russian Potato Salad Recipe

Step 1: Step 01

1. In a medium to large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Peel and cube potatoes into 1/2-inch pieces. Cook in boiling water until tender but firm, about 12 minutes. Drain and let cool, without rinsing.

Step 2: Step 02

Fill a pot with a few inches of water and add the eggs, ensuring they are covered by about an inch of water. Bring to a boil, then cover with a lid and remove from heat. Let the eggs sit in the hot water for 12 minutes. Prepare a bowl of ice water while waiting.

Step 3: Step 03

Use a slotted spoon or tongs to move the eggs from the hot water to an ice bath. Allow them to cool before peeling and chopping into small pieces.

Step 4: Step 04

Once the eggs have cooled, cook the carrots and peas separately. Simmer chopped carrots in water for 4 minutes, then add peas and cook for an additional minute. Drain the vegetables thoroughly.

Step 5: Step 05

Combine mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, capers, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth and fully combined.

Step 6: Step 06

Combine cooled potatoes, chopped eggs, cooked carrots, peas, cubed ham (if using), and minced fresh dill with the dressing in a bowl. Gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.

Step 7: Step 07

Taste the salad and adjust seasoning as necessary. Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with fresh dill, and serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Storage Tips

After preparing Olivier Potato Salad, store any leftovers properly to maintain its quality. Place the salad in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to meld and intensify, making it even more delicious the next day.

When ready to serve the leftover salad, give it a quick stir to redistribute the dressing and flavors. If desired, garnish with a fresh sprinkle of dill for a burst of herbaceous aroma. Olivier Potato Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side or even as a light main course, making it a convenient option for quick and satisfying meals throughout the week.

Ingredient Substitutions

For an alternative to Yukon gold potatoes, you can use red potatoes or fingerling potatoes. These varieties also have a waxy texture that holds up well in salads without becoming mushy. Red potatoes offer a slightly earthier flavor, while fingerlings provide an elegant shape and buttery taste that can enhance the overall presentation of the salad.

If fresh English peas are not available, frozen peas make a convenient and delicious substitute. They retain their sweetness and satisfying pop, bringing a burst of flavor and color to the salad. Simply thaw the frozen peas before adding them to the dish to ensure they blend seamlessly with the other ingredients.

In place of ham, you can try cooked and crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor, or omit the meat altogether for a vegetarian version of the salad. The bacon will add a rich and savory element that complements the tangy dressing and adds a crispy texture. For a vegetarian twist, consider adding roasted chickpeas or marinated tofu cubes for a protein boost and added depth of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Olivier Potato Salad as a main course by adding a generous portion on a bed of fresh arugula or mixed greens, drizzled with a light vinaigrette for a complete and satisfying meal. For a unique twist, stuff the salad into hollowed-out tomatoes or bell peppers and serve as individual edible bowls at your next gathering, making for a visually stunning and delicious presentation that will surely impress your guests.

FAQs for Creamy Russian Potato Salad Recipe

Can I make the Olivier Potato Salad in advance?

Yes, the Olivier Potato Salad is an excellent make-ahead dish that actually improves as the flavors meld overnight in the refrigerator. You can prepare it up to two days ahead of serving, allowing the ingredients to harmonize and creating a more cohesive dish.

What are some variations I can try with the Olivier Potato Salad?

You can experiment with different vegetables in the salad. For example, blanched green beans or fresh corn kernels can be used as alternatives to carrots and peas. Just remember to maintain the proper vegetable-to-potato ratio for the ideal balance of flavors and textures.

How can I lighten up the Olivier Potato Salad?

To create a lighter version of the salad, you can substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. This modification maintains the creaminess of the dish while adding a pleasant tanginess to the dressing.

What garnishes can I use to enhance the presentation of the Olivier Potato Salad?

For special occasions, you can garnish the Olivier Potato Salad with edible flowers like chive blossoms or nasturtiums to create a stunning presentation. Additionally, to add texture and intensified flavor, you can toast the capers by frying them briefly in olive oil until crisp before adding them to the salad.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Olivier Potato Salad is not just a side dish; it’s a masterpiece of flavors and textures that will surely impress your family and friends. By carefully selecting quality ingredients and following a few key tips, you can elevate this classic Eastern European dish to a whole new level. The creamy Yukon gold potatoes, protein-rich eggs, and vibrant vegetables all come together harmoniously with the tangy dressing, creating a salad that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.

So, the next time you’re looking to add a special touch to your meal, consider making Olivier Potato Salad. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a hearty and satisfying dish, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Embrace the spirit of culinary exploration and tradition by bringing a taste of Eastern Europe to your table with this delightful Olivier Potato Salad.