Creamy and colorful Russian Salad made with potatoes, carrots, peas, and mayo. A refreshing side dish perfect for family dinners, parties, or picnics.
If you’ve ever been to a potluck in the US, you know there are a few dishes that always show up—mac and cheese, coleslaw, and potato salad. But let me introduce you to something a little different, yet super comforting and familiar: Russian Salad, also known as Olivier Salad or sometimes written as Russe Salad. It’s creamy, colorful, and packed with veggies (and sometimes chicken or ham, depending on the version).
What is Russian Salad Made Of?
Russian Salad is a mix of diced potatoes, peas, carrots, pickles, and sometimes meat (like chicken, ham, or bologna), all held together with creamy mayonnaise. Some versions toss in apples for sweetness, boiled eggs for richness, or even seafood.
Think of it this way: if American potato salad had a glow-up with more textures and flavors, you’d get Russian Salad. It’s hearty enough to be a light lunch but also works as a side dish at dinner, BBQs, or holiday parties.
Why is it Called Russian Salad?
The dish originated in Moscow back in the 1860s. It was created by a Belgian chef named Lucien Olivier who worked at a fancy restaurant called the Hermitage. His original recipe was more luxurious, with ingredients like caviar, grouse, and crayfish. Over time, the recipe became more affordable and practical, evolving into what most of us know today as Olivier Salad or Russian Salad.
So the name stuck because of its Russian roots, even though the version you and I are making is much simpler than the fine-dining original.
Ingredients in Russian Fruit Salad
Now, here’s where things get a little fun. There’s a savory Russian Salad (the one we’re talking about mostly), but in many US households and even in some countries, people make a sweeter version called Russian Fruit Salad.
Russian Fruit Salad usually includes:
- Fresh or canned fruits (like apples, pineapples, grapes, bananas)
- Sometimes maraschino cherries for that retro touch
- Whipped cream or sweetened yogurt
- A handful of nuts for crunch
It’s sweet, creamy, and feels more like a dessert than a salad. Think of it as something that belongs on the same table as ambrosia salad at Thanksgiving.
What is the Russian Salad Called?
In Russia, and many other places, this salad is commonly called Olivier Salad, after the chef who created it. In French menus, you might see it as Salade Russe or Russe Salad. In the US, most people just call it Russian Salad.
So, if you see any of these names—Olivier Salad, Russe Salad, or Russian Salad—they’re usually referring to the same creamy potato-based dish.
Russian Salad Recipe (Step by Step)
Alright, let’s get into the good stuff: making this delicious salad. My version is simple, budget-friendly, and uses ingredients you can easily grab from any grocery store in the US.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- ½ cup pickles (diced, dill pickles work great)
- ½ cup cooked chicken breast (optional, diced)
- 3 hard-boiled eggs, diced
- 1 small apple, peeled and diced (adds a touch of sweetness)
- 1 cup mayonnaise (Duke’s or Hellmann’s are classics here in the US)
- 1 tsp yellow mustard (optional, adds tang)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the veggies
- In a pot of salted boiling water, cook the diced potatoes and carrots until tender but not mushy, about 10 minutes.
- In the last 2 minutes, toss in the peas to cook them quickly. Drain and let everything cool.
Step 2: Boil the eggs
- Place eggs in a saucepan, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, turn off the heat, cover, and let sit for 10-12 minutes. Cool them in ice water, peel, and dice.
Step 3: Chop and prep other ingredients
- Dice the pickles, apple, and chicken (if using).
Step 4: Mix it all together
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the potatoes, carrots, peas, eggs, pickles, apple, and chicken.
- Stir in mayonnaise and mustard until everything is evenly coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Chill and serve
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This helps the flavors come together.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Personal Tips
- Pickles are key. Don’t skip them. They add that tangy bite that balances the creamy mayo.
- If you’re making this for kids, you can skip the mustard and apple. Keep it simple.
- I love making a double batch because the flavors get even better the next day.
Russian Salad vs. American Potato Salad
If you grew up in the US, you’ve probably had potato salad at BBQs, picnics, or holiday tables. The biggest difference between American potato salad and Russian salad is the variety of mix-ins. American versions often stick with potatoes, eggs, celery, and sometimes relish. Russian salad adds more veggies, pickles, and sometimes fruit or meat.
So if you want your potato salad to be more exciting, Russian Salad is the way to go.
Serving Ideas
This salad is versatile and goes well with almost anything. Here are some ideas for when and how to serve it:
- BBQs and cookouts – right next to burgers and hot dogs
- Holiday tables – Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even 4th of July
- Potlucks – it travels well and is easy to make in bulk
- Light lunch – serve with crusty bread or as a side to grilled chicken
A Make Me Eat Connection
At Make Me Eat, we’ve always been about simple, comforting recipes that anyone can enjoy at home. If you’re a fan of creamy salads, you’ll probably also love our simple boiled egg salad recipe with mayonnaise. It’s another easy classic that pairs beautifully with sandwiches or works as a quick snack.
Nutritional Breakdown (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 8g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
This is just an estimate and will vary depending on the exact ingredients you use.
Storage
- Store Russian Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- I don’t recommend freezing it—the mayo doesn’t hold up well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Russian Salad Made Of?
It’s usually made of diced potatoes, carrots, peas, eggs, pickles, and mayonnaise. Some versions include chicken, ham, or apples.
Why is it Called Russian Salad?
It originated in Moscow at the Hermitage restaurant in the 1860s, created by Chef Lucien Olivier.
What are the Ingredients in Russian Fruit Salad?
Fresh or canned fruit, whipped cream or yogurt, and sometimes nuts or cherries.
What is the Russian Salad Called?
It’s also called Olivier Salad or Russe Salad in some countries.
Final Thoughts
Russian Salad (Olivier Salad, Russe Salad) is one of those timeless recipes that deserves a spot in your cooking rotation. It’s hearty, refreshing, and surprisingly versatile. Whether you serve it at a family cookout in Texas, a holiday dinner in New York, or just for yourself on a lazy Sunday afternoon, it always hits the spot.
If you’ve never tried it, give this Russian Salad recipe a go. It might just become your new favorite side dish.
Mubashir Wahab is the writer behind Make Me Eat, a food blog where he shares simple, home-style recipes that connect food with personal stories. He loves experimenting with flavors and creating recipes that anyone can try in their own kitchen.