Russian Potato Salad, also known as Olivier Salad, is a classic and much-loved dish that has been enjoyed by families for many years. This creamy salad is made with tender potatoes, eggs, chicken, crunchy dill pickles, fresh herbs, and a rich mayonnaise dressing. It is tasty, filling, and perfect for family meals, special celebrations, picnics, BBQs, or holiday dinners.
This famous salad has an interesting history. It was first made in Russia in the 1800s by a French chef named Lucien Olivier. He created it for a popular restaurant in Moscow, and people quickly fell in love with it. Although his exact recipe stayed secret, many home cooks made their own versions over time. Today, Russian Potato Salad is popular in many countries and remains a traditional favorite.
This version includes chicken, which adds a rich and satisfying flavor. Soft potatoes and eggs create a creamy texture, while dill pickles bring a slightly sour taste. Apple adds freshness and a light crunch, and fresh dill and parsley give the salad its classic and special flavor.
One reason people love Olivier Salad is because it can be changed in many ways. Some families add peas, carrots, or ham, but the usual base includes potatoes, eggs, pickles, meat, and mayonnaise.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy, and full of delicious flavor
- Great for holidays, parties, or everyday meals
- Easy to make in advance
- Uses simple and common ingredients
- Perfect as a side dish or a light meal
- Traditional, comforting, and satisfying
The Secret to a Great Olivier Salad
The dressing is one of the most important parts of this recipe. A simple mix of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, water, and black pepper creates a creamy and balanced flavor. The mustard and vinegar make the taste brighter and more flavorful than using mayonnaise alone.
Choosing the Best Potatoes
Waxy potatoes work best for this salad because they stay firm after boiling and do not break apart when mixed.
Good potato choices:
- Red potatoes
- Yukon Gold
- Charlotte
- Fingerling
- Maris Piper
For the best flavor, always boil the potatoes in salted water.
Ingredients
For the Potato Salad Dressing
- 1/2 cup / 125ml mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1½ tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp water, to thin the dressing
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Potato Salad
- 4 medium waxy potatoes, boiled and cooled
- 6 eggs, hard boiled
- 450g / 1 lb cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken
- 4 dill pickles (not sweet)
- 3–4 green onions
- 1/2 medium apple
- 1 tbsp fresh dill
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley
- Salt, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, water, and black pepper. Whisk well until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. If the dressing seems too thick, add a little more water until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Step 2: Prepare the Main Ingredients
Boil the potatoes with their skin on until they are cooked but still firm. Let them cool fully before peeling.
Hard boil the eggs, then cool them and remove the shells.
If you are not using ready-cooked chicken, cook or roast the chicken until fully done, then remove the skin and bones.
Step 3: Chop the Ingredients
Cut the potatoes, eggs, chicken, dill pickles, green onions, and apple into small, even 1/2-inch cubes. Small equal pieces help every bite have the perfect mix of flavors.
Step 4: Combine the Salad
Place all chopped ingredients into a large mixing bowl. Add the fresh dill and parsley.
Pour the dressing over the mixture.
Gently stir everything together until well combined. Be careful not to mash the potatoes.
Taste and add salt if needed.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
Cover the bowl and place the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
This chilling time helps all the flavors mix together. For even better taste, chill for a few hours.
Serving Ideas
Russian Potato Salad can be served in many delicious ways:
- With burgers
- With roast beef or roast pork
- At BBQ gatherings
- For picnics
- On holiday dinner tables
- For New Year’s Eve parties
Its creamy and savory flavor goes especially well with grilled or roasted meats.
Storage
Keep leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
This salad often tastes even better the next day, which makes it perfect for preparing ahead of time.
Tips & Tricks
- Use waxy potatoes so they stay firm after cooking
- Add salt to the potato water for better flavor
- Let potatoes and eggs cool completely before cutting
- Chop ingredients into even pieces for the best texture
- Rotisserie or roasted chicken adds more flavor than plain boiled chicken
- Fresh dill gives the most traditional taste
- Chill before serving for the best overall flavor
A Traditional Favorite
This Russian Potato Salad Recipe (Olivier) is creamy, hearty, and full of wonderful textures. The mix of potatoes, chicken, eggs, crunchy pickles, apple, and herbs makes it a special dish for almost any occasion. Whether you serve it for a holiday, picnic, or family dinner, this classic salad is sure to become a favorite.
Description
A creamy and filling Russian Potato Salad made with potatoes, eggs, chicken, pickles, apple, and fresh herbs mixed in a flavorful mayonnaise dressing. Perfect for holidays, BBQs, picnics, or family meals.
Duration
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients
For the Dressing
- 1/2 cup / 125ml mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1½ tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp water
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Salad
- 4 medium waxy potatoes, boiled and cooled
- 6 hard boiled eggs
- 450g / 1 lb cooked chicken
- 4 dill pickles
- 3–4 green onions
- 1/2 medium apple
- 1 tbsp fresh dill
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Make the Dressing
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, water, and black pepper until smooth.
Make the Salad
Cook the potatoes and eggs, then cool and peel them.
Prepare the chicken if needed.
Dice the potatoes, eggs, chicken, pickles, onions, and apple into small cubes.
Place everything in a large bowl.
Add dill, parsley, and dressing.
Mix gently and season with salt.
Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Tips & Tricks
- Use waxy potatoes such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes
- Salt the potato water while boiling
- Prepare ingredients ahead to save time
- Chill before serving for the best flavor
