Russian Potato Salad, also called Olivier Salad, is one of the most loved and classic potato salads in the world. This rich and creamy salad is made with soft potatoes, eggs, chicken, dill pickles, fresh herbs, and a tasty mayonnaise dressing. It is filling, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners, holiday celebrations, picnics, or BBQ meals.
This salad has a long history and has been enjoyed for many generations. It began in Russia during the 1800s and was first created by a French chef named Lucien Olivier for a famous restaurant in Moscow. His original recipe became so popular that people loved it instantly. Even though the secret recipe was never fully shared, many families created their own versions over time. Today, this salad is made in many countries and is often known simply as Russian Salad.
This version uses chicken, which gives the salad a hearty and delicious taste. The potatoes and eggs make it rich, the pickles add a tangy flavor, and the apple brings a little crunch and freshness. Fresh dill and parsley give it the traditional taste that makes Olivier salad so special.
One of the best things about this salad is how flexible it is. Different families may add peas, carrots, or ham, but the main base usually includes potatoes, eggs, pickles, meat, and mayonnaise.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy, and full of flavor
- Perfect for holidays, parties, or everyday meals
- Easy to prepare ahead of time
- Uses simple ingredients
- Great as a side dish or light meal
- Traditional and comforting
The Secret to Great Olivier Salad
The dressing is one of the most important parts of this salad. A simple mix of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, water, and black pepper gives this salad a balanced creamy taste. The mustard and vinegar help brighten the flavor and make the dressing taste better than plain mayonnaise alone.
Choosing the Best Potatoes
For this salad, waxy potatoes are the best choice because they hold their shape after boiling and do not fall apart when mixed.
Good options include:
- Red potatoes
- Yukon Gold
- Charlotte
- Fingerling
- Maris Piper
Always boil the potatoes in salted water for better flavor.
Ingredients
For the Potato Salad Dressing
- 1/2 cup / 125ml mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1½ tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp water, to loosen 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: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, add mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, water, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy. If the dressing feels too thick, add a little more water until you reach the texture you like.
Step 2: Prepare the Main Ingredients
Boil the potatoes with the skin on until they are cooked but still firm. Let them cool completely before peeling.
Hard boil the eggs, then cool and peel them.
If you are not using pre-cooked chicken, cook or roast the chicken until done. Remove the skin and bones.
Step 3: Chop Everything
Cut the potatoes, eggs, chicken, dill pickles, green onions, and apple into small, even 1/2 inch cubes. Small pieces help every bite taste balanced.
Step 4: Mix the Salad
Place all chopped ingredients into a large bowl. Add the fresh dill and parsley.
Pour the prepared dressing over the salad.
Gently mix everything together so the ingredients stay whole and do not turn mushy.
Taste and add salt if needed.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
This resting time helps all the flavors blend together beautifully. For even better taste, chill for a few hours.
Serving Ideas
Russian Potato Salad is very versatile and can be served in many ways:
- With burgers
- Alongside roast beef or roast pork
- At BBQ parties
- For picnics
- On holiday tables
- New Year’s Eve celebrations
Its creamy texture and savory flavor pair especially well with grilled or roasted meats.
Storage
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Because this salad tastes even better after sitting, it is an excellent make-ahead dish.
Tips & Tricks
- Use waxy potatoes because they stay firm after boiling.
- Salt the potato water for extra flavor.
- Cool potatoes and eggs fully before chopping.
- Cut ingredients evenly for the best texture.
- Rotisserie or roasted chicken gives more flavor than plain boiled chicken.
- Fresh dill gives the most authentic taste.
- Chill before serving for the best flavor.
A Traditional Favorite
This Russian Potato Salad Recipe (Olivier) is creamy, satisfying, and packed with delicious textures. The combination of potatoes, chicken, eggs, crunchy pickles, apple, and herbs makes it a standout dish for any meal or gathering. Once you try it, it may become one of your favorite potato salads too.
Description
A creamy and hearty Russian Potato Salad made with potatoes, eggs, chicken, pickles, apple, and fresh herbs in a flavorful mayonnaise dressing. Perfect for holidays, BBQs, 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 mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, water, and black pepper until smooth.
Make the Salad
- Cook potatoes and eggs, then cool and peel them.
- Prepare chicken if needed.
- Dice 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 like Yukon Gold or red potatoes.
- Salt the water when boiling potatoes.
- Make ingredients ahead for easier preparation.
- Let the salad chill before serving for the best taste.
