According to a quick Google search, this recipe dates back to 1860s. Originally discovered at a Moscow restaurant called Hermitage where it’s chef Lucien Oliver made it a hit. It became so popular all over Russia and people started calling it a Russian Salad. Now it can be found in many restaurants across Eastern Europe. But so decades many families have tried recreating this recipes at home and everyone has their version.
I remember my family making this salad throughout my childhood. And at first, I was not a fan. I was that typical kid: too many vegetables in one dish. HA! But over time, I learned to love it. It has everything you want in a side dish. The crunch, saltiness and tang from the pickle, the sweetness from the carrots and peas, the heartiness from the potatoes and eggs…and so much more.
Let’s make it.
Russian Salad aka Ruska Salata
INGREDIENTS:
- 4 hard boiled eggs, diced
- 2 large potatoes (peeled), boiled, cooled, and cubed
- 1 can carrots and peas, washed and well drained
- 1 cup pickles, diced
- OPTIONAL: diced ham, shallots, green onions
Dressing:
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp pickle juice
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- small pinch turmeric
- small pinch cayenne pepper
DIRECTIONS:
- Cook your potatoes until just fork tender. You want them to have a bite.
- Boil and peel your eggs. I use an egg cooker and it saved me so much time.
- Dice and chop all of the ingredients into the same or similar size bits.
- Make the dressing by mixing the ingredients together in a small bowl.
- Add everything: veggies, eggs, and dressing into a fridge safe bowl with a lid and mix gently.
- Close the container and store in fridge for at least an hour. But it’s even better the next day.
- Serve as a side dish, on toast, at parties with crackers, etc.
Enjoy.
I hope you try it and please come back to let me know what you think. Until then, check out some other recipes here.
x, Dijana
TIPS:
*I use canned veggies with the exception of potatoes, those I like to cook myself. But you can def use canned.
*You can use store bought hard boiled eggs but making them at home is so much better.
*I skip the meat portion of this dish but traditionally you add ham. Some add salami, bologna, smoked meats, etc.
Hands down my favorite salad my mom makes!!! Im gonna make your version too and surprise her (ive never made hers)! You got a way of always making me try things 🙂 Love it!!
This is the best 💜 thank you!!!