The Classic Olivier Salad is a festive mix of diced vegetables, like potatoes and carrots, tossed with peas and creamy mayonnaise. It’s colorful, tasty, and a true holiday favorite!
This salad is like a little celebration on a plate. Every bite is a mix of crunch and creaminess that brings back happy memories. Plus, it’s easy to make, which means more time for fun!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russets for a fluffy texture. You can also substitute with Yukon Gold for a creamier taste.
Carrots: Fresh carrots add sweetness. If you’re short on time, you could use frozen diced carrots, which work well too.
Eggs: Hard-boiled eggs provide richness. For a lighter version, you can reduce the number to 2 or skip them altogether.
Chicken or Ham: I love adding cooked chicken for protein. If you want a vegetarian option, just exclude it or substitute with chickpeas for added texture.
Mayonnaise: Traditional recipes call for mayonnaise, but you can use Greek yogurt for a healthier twist. It’s tangy and will work nicely!
How Do I Ensure My Vegetables Are Perfectly Cooked?
Getting the perfect texture for your veggies is key to a tasty Olivier Salad. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with cold water for your potatoes and carrots. This helps them cook evenly.
- Check the doneness after 20 minutes; they should be tender but not mushy. You can easily poke a fork through them, but they should still hold shape.
- Once cooked, drain them well to avoid excess moisture, which could make your salad too watery.
Taking care with your vegetable cooking will lead to a more delicious salad experience. Enjoy the prep!
Classic Olivier Salad for Holidays
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 4 medium potatoes
- 3 medium carrots
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup cooked peas (fresh or frozen)
- 5-6 dill pickles
- 1 small onion (optional)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast or ham (optional, can be omitted for vegetarian)
Other Essentials:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh dill or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 30 minutes to prepare, plus at least 2 hours of chilling time in the fridge. In total, you’re looking at around 2.5 hours before it’s ready to be enjoyed. The wait is worth it for that creamy, flavorful blend!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Vegetables:
Start by washing the potatoes and carrots carefully. Then, place them in a pot, cover with water, and boil until they are tender but still firm, which takes about 20 to 25 minutes. Once they’re cooked, drain them, let them cool, and then peel the skins off.
2. Boiling the Eggs:
For the eggs, put them in a pot of cold water. Bring the water to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes to hard boil them. Afterward, transfer the eggs to cold running water to cool down before peeling.
3. Chopping Ingredients:
Once everything has cooled, dice the potatoes, carrots, eggs, pickles, and chicken or ham into small, uniform cubes. This helps all the flavors mix well together!
4. Preparing the Onion:
If you’re including onion, finely chop it. To mellow the sharpness, blanch it briefly in boiling water, then drain and let it cool.
5. Combining Everything:
In a large mixing bowl, combine your diced potatoes, carrots, eggs, peas, pickles, onion, and any meat you’re using. Make sure everything is well mixed!
6. Dressing the Salad:
Add the mayonnaise to the bowl and gently stir to coat all the ingredients evenly without smashing them.
7. Seasoning:
Now it’s time to season. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, mixing gently again.
8. Chilling:
Cover the salad with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This helps all the flavors meld together nicely.
9. Serving:
Finally, garnish with fresh dill or parsley before serving. Enjoy this creamy, colorful salad with family and friends during your holiday celebrations!
This festive Olivier salad brings together traditional holiday flavors and a creamy texture that everyone will enjoy! Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions about Classic Olivier Salad
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! While the traditional recipe calls for potatoes and carrots, feel free to include other veggies like corn, bell peppers, or even green beans for added color and flavor. Just make sure they are cooked until tender!
Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the chicken or ham for a vegetarian version. You might want to add chickpeas or lentils for protein and texture. The salad will still be delicious!
How Long Does the Salad Last in the Fridge?
The Olivier Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, since some separation can occur.
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
You can definitely make this salad a day in advance. In fact, letting it chill overnight allows the flavors to meld even better! Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
