Russian Traditional Salad
Updated: 3 days ago
Russian salad holds a special place in the culinary traditions of many cultures, particularly during holidays, celebrations, and various festive gatherings. This delightful dish is not only a staple at family feasts but also a beloved addition to potlucks, picnics, and other social events. Its vibrant colors and rich flavors make it an eye-catching and appetizing choice that appeals to a wide range of palates. One of the most appealing aspects of Russian salad is its simplicity and ease of preparation. With just a few basic ingredients, anyone can create a delicious dish that brings joy to the table.
Russian Salad Tradition
However, the traditional Russian salad recipe does have its unique characteristics that set it apart from the versions we might encounter in other countries. It often includes a variety of vegetables and sometimes even fruits, combined with a creamy dressing that ties all the flavors together beautifully. To prepare this salad, you will need to gather fresh ingredients, which may include boiled potatoes, carrots, peas, and sometimes diced apples or pickles.
The vegetables are typically diced into small, uniform pieces to ensure an even distribution of flavors and textures throughout the salad. The dressing, often made with mayonnaise, adds a rich creaminess that complements the crunchiness of the vegetables. What truly makes Russian salad special, however, is the love and goodwill that goes into its preparation. It is not just about following a recipe; it is about the care and attention given to every ingredient.
This dish has a way of bringing people together, as families often share the experience of making it together, passing down recipes and techniques through generations. Here is how it is traditionally made in Russia:
Ingredients
2 medium-sized potatoes, boiled and diced
2 medium-sized carrots, boiled and diced
1 cup of green peas, cooked
1 cup of diced apples (optional)
1 cup of pickles, finely chopped (optional)
1 cup of mayonnaise
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Begin by boiling the potatoes and carrots until they are tender but firm enough to hold their shape. Allow them to cool before dicing.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced potatoes, carrots, green peas, and any additional ingredients like apples or pickles that you wish to include.
Add the mayonnaise to the mixture, starting with half a cup and gradually adding more until you achieve your desired creaminess.
Season the salad with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
Gently mix all the ingredients together, ensuring that everything is well-coated with the dressing.
Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Conclusion
The final product is a colorful, flavorful salad that is sure to delight guests and family members alike. Whether served as a side dish or as a main course, Russian salad is a versatile and satisfying addition to any meal. Its presence at celebrations and holidays is a testament to its enduring popularity and the joy it brings to those who partake in it. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and enjoy the process of creating this beloved dish that is steeped in tradition and love.
Ingredients: medium, total time: 60 min.
For Salad:
150 g ham
100 g roast beef
100 g chicken meat/ roast or boiled
5 potatoes/ boiled
4 carrots
1 small head cauliflower
1 egg/ hard-boiled e
4 gherkins/ cut into rings
250 g can of peas/ filtered
25 g capers
3 Tbsp fresh parsley/ finely chopped
150 g marinated mushrooms +15 g butter
Homemade Mayonnaise
400 ml olive oil EVO
6 eggs
2 full tsp mustard
2 tsp flat sugar
2 tsp flat salt
2 lemon juice
And for later:
1 cup sour cream/ 150 ml
Preparation:
You can buy ready-to-roast veal in the supermarket, as well as roast chicken, which will make this salad easier to make.
Wash the mushrooms and cut them into leaves.
Then fry them in a little olive oil, covered and stirring occasionally.
When all the liquid from the mushrooms has evaporated, add 15 g of butter, stir, and simmer for another 2–3 minutes, then turn off the heat. Set aside.
If not, then wash the chicken meat, cut it into cubes, season it to taste, and fry it in a little oil until it turns golden brown. Stand aside.
Wash and peel all the vegetables well, then put the cauliflower, carrot, and potato together to cook until soft.
During cooking, remove the cauliflower first, then the carrot, and then the potato.
Leave to cool, then cut into small cubes.
Add the chopped vegetables, mushrooms, and meat to the bowl.
Cut the ham into cubes and add to the other ingredients.
Strain the canned peas and add to the ingredients. If you use frozen, cook them with the vegetables at the very beginning.
Finally, add capers and chopped fresh parsley.
Homemade Mayonnaise:
Prepare a deep jar or container.
Beat the egg yolks with sugar and salt with a hand mixer until foamy for about 4 minutes, then slowly add a little oil and lemon juice alternately; beat until a creamy mixture forms.
Then add the rest of the oil and lemon juice again. Mix until the mixture is thick and creamy. If you want a thinner mayonnaise, add a little more olive oil.
Separate a small portion of the mayonnaise and mix it with the sour cream, then add it to the bowl with the other ingredients and mix well.
Salad in a bowl, cover with another part thicker part of the mayonnaise.
Garnish the salad with gherkin rings, marinated mushrooms, peas, and serve.
Buon appetito!
"May your kitchen always be filled with wonderful aromas, your table with good food and your heart with the joy of sharing" ☕❤️🌹
NOTE:
This recipe is presented in its original form. If you find any of the suggested ingredients unnecessary, feel free to substitute them. For instance, you may choose to use only chicken instead of roast beef, or omit the cauliflower and add more potatoes.
Prepare it to your preference or follow the original recipe. The salad is excellent!
Store the salad in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3–4 days.
Do you want to try something a little different?
#Russian #traditional #salad #food #recipe #foodblogger #homemade #mayonnaise #foodies #foodRussia #vegetables #roast #boiled #meat #russianfood #delicious #holidays #Christmas #blogger #coffeetimelena #coffeetimewithlenaallin1
PHOTO SOURCE:












Comments