Olivier Salad (Russian Potato Salad): A Creamy & Tangy Delight

Salad Olivier, a popular Persian potato salad, that always reminds me of my grandmother.  Whenever we planned a picnic or a road trip, she would prepare this dish, each bite brimming with love, tradition, and a rich blend of flavours. This nostalgic recipe evokes a deep sense of homely comfort and satisfaction, making it an integral part of family gatherings and outdoor feasts.

The recipe starts with a tender chicken breast, simmered gently with a medley of aromatic vegetables – celery, carrots, and onions – and seasoned with whole black peppercorns and a bay leaf. These ingredients create a subtle yet delightful base that elevates the flavours of the other components.

Potatoes, eggs, pickled cucumbers, and green peas add texture, colour, and complexity to the dish. Each ingredient holds its own yet harmonises perfectly with the rest. The potatoes provide a starchy, satisfying base, the eggs contribute richness, the pickled cucumbers bring a refreshing tang, and the green peas add a burst of sweetness and colour.

The crowning glory of Salad Olivier is its creamy dressing. This blend of mayonnaise, yoghurt, rice vinegar, mustard, and lemon juice creates a beautiful balance of richness, tanginess, and a hint of sharpness, making every bite an exciting adventure of taste.

Finally, the dish is seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adding the perfect touch of warmth and spice to round off the flavours.

Despite its simplicity, Salad Olivier holds a special place in the hearts of many. It serves as a delicious reminder of the importance of family, tradition, and the joy of sharing good food.

Basic Ingredients for Olivier Salad (Russian Potato Salad)

Salad:

Chicken Breast: Chicken is a low-fat, high-protein meat that is commonly used in various dishes around the world. The chicken breast is often used due to its lean nature and versatile flavour that blends well with other ingredients.

Whole Black Peppercorn: This gives a spicy flavour with a mild sweetness. They are usually freshly ground before use to ensure they retain their aroma and flavour.

Bay Leaf: Adds a depth of flavour. Its slightly minty, subtly floral flavour helps enrich the taste of the chicken.

Celery Stems, Carrots, Onions: These vegetables are commonly used for making stock or broth. They lend a basic yet essential flavour profile to the dish.

Potatoes: Potatoes add a starchy component to the dish, giving it substance and bulk.

Eggs: Eggs are a good source of protein, and their inclusion provides additional texture and richness.

Pickled Cucumber (khiyar shoor): These provide a tangy, crunchy contrast to the other ingredients. They add a dimension of acidity which balances the dish.

Green Peas: They contribute sweetness and a pop of colour.

Mayo and Yogurt: These are the creamy elements that form the basis of the dressing. They add richness and tanginess to the dish.

Rice Vinegar, Mustard, and Lemon Juice: These ingredients are all acids that help to balance the richness of the mayo and yoghurt. They also add a tangy flavour.

Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: These are basic seasonings that enhance the flavours of the other ingredients.

Preparation Tips for Olivier Salad (Russian Potato Salad)

• Make sure to cook the chicken thoroughly to ensure it’s safe to eat.
• When boiling the eggs, add a little baking soda to make the peeling process easier.
• To ensure even cooking, chop all your vegetables in roughly the same size.

Serving Tips for Olivier Salad (Russian Potato Salad)

• Serve the salad chilled. The flavours will meld together more if it’s allowed to rest in the refrigerator for a while before serving.
• Serve with crusty bread or as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.
• For a more vibrant presentation, garnish with fresh herbs like dill or parsley.

Salad Olivier (Full Recipe)