Creamy, colorful, and incredibly satisfying, this Easy Russian Salad is a classic cold salad made with tender vegetables, eggs, and a rich mayonnaise dressing. Popular across many countries and especially loved in Spanish cuisine as “Ensaladilla Rusa,” this dish is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish any time of year.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Russian Salad is simple to prepare and uses everyday ingredients you likely already have at home. It’s creamy without being heavy, packed with soft potatoes and sweet vegetables, and perfectly balanced with a touch of tanginess.
You’ll love how versatile it is — serve it as a side dish, appetizer, or even as a sandwich filling. It’s also make-ahead friendly, which makes it ideal for entertaining or meal prep.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 medium potatoes (about 800 g), peeled and diced into small cubes
2 medium carrots (about 200 g), peeled and diced
1 cup (150 g) frozen peas
3 large eggs
1 cup (240 g) mayonnaise
2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon (5 g) salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon (2 g) black pepper
1/2 cup (75 g) cooked corn kernels (optional)
2 tablespoons (20 g) finely chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the diced potatoes and carrots. Cook for about 8–10 minutes until just tender but not mushy.
Add the peas during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain everything well and allow the vegetables to cool completely.
While the vegetables are cooking, place the eggs in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Transfer the eggs to cold water, peel, and chop into small pieces.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled potatoes, carrots, peas, chopped eggs, and corn (if using).
In a separate small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and gently fold everything together until evenly coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to develop.
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving if desired.
For a lighter version, substitute half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
Add diced cooked chicken for extra protein and a heartier dish.
Mix in chopped pickles or capers for a tangy twist.
Stir in finely chopped red bell pepper for extra color and crunch.
Use homemade mayonnaise for a richer, fresher flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store Russian Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Because this is a mayonnaise-based salad, it should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
This dish is served cold and does not require reheating. If it becomes slightly dry after refrigeration, stir in a tablespoon of mayonnaise before serving to refresh the texture.
Do not freeze, as the potatoes and mayonnaise will lose their texture once thawed.
FAQs
Can I make Russian Salad ahead of time?
Yes, it actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours, making it perfect for preparing in advance.
Can I use canned vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, but make sure to drain them very well to avoid excess moisture.
How do I keep the potatoes from becoming mushy?
Cook them just until fork-tender and avoid overboiling. Cooling them quickly also helps maintain texture.
Can I replace mayonnaise with something else?
You can substitute part or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Is Russian Salad served warm or cold?
It is traditionally served cold after being chilled in the refrigerator.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Yes, cooked chicken or tuna can be added for a more filling variation.
How long can it sit out at a party?
It should not sit out for more than 2 hours due to the mayonnaise content.
Can I add onions?
Yes, very finely chopped onion can add flavor, but use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.
What type of potatoes work best?
Waxy potatoes or all-purpose potatoes work best because they hold their shape after boiling.
Can I prepare it without eggs?
Yes, you can omit the eggs if desired, though they add richness and traditional flavor.
Conclusion
This Easy Russian Salad is a timeless classic that combines simple ingredients into a creamy, comforting dish. Whether served at a family gathering, holiday table, or casual dinner, it delivers both flavor and versatility. With easy preparation and customizable options, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Easy Russian Salad is a creamy, comforting cold salad made with tender potatoes, carrots, peas, eggs, and a rich mayonnaise dressing. Popular in Spanish cuisine as Ensaladilla Rusa, it’s a refreshing and versatile dish perfect for gatherings or as a make-ahead side.
