Practically every country on earth has a version of potato salad, but did you know where “our” Russian salad originated? I bet you won’t guess in a million years.
Well, what do you know, it did come from Russia after all!
The original “Russian salad” was created by the chef Laurence Olivier who worked at the prestigious Hermitage Restaurant in Moscu at the turn of the 19th Century. The original Olivier salad (as it is known in many countries) did not contain mayo, but a signature dressing that is now lost in time, it also contained cold cuts and lettuce.
In our country it has become what is probably the most popular salad and is always present at all types of occasions. From the informal family reunions to the elaborate Christmas dinner table. From lunch to dinner.
Depending on the family’s taste, and on the occasion, different versions of this salad may be served. Two common versions are the one that includes beets and another with apples. This last one is the one usually served for Christmas.
Aunt Clara
Ensalada Rusa is Dominican's favorite salad. It is usually served on special occasions and is a traditional component of the Christmas dinner.
Ingredients
- 1lb of potatoes
- 2 large carrots
- 1/2 cup of sweet corn
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup of blanched green peas (can be canned)
- 1 apple (any variety)
- 1 medium beet (optional)
- 1 medium red onion, diced into small cubes
- 3 eggs
- Salt
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes, carrots and eggs with a teaspoon of salt.
- Boil the beet in a different pot (do not use beet if you are going to use apple).
- Peel potatoes, carrots, eggs, apple (or beet) and dice into small cubes.
- Mix potatoes, carrots, eggs, apple (or beet), onion and mayonnaise.
- Season with salt to taste.
- Serve chilled.
Aunt Clara's Kitchen is a collection of traditional Dominican and Dominican-inspired recipes, home ideas, crafts, and the chronicles of Aunt Clara and Aunt Ilana's adventures.
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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
This site is a godsend. This particular dish is one of my husband's favorites. I am a "gringa" cooking for my Dominican husband. I could never follow my mother-in-law in the kitchen; she was too fast and never measured anything. "un chin" was as good as it got. I was able to live there a couple of years and got to know a thing or two but it is so much harder back home. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
This is one of my favorite salads. It's so easy to make and so delicious. I just love that you can serve it on every ocasion.
Where did the eggs come into play? I have, most of the time, eaten this salad with no eggs in it, and when it does, I ask why is their eggs in it? Also I’d like to add, we are not the only ones with a version of this salad in latin-america, i.e. Argentina… there is another version with beats; How did that come about?
I don’t know enough about Argentinian food to even make speculations. Sorry. If you read the post you’ll see that I don’t claim we are the only ones to make this salad, but exactly the opposite.
Probably comes from Spain (I don’t mean the salad, but the name). They call it “ensaladilla rusa”. In PR we call it just “ensalada de papa” and we eat it all the time.
Actually, it may have come via Spain, but the name “Russian salad” is used in several languages. The original salad did come from Russia.
Corrections: I ment to say “Beets”
I love this ensalada! I usually always make it with beets and also onions. When making it for a party I have to omit the onions and beets because not everyone likes onions. I think the onions are what make the salad. Anyway, they don’t know what they are missing. Another special tough my dear mother in law would do was to add a 1/2 of teaspoon of apple cider vinegar the veggies mixture together with the boiled eggs to give it a “tang”. I like it with or without. Thanks again for all your great recipes.