This Classic Olivier Salad is a colorful mix of veggies, tender meat, and creamy dressing. It’s the perfect side dish that brings a festive touch to any party table!
I love making this salad because it’s easy to whip up in advance! Plus, everyone seems to have their own twist—why not get creative and add your favorite ingredients? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for the best texture. They hold their shape well after boiling. If you’re feeling adventurous, sweet potatoes can add a unique twist!
Carrots: Fresh carrots add sweetness and color. You can also use frozen diced carrots if fresh ones aren’t available, just thaw them beforehand.
Chicken or Bologna: I prefer using cooked chicken breast for a leaner option, but bologna or ham is delicious too! For a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or cooked lentils instead.
Pickles: Dill pickles give a tangy crunch! If you like a little sweetness, bread-and-butter pickles work as a great alternative. You can also use chopped olives for different flavors.
Mayonnaise: Traditional mayonnaise is classic, but Greek yogurt or a light mayo can make it healthier. You could even mix both for taste and health!
How Do I Ensure My Eggs Are Perfectly Hard-Boiled?
Getting hard-boiled eggs just right is important for this salad. Follow these tips for perfect eggs:
- Start with eggs at room temperature, which helps them cook evenly.
- Place them in a pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer for exactly 10 minutes for firm yolks. After cooking, immediately place the eggs in cold water to stop cooking.
Peeling them under running water can make it easier, too! This way, you’ll have beautiful eggs for your salad.
Classic Olivier Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 medium potatoes
- 3 medium carrots
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast or bologna, diced
- 1 cup cooked peas (fresh or frozen)
- 3-4 medium pickles, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Classic Olivier Salad can be prepared in about 30 minutes, with an additional 1 hour for chilling in the fridge. So, allow a total of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to enjoy this delightful salad at your party!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
Start by boiling the potatoes and carrots in their skins. Place them in a large pot filled with cold water—just enough to cover them. Bring the water to a boil and cook for about 20-25 minutes or until they’re tender but not mushy. Once done, drain them, let them cool for a few minutes, then peel and dice into small cubes.
2. Cook the Eggs:
For perfectly hard-boiled eggs, place the eggs in a pot, cover them with water, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let them simmer for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer the eggs to cold water to cool, making them easier to peel. Once cooled, peel and chop them into cubes.
3. Prepare the Remaining Ingredients:
If you’re using frozen peas, cook them according to package instructions. If you’re using fresh peas, you can blanch them in boiling water for a couple of minutes. Drain and set them aside. Next, dice the cooked chicken or bologna and pickles into small cubes, just like the potatoes and carrots.
4. Combine Everything:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced potatoes, carrots, eggs, peas, pickles, onion, and diced chicken or bologna. Give everything a gentle stir to mix it up. Be careful not to mush the ingredients.
5. Dress the Salad:
Add 1 cup of mayonnaise to the salad mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix gently until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
6. Chill and Serve:
Cover the salad with plastic wrap or transfer it to a serving bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to blend beautifully! Before serving, you can garnish with extra diced pickles or fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Enjoy your Classic Olivier Salad—a traditional favorite that everyone will love at your party!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Classic Olivier Salad
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Absolutely! This salad can be made a day ahead. Just assemble the salad, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge. The flavors will meld beautifully, making it even tastier!
What Can I Substitute for Chicken or Bologna?
If you prefer a vegetarian option, try using chickpeas or cooked lentils instead! You can also use ham or turkey if you want to stick to meat but change it up. Just ensure whatever you choose is diced similarly for good mixing.
How Do I Store Leftover Olivier Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Before serving again, give the salad a good stir and adjust the seasoning if needed, as it may absorb the dressing over time.
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Definitely! While this recipe is traditional, you can customize it to your taste. Consider adding ingredients like sweet corn, bell peppers, or even apples for a sweet crunch. Just chop them finely for the best texture!
