This Classic Olivier Salad is a colorful mix of crunchy veggies, tender meat, and creamy dressing. It’s perfect for parties and family gatherings, bringing smiles to everyone’s faces!
Honestly, I love how it reminds me of festive times. And who can resist the creamy dressing? It makes every bite feel special. Add some bread on the side, and you’re set!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Yukon Gold for a fluffy texture. If you’re in a pinch, sweet potatoes can add a unique flavor twist!
Carrots: Fresh carrots are best, but pre-shredded or frozen carrots can work too. Just make sure to steam or boil them briefly.
Meat: You can swap chicken for boiled ham or even a plant-based protein, like chickpeas, if you want a vegetarian option.
Dill Pickles: These add a zesty crunch. Bread and butter pickles can be used for a sweeter dressing, or you can try cucumber relish!
Peas: Fresh peas are delightful, but frozen peas are perfectly fine for convenience. They also save time since you can just toss them in after blanching.
How Do I Cook Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs?
Hard-boiling eggs can be tricky, but here’s a foolproof method! Start with cold eggs and place them in a single layer in a pot. Cover them with water by an inch.
- Bring water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, cover the pot and turn off the heat.
- Let the eggs sit in the hot water for about 10-12 minutes.
- After that, plunge them into cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps with peeling!
Perfectly cooked eggs will give your salad a lovely texture and flavor!
Classic Olivier Salad with Creamy Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast or boiled ham, diced
- 1 cup dill pickles, diced
- 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 3-4 green onions, finely chopped
For the Creamy Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sour cream (optional, for creamier dressing)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Time Needed
This Classic Olivier Salad takes about 30 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour to chill in the refrigerator. So, in total, you’re looking at roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes. Perfect for when you want a delicious, hearty salad that’s ready to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Veggies:
Start by placing your diced potatoes and carrots in a pot filled with salted water. Bring the water to a boil and let them cook until they are tender but still firm, which should take about 10-12 minutes. Once done, drain the water and allow the veggies to cool down.
2. Boil the Eggs:
While your veggies are cooling, take another pot and boil your eggs. Cook them for about 10 minutes until they’re hard-boiled. After that, place them under cold running water to help cool them down quickly. Once cool, peel and dice the eggs.
3. Blanch the Peas:
If you’re using frozen green peas, blanch them in boiling water for about 1-2 minutes. Then drain them and let them cool as well. If you’re using fresh peas, you can skip this step!
4. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled potatoes, carrots, diced eggs, cooked chicken or ham, diced pickles, peas, and finely chopped green onions. Give it a gentle stir to combine them well.
5. Make the Dressing:
In a smaller bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream (if using), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well blended and creamy.
6. Dress the Salad:
Pour the creamy dressing over the salad ingredients and carefully mix everything together until all the components are well coated in the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed!
7. Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This allows all the flavors to meld. When you’re ready to serve, scoop the salad into a serving dish, and feel free to garnish with extra green onions or fresh herbs for a touch of color!
Enjoy your classic Olivier salad, bursting with flavors and creaminess!
FAQ for Classic Olivier Salad
Can I Make This Salad in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just wait to add the dressing until a few hours before serving to keep the vegetables fresh and crunchy.
Can I Substitute the Meat in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Feel free to replace the chicken or ham with cooked shrimp or even a vegetarian option like chickpeas or tofu for a plant-based twist.
How Should I Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This salad is best enjoyed chilled, so just give it a gentle stir before serving again!
What Can I Use Instead of Mayonnaise?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, plain Greek yogurt works wonderfully instead of mayonnaise. It adds creaminess while cutting down on calories!
