What the Russians call “Olivier salad”
Spanish speakers may refer to it as Ensaladilla Rusa (Russian-style potato salad).
The Olivier salad in Russia today consists of diced boiled potatoes, carrots, boiled eggs, peas, pickles, onions, and ham, mixed with mayonnaise and sometimes a bit of mustard.
Ensaladilla Rusa has peas, potatoes, carrots, and mayonnaise.
The original version of the salad was invented in the 19th century at Moscow’s Hermitage Restaurant by famed Russian chef Lucien Olivier, and originally contained grouse, veal tongue, capers, caviar, and crayfish, along with other seasonal ingredients. The original recipe used at the legendary restaurant has been lost, however, as Olivier kept it a closely guarded secret throughout his life.
The salad is considered a staple of Russian cuisine, and is popular across the world, especially in post-Soviet countries in Eastern Europe, where it is widely available in cafeterias and convenience stores, and is often served on special occasions such as New Year’s.