Russian Salad

Russian salad is a mixture of vegetables, meats, and chopped potatoes which are amalgamated in mayonnaise. It is a nutritious and healthy salad which is loved by many people. It is tasty and tempting cold salad with diced potatoes and other vegetables, dressed in mayonnaise.

Russian Salad Recipe – Ingredients

The common ingredients that are used to prepare Russian salad include boiled and chopped eggs, finely diced carrots, diced cucumber, finely chopped spring onions, boiled potatoes (mashed), black pepper, salt and mayonnaise. Various other vegetables and fruits can also be used in preparing Russian salad. However, tomatoes are not used as they leave behind water, which may spoil the salad.

Russian Salad Recipe – Preparation

Preparing Russian salad is quite simple and fast. All the ingredients, except mayonnaise and mashed potatoes, are taken in a bowl and tossed properly. Thereafter, potatoes, salt and black pepper are added, followed by mayonnaise and mixed properly. Olives or raisins can be used for decorating the Russian salad.

Russian Salad Recipe- Variations

Russian salad recipe may vary in terms of ingredients used to prepare the salad. A few variations are listed hereunder:

• Apart from the above given basic recipe of Russian salad, it can also be prepared by adding more ingredients to the basic recipe like apples, boiled chicken, boiled beans, yogurt and cream. Apples, boiled potatoes, and boiled chicken are cut into small pieces and mixed with beans, yogurt, mayonnaise and cream. Russian chicken salad is ready to be served now.

• Russian salad is also prepared by combining together chipped cabbage, boiled and chopped carrots, boiled and diced potatoes, boiled green peas, chopped apples, chopped pineapple, cucumber, raisins, sugar, white pepper, cream and mayonnaise. All the vegetables and fruits are combined together in a bowl. Mayonnaise, cream, salt and white pepper are beaten together and added to the mix of vegetable and fruits. Raisins are used for garnishing the salad and the salad is served chilled.

• Another variation of Russian salad makes use of eggs, white pepper, mustard powder, sugar, salt, salad or refined oil, red malt vinegar and vegetables (like potatoes, green peas, carrots, etc) according to the preference. All the ingredients except vegetables are blended in a blender to make a thick and creamy mayonnaise. All the vegetables are mixed together in a bowl, mayonnaise is poured on them and bowl is kept in the refrigerator. The Russian salad is served chilled. The homemade mayonnaise can also be used in sandwiches as a spread.

• Beetroot is also included in a few variations of Russian salad recipe. All the vegetables, like potatoes, carrots, and beans, are chopped into small pieces and boiled. Apples and pineapples are cut into small pieces and mixed with boiled vegetables. This mixture of vegetables and fruits is mixed with mayonnaise, salt, sugar and pepper. Thereafter, the prepared salad is poured in a plate with lettuce or cabbage leaves lying in the bottom. The salad is dressed with sliced beetroot to enhance the appearance and nutritious value of the Russian salad.

• Russian salad can also be served as a side dish with grilled chicken, placed over cabbage leaves. The combination of salad and grilled chicken makes a wonderful small meal.