National Dish Ukraine: Olivier Salad (Recipe)
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Say hello to Olivier Salad, the crowning glory of the Ukrainian festive table! This creamy classic brings together tender potatoes, crunchy pickled cucumbers and sweet green peas, all bound in a rich, mayonnaise dressing. It is the dish that appears at every New Year’s Eve and family celebration, and almost every household has its own cherished version. Bring a taste of Ukrainian tradition to your own kitchen with this comforting, colourful salad.
About Olivier Salad
Olivier Salad, known in Ukraine as Salat Olivye, is an essential part of the country’s festive cooking and has since found a home in kitchens far beyond its borders. The dish was originally created in the 19th century by a French chef living in Moscow, and it has been adapted ever since. With its combination of tender potatoes, crunchy pickled cucumbers and hearty ham, the salad is not only a treat for the palate but also a striking centrepiece on any table. Many families have developed their own little variations, passed down across generations, that make the recipe truly their own.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 2 medium potatoes
- 2–3 pickled cucumbers
- 100g cooked ham
- 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 2–3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A squeeze of lemon juice (optional)
Shopping for the ingredients
To make a delicious Olivier Salad, it is worth choosing fresh, good-quality ingredients. Visit your local market day or an organic grocer to track down the best produce. Pay particular attention to the pickled cucumbers, which should be crisp and firm, and to the ham, ideally from a regional producer. The peas can be bought either fresh or frozen; fresh peas, however, tend to have a more intense, sweeter flavour.
Preparing the dish
Preparing Olivier Salad relies on thorough groundwork. Begin by peeling the potatoes and bringing them to the boil in a pan of water. While the potatoes cook, dice the pickled cucumbers and the ham into small, even cubes. Once the potatoes are tender, let them cool and dice them to match. These steps ensure that every ingredient can be folded together evenly, giving the salad a uniform, satisfying texture.
Step-by-step instructions
- Peel and dice the potatoes, then cook until soft in salted water.
- Finely dice the pickled cucumbers and the ham.
- Briefly blanch the peas (fresh or frozen).
- Combine the cooled potatoes with the cucumbers, ham and peas.
- Add the mayonnaise and mix thoroughly.
- Season with salt, pepper and, if you like, a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Chill the salad in the fridge for at least an hour so the flavours can settle.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Making Olivier Salad gluten-free and lactose-free is straightforward. Use a gluten-free mayonnaise, now widely available in most supermarkets, to create a version suitable for anyone with a gluten intolerance. For a lactose-free option, choose a lactose-free mayonnaise, which will not affect the flavour of the salad. These simple swaps mean you can still enjoy this traditional dish without having to leave anything out.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
There are plenty of ways for vegans and vegetarians to enjoy Olivier Salad. In place of the ham, smoked tofu or a vegan sausage alternative delivers that same hearty, savoury note. Instead of mayonnaise, reach for a vegan mayo or even a creamy avocado dressing to keep the salad rich and smooth. These variations not only adapt the dish but often make it lighter and more nourishing too.
More tips and tricks
To make your Olivier Salad even tastier, don’t be afraid to reach for a few extra seasonings. A hint of cumin or fresh dill, for example, pairs beautifully with the salad and lends it a distinctive character. Be sure to fold the ingredients together well so the flavours can develop fully. It is also well worth letting the salad rest for a few hours or overnight in the fridge, giving everything time to come together and the flavours to soak right through.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Olivier Salad is an exceptionally flexible dish that is easy to tailor to personal taste. If you love your vegetables, add carrots or sweetcorn to make the salad even more colourful and filling. You can also swap the ham for cooked chicken to create a protein-rich version. Adaptations like these not only bring extra flavour but also open the door to fresh, exciting takes on this classic — much in the spirit of the beef-filled Zrazy.
Ingredient substitutions
To ring the changes with your Olivier Salad, there are plenty of alternatives to the classic ingredients. In place of potatoes you could use quinoa, which adds a fresh, wholesome component to the dish. Likewise, the ham can be replaced with fish for a more delicate note — the kind of touch that shines in the layered Rybka Pod Shuboi. Substitutions like these let you reinterpret a traditional recipe and adapt it to new tastes while keeping the essence of the dish intact.
Drink pairing ideas
Many drinks pair wonderfully with an Olivier Salad. A crisp white wine or a fresh sparkling wine harmonises perfectly with the salad’s flavours. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, fruity lemonades or a refreshing sparkling water mixed with lemon work beautifully. These drinks not only complement the food but also round out a festive meal.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation can make all the difference with Olivier Salad. Serve it in an elegant bowl or on a decorative platter to show it off. Garnish with fresh herbs such as dill or parsley for an appealing finish. For special occasions, you might arrange small portions in little glasses, which are ideal for buffets and celebrations. A dollop of tangy smetana on the side is a lovely nod to Ukrainian tradition.
A bit of history
Olivier Salad dates back to the 19th century, when the head chef Lucien Olivier created a recipe that quickly became a sensation. The original included luxurious ingredients such as lobster and quail. Over time, however, it was adapted to suit ordinary tastes, and simple ingredients like potatoes and peas found their way into the bowl. Today, Olivier is one of the best-loved dishes in the annual celebrations of Ukrainian cuisine and forms part of the culinary tradition of many Eastern European countries.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Olivier Salad
Olivier Salad is a beloved and flavour-packed part of Ukrainian cooking, perfectly suited to festive occasions. With its easy preparation and endless flexibility, the variations are limitless, so it can be shaped to suit any personal preference. Whether made with hearty ham, vegan alternatives or a scattering of extra vegetables, this is a salad that everyone loves. Give the recipe a try and bring a piece of Ukrainian tradition to your table!
