🥗 My Holiday Olivier Salad – A Bowl of Traditions

 

Every family has that one dish that must be on the holiday table, no matter what. For us, it’s Olivier salad. Some people call it Russian salad, others just “the holiday salad,” but to me, it’s the taste of laughter around the table, clinking glasses, and cozy winter evenings.

I can’t remember a New Year’s Eve without it. As a child, I’d sneak into the kitchen, hoping to “help” my mother. Truthfully, I was only after those sneaky bites of diced potatoes and pickles before they made it into the bowl. The moment she mixed everything together with that creamy dressing, I knew the celebration had officially begun.

Now, when I make Olivier salad myself, I feel like I’m continuing a delicious tradition—one spoonful at a time.

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✨ What Goes Into My Olivier Salad

• 3 medium potatoes, boiled and diced

• 3 carrots, boiled and diced

• 4 eggs, hard-boiled and chopped

• 1 cup cooked peas

• 4–5 pickles, diced (for that tangy bite!)

• 1 apple (optional, for a sweet crunch)

• 200 g cooked chicken or ham (some skip it, but I love it hearty)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• ¾ cup mayonnaise (or half mayo, half sour cream for a lighter version)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

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🥄 How I Make It

1. First, I dice everything into neat little cubes—yes, it takes time, but that’s the charm of Olivier!

2. In a big bowl, I toss potatoes, carrots, eggs, peas, pickles, and meat together.

3. A dollop (or three) of mayonnaise goes in, and I gently mix until every cube is coated in creamy goodness.

4. I season with salt, pepper, and sometimes a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

5. Finally, I let it chill in the fridge—because Olivier salad always tastes better the next day.

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🎉 Serving the Tradition

I serve it in a pretty bowl, garnished with boiled egg wedges, olives, or fresh herbs. No matter how fancy (or simple) the table looks, the Olivier salad always gets the most love.

For me, this salad isn’t just a recipe—it’s a tradition passed from hands to hearts, carrying the taste of holidays, family, and togetherness. Every time I make it, I feel like I’m rolling out a little red carpet for the memories waiting to happen.

So, if you’re looking for a dish that says celebration, this is it. Try Olivier salad this season, and trust me—it’ll earn a permanent spot on your festive table.