Cravings: Insalata Russa wiith Shrimp aka Salad Olivier


This was one of those dishes that I had a craving for.

I rarely eat potato salad in the winter, but it's truly my favorite indulgence.
I say "indulgence" because really, mayonnaise and potatoes is not what I should eat everyday, and you probably shouldn't either (but who am I to say......).

I read that this is a staple at Russian parties......and also known in the 1960's as Salad Olivier (named after whom?).
Also known in Italy and Spain as "Insalata Russa" (minus the shrimp, but sometimes has tuna).

Retro or not, it tasted so good in my belly. Take me back to the '60s if this is what they are serving (but no cream cheese in celery please).

The real Russian recipe calls for using a type of bologna instead of shrimp, but I will pass on the beige processed meat products.

I will be making this in the summer (if I remember to) for all of my parties.

Insalata Russa aka Salad Olivier:

1 lb. of small yellow creamer potatoes (skins left on)
1/2 lb. of small cooked shrimp, tails removed
1/2 small white onion, chopped
4 cornichon or sweet dill pickles, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and cut into small dice
1/2 cup of defrosted frozen peas
1/4 cup of fresh dill, chopped
3 tbsp of Hellmann's REAL mayonnaise
salt & pepper
3 hardboiled eggs
handful of chopped parsley

Cook the potatoes in boiling salted water for 20-23 minutes until tender.
Let cool and slice.

Cook shrimp in boiling water for 3 minutes and transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking.

Do I need to tell you how to hard boil eggs? I do mine for 9 minutes if you must know.

If the shrimp are small, then leave whole, if not, then chop them into pieces.

Mix everything together in a bowl.
Taste and adjust seasonings.

Let cool in the fridge before serving.


I was born to eat this salad.

Comments

Bebe said…
Sounds cool, clean and delicious. But no one should try it with anything but Hellman's (out here it is Best Foods) REAL Mayonnaise. It just won't work.

This mayo is so good that even the simple but tasty baked chicken breast recipe on the jar label is really good. One of my favorite Dumbbell Recipe collection items.
Kate said…
This sounds perfect! A great dish to prepare as the days warm up. Pinned for future! Thank you.
Anonymous said…
My town is STUFFED with Russians, and all the ethnic shops that sell prepared foods feature these kinds of dreamy, creamy, dill-flecked salads ALWAYS garnished with green peas.
You're a Russian princess for a day - Grand Duchess Alexandra Caron, Sasha Snacks!
Stacey Snacks said…
Anon,
Why not "Anastasia"? since you are going all out!
Anonymous said…
'Cause Sasha's the nickname for Alexandra & I wanted to alliterate. If you MUST know, madam. You've gotten very uppity since becoming a princess :o).
Ciao Chow Linda said…
Stacey - You see "insalata russa" or Russia salad all over menus in Italy, but without the shrimp. It's very popular there, although they cut up the eggs more and include small cubed beets and carrots sometimes. I've always enjoyed it.
Fantastic looking salad Stacey! Absolutely filling and hearty! We think this is also a great choice for backyard BBQs and family gatherings! Yummy!
Thanx for sharing this,
Panos and Mirella