Ensalada Rusa or Russian Salad is a very popular dish in Colombia and other South American countries. Every country and family has it own variation.
What is Ensalada Rusa?
It is a potato salad very popular in Colombia and other South American countries. It’s also known as Russian Potato Salad and Oliver salad. I remember that we always ate this delicious dish as an accompaniment to the famous Pork Pernil that my grandmother used to make, at almost all my family’s parties and holidays in Colombia.
There are many variations of Ensalada Rusa in Colombia, but this is the way my aunt makes it and it is delicious. Some people like to add apples, beets, scallions or garlic to their recipe.
My husband hates potato salads, which is why I’ve never made this Russian Salad for him before. I recently made it for the blog and he loved it so much that he asked me to make it again a week later for a family party. To my surprise, everyone at the party wanted the recipe because they loved it too. They all said it was very different from the potato salads they are used to eating here in the States.
Ingredients for Ensalada Rusa
You only need a few simple ingredients to make this potato salad recipe. It is so easy to put together and is perfect for making ahead of time. The exact ingredients amounts, directions and step by step video is below.
Potatoes: You can use yukon gold, russet or red potatoes. Any large potato should work to make this potato salad.
Mayonnaise: I recommend using your favorite brand for this recipe. I don’t like to make it with low fat mayo, but feel free to use it if you want.
Creme: In Colombia I always use crema de leche, but here in the United States I like to use creme Fraiche, because I love the texture. You can also use sour cream.
Vegetables: Peas, carrots, onions and lime.
Herbs: Cilantro and parsley are good options. Always use fresh herbs for this salad.
Spices: Cumin, paprika, salt and black pepper.
How to Make this Salad
In a small bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, creme , lime juice, salt, pepper and cumin. Set aside.
Place the potatoes in a large bowl, add the onions, carrots, peas and cilantro. Add the mayonnaise mixture and toss well. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Serve cold or at room temperature.
Ensalada Rusa Recipe (Russian Salad)
Ingredients
- 6 large peeled potatoes cooked and diced
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup diced and cooked carrots
- 1 cup cooked peas
- ¼ cup creme fraiche or crema de leche
- Salt and pepper
- ½ cup grated onion
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Juice of ½ lime
Instructions
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In a small bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, creme fraiche, lime juice, salt, pepper and cumin. Set aside.
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Place the potatoes in a large bowl, add the onions, carrots, peas and cilantro. Add the mayonnaise mixture and toss well. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
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Serve cold or at room temperature.
Video
Nutrition
Calories: 488kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 8gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 17gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 16mgSodium: 277mgPotassium: 1127mgFiber: 8gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 3814IUVitamin C: 48mgCalcium: 48mgIron: 3mg
