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
- In a small bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, creme fraiche, 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.
Cynthia
Okay, that does it. I am making some potato salad this weekend!
Erica
Thanks for visiting and for the comments!
Anonymous
Mmm!... No la he probado nunca con el pimentón y el cilantro. Yo suelo ponerle también atún, pero la próxima vez probare como la tuya.
Un beso.
Mari
I looks delicious. In my country, Dominican Republic, we call it the same, but we also add red beets. The beets give the salad a pinkish color.
Sook
Wow that sounds really good! Congrats on converting your husband to this salad. Sure looks delicious.
Christine @ Fresh Local and Best
I think it speaks well to this potato salad that you husband enjoyed it. Looks great!
Erica
Thank you everyone!
Faith
Your Russian salad is gorgeous, Erica! I love the addition of cumin for a little more spice!
Karen
That is quite different than good ol' American potato salad! I like the addition of the carrots and the cilantro. Very nice!
Ruth
Hmm Never thought of adding cumin and paprika to mine! Sounds really delicious!
Kim
I love all potato salads, but this one is especially pretty! I'm happy to hear that your husband liked it as well.
Angie@Angie's Recipes
wow! The salad looks gorgeous! Just gorgeous.
Erica
Thank you guys 😉
Olga- I love the addition of apples. Thank you!
Tangled Noodle
This looks so delicious and so colorful! I love the addition of crème fraîche which, I imagine, helps to cut the richness of the mayonnaise. I bet this is absolutely amazing as a side dish to Pernil de Cerdo - wish I had a plate of it right now. 😎
Olga
This is one of my favorite dishes ever (I grew up in Russia). Our version is slightly different: no cumin or paprika, and we use mayonnaise. Also, we add chopped boiled eggs, pickles, chopped Granny Smith apple and chopped onion instead of grated one.
But your looks AMAZING! This salad takes some work, but is so worth it (especially as leftovers for days to come).
In the past I've used de-frosted peas instead of canned or cooked one.
Yvette
What kind of pickles
La Gringa
I hate potato salad but this is the best. I love this salad and the repollo salad too. My family made this for Christmas and New Years. It went nice with a slice of Ham.....