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.
Betsy
Hi Erica,
I'm usually not a big fan of russian salad but yours looks amazingly good! Im ecuadorian and so we have a slightly different version of your recipe. We don't use the lime juice but we do add apples to our recipe. It gives it a pinch of sweetness and the combination is a great burst of flavor withing the first bite. Thanks so much for all your wonderful recipes. But I was wondering if you had the recipe for pernil de cerdo..? Thanks! =)
Lalita gurung
I tried it at home n it was awesome...................i love potato salad
Sasha @ Global Table Adventure
Looks awesome! It's funny how a "Russian" salad can be so popular in Latin America and the Caribbean 🙂
Olga
Ensalada rusa, the best! I also grew up in Colombia and right now I am making one. I use the same ingredients but I add one extra one : cubed chicken breast, and diced salchicha de lata! I accompany this dish with saltines!! Great recipe!
Aleja
I made this salad last weekend and I was delicious. Everyone asked for the recipe.Thank you.
Beverly J.
Thank you for reminding me of this recipe. I tried an order of a similar salad at a deli and loved it. I tried to duplicate if for a picnic and it was a hit. I got many compliments. That was a long time ago. Now I can make it the "real" way.
I'm a new comer to your site, but I'm here to stay. I'm planning on trying the Colombian roast chicken tomorrow. Looking forward to it.
Anonymous
This salad is super easy to make, does not require a lot of ingredients, and is delicious. It tastes even better the next day.
Marta S.
Hello Erica,
I am so glad i found your blog, It's so nice that a 'paisita' is doing something like this, putting all our delicious colombian recipes together, -thanks indeed!.
let me tell you, I had completely forgot about the Russian salad, it used to be my darling eldest bro's (RIP), favorite except that he used cooked long beans (bite size) as well and red minced onions. I am going to make one tomorrow and I figure if I put a little bit of mustard...I'll see, tell you later. I'll be thinking of my beloved brother while i prepare it and thanking you for reminding me about it. hope my family will like it. I am from Bogota and I love 'Paisas'. Gracias y hasta pronto.
Bibi
Erica, I am making this salad today! except i dont have creme fraiche or sour cream so I am using heavy whipping cream instead and hoping it tastes just as yummy, i am also adding one hard boiled egg.!
Erica
Soma- You can use sour cream. That will be delicious too!
Soma
I love potato salads, but my hubby hates them.. the creamy ones. Do you think I can use something else instead of mayo? ... may be yogurt or sour cream? will have to try it out. Looks so pretty with dotted jewels.
Erica
Thank you all for the comments!
Chef E
I made a potato salad for my son last week and use mustard, curry, and red onion. Simple, spicy, and part creamed potato'y like texture. I liked it growing up that way. Texas we do mustard, I never cared for the mayo either, but the peas are calling me, so I should try this!
Michelle
Was just thinking about making some Potato Salad to help push the winter blues away for at least one meal!
The addition of lime is so interesting and no doubt delicious!
Jenn AKA The Leftover Queen
I love all kinds of potato salads and I have never had one like this before! it is awesome!
Erica
Thank you everyone for reading my post!