It is strange that one of the classics of Serbian cuisine is called Russian Salad. Actually, it is our take on Salad Olivier, and until recently it would be impossible to see any Serbian festivity without it. Recipes vary form home to home and I suggest you find the amounts of ingredients that you like best.
Update, January 2013: This was funny… I’ve been on a ski trip in Estonia with some friends and I shouted to my Guy: “Hey, look, they have Russian Salad here!”. Our Estonian friend said: “That’s potato salad.”, and then friend from Croatia asked: “You mean the French Salad?” 
Russian Salad
3-4 medium sized pickled cucumbers
400 g ham
500 g cooked carrots
300 g cooked peas
3 medium potatoes, cooked
1 tsp mustard
at least 250 g mayonnaise, but probably more ;)
1 tsp vinegar
salt and pepper to taste
Dice pickles, ham, carrot and potatoes and then add the rest of the ingredients. Taste and adjust to taste. You’ll probably need more mayo :D
Note: The vegetables should be cooked separately. Salad will be much better if you ask me. Also, it is best if you cut everything to be about the same size as peas.
3 comments
Healthy Cooking says:
Jul 15, 2009
We call this salad in Russia – Olivye (Oliv'e) But we also cook it a little bit different way. We add ham or some boiled meat, peace from can, pickles or fresh cucumbers, boiled potatoes,boiled carrots, boiled eggs, we use mayonese as dressing and a little bit of salt, no other spices. This salad you'll see in any Russian holiday table, especially for New Year's Celebration.
Sasha says:
Oct 3, 2009
After nearly two decades of eating this salad, I never thought I'd see it on someone's blog. : ) I guess someone had to do it; it's a classic.I believe the proper name is Olivier – I recall hearing it was a French chef's creation.
Marija says:
Oct 4, 2009
Sasha, it is salad Olivier. But, most of the people in Serbia, have no clue about it